John Cowell

John William Cowell died in the early hours of December 10th 2014, at the Victoria General Hospital. He was born February 6th 1952 in Prince George, BC and was predeceased by his mother, Johanna, father William, and brother Kerry. John is survived by his second mom Colleen, sisters Sheryl (Rick Ward), Laurie (Dan Lywood), Leanne (Richard Morton), Darlene, and his brothers Dennis Cowell and Brad (Maree) Cowell, along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. His wife of 32 years and best friend Jane and his son Jesse also survive John. John enjoyed spending time with his family and in his retirement went on many trips with them to Europe, Mexico and New Brunswick/Nova Scotia. John was a Probation Officer for many years in Williams Lake and Kamloops before he and the family moved to Victoria in 1993 where he worked for the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. He was honored to be a part of the Nisgaa Negotiating Team. John retired from government in 2009 and continued to do some work as a first nations negotiator with BC Hydro. John was a very loving and compassionate man. He cared very deeply for all those with whom he shared his life. He always had a quick smile and a warm hello for friends and family. Johns passion was song writing and over the years has written well over 100 songs, many of the songs were co-writes with friends and fellow musicians. Many thanks to all Johns musical friends. John has also been involved with a local nonprofit group called Choir Kids. He loved being part of an organization that encouraged the participation of children in the joy of music. John was a founding member of the Arbutus Singers of Victoria and loved his tenor buddies. A very sincere thank you to Doctors Mark Thiessen, Chris Coppin, Daisy Duly, Gary Dewar, Stephan Larsson, Catherine Fitzgerald and the wonderful staff of the Cancer Agency and the Cardiac Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, including the BC Ambulance Service. John was so thankful for the love and support of his friends both his west coast and east coast family over the past few months. John will live in our hearts forever. A celebration of John`s life will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 5 PM at the Velox Rugby Club, 3957 Gordon Head Road. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, John would be honoured if donations were made in his memory to the Choir Kids by clicking above on memorial gifts.