April 10, 1937 - January 19, 2021
John was born Johannes Josephus Marinus in Gilze, Holland. When he was 16, the family immigrated to Canada and made their way across the country to the Comox Valley.
After graduating with a diploma in auto mechanics, John opened Anchor Garage in 1956. Here, he provided exceptional service to the Comox Valley for 39 years. John loved the Comox Valley and gave of his time to every cause he could find.
He was known as "the Ducky guy" for his role in selling Ducky 500 tickets every year for Rotary. He served on Comox Town Council for 5 consecutive terms as Councilor as well as serving with the Comox Fire Department for 37 years.
Besides being very active in the Comox Rotary Club, he was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, and Comox Legion, Branch 160. He was also an active member of Probus. Somehow, with all of this going on, he still managed to play and coach soccer and softball. He loved sports.
In 2009 John was named Citizen of the Year, and then in 2012, he was named Honorary Colonel for his service to his community. In 2017 he was presented with the key to the Town of Comox in a ceremony to name him Freeman. This is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a person by Town Council.
John is predeceased by his parents, Johannes and Johanna Marinus as well as his younger brothers Hub (Val Greenlaw) and Jeff (Genevieve). He also lost his first wife, Lynn, in 2013.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Denise; his sisters Nell McGarrigle (Vern - deceased one day prior to John's passing) and Fien Derks (Bert - deceased in 2013); his youngest brother Pete (Linda); step-children Terri, Shawn, Margaret & Heather McCormack, Allison Anderson, and Bud & Ken Taylor. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren and his many relatives and friends in Canada and in Holland.
John's family would like to thank the many healthcare professionals who went out of their way to help John in his battle with Alzheimer's.
When gatherings are once again permitted, we'll all get together to celebrate John's life. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC or to Comox Valley Youth Soccer.