John was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Phillip and Daisy Bargus, who had immigrated from England in 1918.
They followed John to the Cowichan Valley upon their retirement where John had become involved in the forest industry. From there he found his calling as a builder of fine homes.
Graduating from UBC in 1949, he was given honourable mention for heading a music appreciation society. He would find comfort in his love of opera and classical music for the rest of his life. He was involved in local theatre in his younger years and travelled as far as San Francisco to take in operas.
He joined the Airforce after university for a time before the unit was disbanded. He was also a member of the Malahat Legion.
John joined the Lions Club and served for many years and many positions, with the high point as District Governor of the area encompassing British Columbia and part of Washington State.
John was involved in the establishment of Lions Cove in Mill Bay where he resided for many years.
Stamp collecting had become a life-long hobby and he was a member of the Cowichan Valley Stamp Club as well as the Lions International Stamp Club. John was also a lifetime member of the Maple Bay Fire Dept.
A big thank you to Cowichan District Hospital and Sun Ridge Place for providing exemplary care in his final days.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Malahat Legion on January 28 at 2:00 PM.