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John H. Treen

June 29, 1941 - June 12, 2017
John H. Treen

John H. Treen

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, John always loved the great outdoors and spent most of his formative years fishing and hiking in the wilds of the Comox valley. He met his soulmate, Joan (née Francis), in Vancouver while attending post-secondary teacher training, and they were married on August 12, 1967. Together they settled in Powell River, where he enjoyed a long and successful teaching career. He volunteered for three decades teaching navigation to Canadian Power and Sail Squadron students and he had many legendary stories to tell of his many years of service with RCSCC Malaspina and HMCS Quadra.

John thoroughly enjoyed his retirement, spending time with the Powell River Naturalist Society counting birds, identifying native plants, tracking whales and educating young naturalists. He and Joan whiled away many happy days at Puffin's Perch, a beautiful home on Savary Island that he designed and built. Always a putterer with a mind that would not quit, he spent hours designing contraptions to outwit all manner of bear, squirrel and deer in an effort to protect the many beautiful gardens he and Joan cultivated. A friend to all, he was constantly sought out by many for his advice and assistance for most things mechanical or structural, and even marine.

John is survived by his loving family: wife Joan, son Jonathan (Colleen), daughter Nicole (Ken), grandchildren Gordie and Fiona, sisters Holly and Patricia, extended family Sharon and Hugh, Daniel and Quita, Michael and Daphne, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends. Many thanks to the volunteer first responders on Savary Island, Lund Water Taxi, BC Ambulance Service in Powell River, BC Air Ambulance, all the medical staff and volunteers at both Powell River General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, and family and friends for all your prayers and support.

In lieu of flowers, consider giving to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, http://tiny.cc/JHTreen.