April 9, 1935 - June 14, 2022
John was born on April 9th, 1935 in Revelstoke, B.C., the second oldest of five sons born to Angelo "Checkers" and Lena Desimone. After a difficult battle with Alzheimer's, he passed away on June 14th, 2022 in the Gateby Care Centre at the age of 87 years, with his loving and devoted wife Shirley at his side.
John is survived by his wife, Shirley; two brothers, Claude and Sam (Jill); sister-in-law, Herta; one daughter, Dana; one son, David; two granddaughters and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Al (Beth); and one nephew, Dean.
John worked most of his life in northern B.C. where he was employed by Finning for over thirty-five years. Just out of Grade 12, Mr. Finning invited John to join the Company! John was very proud of his work and was a dedicated Regional Manager with Finning at Houston, Dawson Creek and Prince George. After leaving Prince George, he worked briefly in Vancouver before retiring to Kamloops, White Rock and then Vernon.
John enjoyed his cabin on Okanagan Lake and loved the thirty-two years he and Shirley enjoyed together, golfing and traveling to Arizona. John was passionate about his spaghetti and meatballs, his wine making, and his Italian "roots"!
In respecting John's wishes, he was cremated and there will be no formal service or celebration of life held. The next time you should find yourself on the golf course or are sipping a glass of your favorite wine, remember and give thanks for the good times you spent with John.
The family would like to thank all the nurses, doctors and the staff at Gateby for their wonderful care of John and kindness to Shirley. Shirley always expresses how grateful she is for the loving, excellent care John received while a resident there.
Cremation arrangements were made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27th Street, V ernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5. 250-542-1187.