JOHN SANDERS

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• Three years have gone by now, and I can't go a day without thinking of you. I wish you were here. Carlie - Posted by: Carolyn Gillespie (friend) on: Oct 17, 2021

• Johnny I still miss you so much! Love to you always, Carlie - Posted by: Carolyn Gillespie (friend) on: Mar 12, 2021

• I met John through my sister, Louise. It didn't take long for him to integrate into our small family. John quickly learned each person's likes - and would look for, and bestow, small unique gifts - including food offerings- to each person's liking. We spent time together in Ottawa, Nova Scotia, Puerto Vallarta and at our home in Chelsea, Quebec. Faye, our daughter, and John hit it off on a long walk at night in Puerto Vallarta, talking the whole time. He willingly dressed up in costume at her 'time-travel' wedding party. He participated in family events and games, with enthusiasm and had a great flair for charades. He was extremely sociable and welcomed new and lost family members, friends, and people in general, into his life with curiosity, kindness and openness. John loved baked goods, and we enjoyed treating him with such goodies. Dan and I noticed some time ago that we've adopted one of his mannerisms when something is really good. Hold up your hands palms facing out, wave them side to side, and say 'owww'. We'll always remember John when we do that. When in Nova Scotia recently, I introduced John as my brother-in-law. I asked him if that was ok - and he said yes, that's good. I'm glad I did that. John said to me once what a fine person my sister, Louise, is. Back at you John. Gone too soon, you are missed. With sadness, Joyce, Dan, Faye, Anna and Jennifer - Posted by: Joyce D'Eon (Friend ) on: Nov 02, 2018

• Unique is the best word to describe John.He was a global traveller and businessman and no one was like him so with the lifestyle he led he was a man alone.Yet his friends meant so much to him.Each and every one. I had the pleasure of many extended travels with him and my late husband Barry Michalyshyn. I am in India now and this is basically due to my relationship with John and his influence on my life.He was a serious person with a very quirky sense of humour, never afraid to forge his own path .I could write a book about this man because there is so much to say.But this is not the time.So i will simply say John is very very sadly missed and send my love and hugs to my little "sister"Kelly. . - Posted by: Myra Mashowski (Lifelong friend) on: Nov 01, 2018

• I can't believe John is gone. I always looked forward to seeing him whenever I returned to Winnipeg. John lived life on his own terms, rejecting convention and determining for himself what is right and valuable. John was many things but he was never boring. In our first year of university, John would pick me up in his Austin Healey bug eyed Sprite wearing his blue suede shoes and rimless eyeglasses that made him look like John Lennon, and sporting his Mr. Peanut lunchbox. He relished that people saw him as eccentric but his 180 IQ was really challenging people to question their blind acceptance of society's norms. I chose a career sitting at a desk for 40 years but I always wondered if I could have lived the life that John did. I did vicariously through John on those infrequent trips to Winnipeg and following him on Facebook. - Posted by: Rick Cunningham (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2018

• As I write this I am overwhelmed from the sadness and loss of one of my best friends. From my early teens to this very day Johnny was an inspiration, a mentor, and a genuine human being, one who could never be duplicated, one of a kind. Johnny introduced me to many of the things that I still value to this day. His taste in vintage automobiles, music, and collectables influenced me all through my life. The memories that I have of all the great times we had together driving around in his cars and attending concerts and just hanging out are unforgettable. RIP my friend, you will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Paul (Pal) Dirks (Friend) on: Oct 30, 2018

• I can't believe Johnny is really gone, that I will never hear him laugh again. And he laughed a lot. All the trips we did to India, Nepal, Sikkim. How hard they were, and how much fun we had. We remained friends throughout the years and Johnny always kept in touch through many letters, postcards and then emails. I will never forget you. - Posted by: Carolyn (Carlie) Gillespie (friend) on: Oct 30, 2018

• I am so sad to hear of John's death. My condolences to his friend Louise in Ottawa, and his sister Kelly in Winnipeg. He is gone way, way too soon. I first met John at General Byng as far back as somewhere around Grade 6. We lost touch in high school, but met again at the Vincent Massey reunion in 2010, and thanks to our mutual good friend, Helen, got together a few times after that when we were in Winnipeg at the same time. John was always the smart one in school. Later, I realized just how funny he could be, too. A fond memory is of John wearing his original, very tattered, Vincent Massey sweat shirt to the reunion. Such a classy guy! We have lost a true individual, one of the good ones. - Posted by: Evelyn Nowoselski (nee Arnott) (Grade school friend) on: Oct 29, 2018

• We were so very shocked and sorry to hear of John’s passing. John was a kind soul and lived his life on his terms. He found intrigue in the smallest of wonders and took joy in his travels around the world. Collectibles were a true passion and he was always on the hunt. I’m very sorry Kelly, that your brother has passed on way before his time. Life dishes curve balls sometimes. This is a big curve ball that no one saw coming. I hope good memories of John will fill your heart. Love, Brenda - Posted by: Brenda & Bryan Mercer (Friends) on: Oct 28, 2018

• John aka 'Johnnie Komodo' had a unique life. His travels gave him a perspective on the world that I appreciated. I always looked forward to and enjoyed our meetings at Vincent Massey High School reunions because of this. Last November I had the privilege of running into and having lunch with him in Ottawa. Great stories, a biting wit, but those rough edges had all been smoothed over. What a gentle and caring guy. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bob Bachman (High School Friend) on: Oct 28, 2018