November 15, 1946 – September 26, 2017
He Lived, He Loved and now We Remember …
John’s family, wife Janice Gillis, sister Helen Pool, sons George and David (Tiffany), stepdaughters Erica (Jack) and Carly (Cory), grandchildren Kelan, Makenna, Howell and Cruz, nephew Michael and niece Jessica and their families say goodbye to a very special man in our lives. He was predeceased by his parents Neal and Agnes MacWhinnie.
His passions in life were trains, hot wheels, cars and fishing. Before moving to Kamloops in 1995 from Victoria, John raced cars, was a cub leader, boated, camped and fished with his family and belonged to different car clubs and train clubs.
With an interest in trains beginning at age 4, he created many different HO scale train layouts and G scale (garden) displays. He loved attending model train conventions, photographing trains, going on train excursions and being part of the Kamloops Model Railway Club. He fulfilled a lifelong dream by riding the White Pass Yukon Train this past May as part of an Alaskan Cruise.
John owned and loved his 1968 AMX Muscle car. He entered it in several car shows and was happy being an active member of the Kamloops Vintage Car Club.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Donations in John’s memory can be made to the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society (2141), #3 – 510 Lorne Street, Kamloops BC.
12 Tributes
John and I worked with John at Walmart and iit was a pleasure. Our deepest
Sympathies.
This man was loved an he will be dearly missed.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts,heart and condolences are with you all. Please let us if there anything we can do.
So sad for your sudden loss of John, have great empathy for you all.
I had the pleasure of meeting this very kind soul 3 years ago upon meeting darling Howell for first time.
My Condolences,
~Judy Paziuk
So sorry for your sudden loss. Your in our thoughts prayers. Our deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss, Janice!
Janice & family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss of John. We were very glad that we had the opportunity to meet him in Whitehorse and that you cruised north. Hold those memories close. We know how happy John made you and loved you, Janice. Auntie Donna and the Fobert family sends you their love, hugs, and our thoughts are with you and your family. Love Marie
John will be missed very much by the members of the Kamloops Vintage Car Club.
Kamshaft Editor
Janice & Family:
I was very shocked, and I am deeply saddened, to hear of John’s passing. I wish to extend my and Deb’s deepest condolences and sympathies to you. John was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him a lot and our conversations together. His enthusiasm for the car hobby always made me smile. If there’s anything I can do, be it a friendly ear…please don’t hesitate to call. Hugs, Chris Skov
Janice and Family,
When I heard about John, I didn’t believe I can’t meet my kind neighborhood anymore. My sons and I never forget John’s passion for his trains. Three weeks ago, my son threw a soccer ball over your fence, John returned it to my door kindly. I regret not going fishing with John because he promised my sons and me to go to the near lake. My family and I are so sad and miss John. We’ll come to Korea next week. Before leaving here, I’d like to say goodbye. Your lovely neighborhood, Lee
I worked with John for many years at Art Knapp Florist. He was such a lovely, kind hearted man. Condolences to Janice and his family. Vicki
John and his family were our neighbors in Dufferin for many years, you couldn’t ask for a better neighbor than John.He was a wonderful father and a very patient man to his first wife Diane and his boys.My condolences to David and George.