It's with heavy hearts that we announce the departure of John De Young, on Monday, November 25th, in Creston BC, early into his 96th year.
John was born November 3, 1923 in Boormbergum, Friesland, The Netherlands. His family immigrated to Canada in 1928, settling in southern Ontario. John served in the RCAF and the Royal Dutch Air Force during World War 2 as a bomber pilot flying B-25s in the Pacific theatre.
Post war years found John attending UBC as a Commerce/English major but switched to pharmacy on the advice of one of his best friends. It was also here that John met the love of his life, the lovely Jennifer, along with her good looks also had in her possession a new automobile. It was love at first sight, Jennifer, not the car. They were married in Vancouver and following John's graduation they settled for a time in Nelson, BC. Here they both worked as pharmacists. It was here also that their family grew by 2 with the arrivals of their daughters Ann and Barb. In the late 50s, the couple, seeking greener pastures moved to Creston, BC, where John became a partner with the Avery Carr Pharmacy. It was here in Creston where 4 became 6, with the addition of sons Paul and Chris coming into the picture in the early 60s.
John was community minded. He was a member in the local Lions Club for many years and
also served on town council as an Alderman. He was also a member of the United Church board and volunteered with the Cancer Society. He was also a charter member of the Creston Golf Club.
John had a major passion for golf, tennis, skiing, and enjoyed these activities well into his latter years. He and his first mate, Jen, immensely enjoyed sailing and owned several types and classes of boats over the years, He was also an avid bridge and poker player, loved to read and also had a fine sense of humor that he used when penning their annual Christmas letters and other correspondence.
John is predeceased by his immediate family and his grandson, Jordan. He is survived by his spouse Jennifer, daughters Ann (Dave) and Barb (Todd), sons Paul (Eveline) and Chris (Kelly), and grandchildren John, Ryan, Lindsay, Rae, River and Zane.
Celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to VETS
Canada at: vetscanada.org
PO Box 214, 53 Queen Street, Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia, B2Y 3Y3
G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel