Obituaries

John White, dear and rugged gentleman, died at the age of 87 in Victoria BC. A man of the world and a man of God. Beneath his gruff exterior lay a sensitive spirit of gentility and integrity. His tender love for his wife Maggie, his love for God, for beautiful music and for his fellow man was sometimes obscured by his stern countenance. But faith, sweetness and nobility were never far from the surface. These qualities broke through in delightful and unexpected ways and, combined with a wicked sense of humour, produced an irresistible personality.

John’s wisdom and compassion were known and appreciated by many. Learned and inquisitive, always interested in the other person’s point of view, a man of integrity and honour, he moved confidently amongst his fellow human beings, quietly charting his own path.

Born in England, he moved with his family to Canada where, as a teenager, he studied theology in Winnipeg and taught at an Ontario First Nations school until the family moved to Illinois. Here he achieved a degree in music, subsequently moving back to Canada where he spent most of the rest of his life other than a stint in England where he studied under one the world’s most famous conductors: Sir Adrian Boult.

In Canada he was organist and music director at numerous churches, initially in Sault St Marie and later in Vancouver at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, St. James’ Anglican Church and Holy Rosary Catholic Cathedral. He taught English and music in Lower Mainland schools, rounding out his career by becoming a representative for a renowned organ manufacturer, selling and installing organs in prestigious churches throughout western Canada.

His passions included a love for flying, a delight in fine cars, cycling and a knack for repairing bicycles, but music defined John. Whether demonstrating his musicianship at the keyboard (including the magnificent “Father Willis” organ at Salisbury Cathedral), listening to organ oratorios, teaching music, describing the intricacies of a huge pipe organ or working with a church to install a new one, he was in his element when immersed in the pipes, keyboards and stops of a great organ.

A devoted follower of Christ, John is now at peace in the arms of his Saviour. John leaves behind his beloved wife Maggie, his daughter Adrienne (named after Sir Adrian) and his brother Richard (Linda).

A funeral service will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1525 Begbie St, Victoria, BC V8R 1K9 on Saturday May 3rd at 1:00pm.