July 22, 1932 - May 8, 2017
With sadness we announce that our loved father, grandfather and great grandfather John Robert Roberts passed away on Monday May the 8th, 2017. He was born in Stockton On Tees, UK on July 22, 1932. After military duty in the British Army John met and married Elizabeth Emily (nee Austin) on March 25,1956. They emigrated to Canada on May 15,1958, settling in Vancouver, British Columbia. After a few years they moved their growing family to North Burnaby where they raised 4 children, Duncan, Gordon, Katherine and Stephen.
John was mainly self employed in product distribution but also ventured into the restaurant business. John and Elizabeth owned the Big Scoop restaurant at the corner of Hastings Street and Gilmore in Burnaby from 1971 to 1976.
After 25 years in Burnaby and the children grown John and Elizabeth moved to Walnut Grove in Langley. They resided in Langley for 13 years and now retired they moved to the North Okanagan community of Armstrong in 2002.
During their retirement years in Armstrong John and Elizabeth travelled to the UK, took a few bus tours and frequently visited family. They were involved with 4 grandchildren that lived in Armstrong, attending sports and school functions. They also enjoyed many visits by their grown children and families.
John is survived by Elizabeth his wife of 61 years, 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A grave side service was held on Saturday May 13, 2017 at Armstrong Municipal Cemetery.
Immense thanks to the staff at Monashee Mews in Lumby for the care John received during the 11 months he resided at the facility. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Armstrong Medical Cupboard. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES® Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866