September 22, 1970 - September 20, 2022
Though John came from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, he was in Toronto when he enlisted in the Army on 22 February 1990. In September of that same year, he was recruited to the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment. Within a short time, he found himself in Pioneer Platoon. John stayed with the Pioneers for quite a few years and during that time he participated in several peacekeeping tours overseas and was decorated with a number of medals for his service. His most favourite medal was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. While with The RCRs John met his wife Cece in the spring of 1991 and they were later married in 2004.
As with most infantry soldiers, he was eventually posted to the Infantry School where John was promoted to Sgt in 2005 and retired in the same year. After 3 years of civilian life and realizing that Walmart and he did not agree, John re-enlisted and this time went to the Air Force and became a Parachute Rigger. John spent several enjoyable years packing parachutes and skydiving with CFLAWC in Trenton before retiring near his hometown in Comox BC for good in 2017 from 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn having served over 22 years with both The RCRs and the Para Riggers.
John was an adventure seeker and enjoyed sports like rock climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, and skydiving. During his retirement years he developed a love of doing home renovations and was looking forward to volunteering his time at the local Legion this year. On September 20, 2022, just two days before his 52nd birthday, John left us after privately battling a long respiratory illness and he is now at peace and reunited with his mother and father Norman and Marie Henderson. John is survived by his wife Cece; stepchildren Jennifer and Kristina (Dan); his sister Dee-Ann (Albert); niece and nephew Jenna and Jake; four step-grandchildren, and his four-legged friends Karma and Squirrel.
Condolences may be offered at www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca
