GURTON, John Sidney passed away May 6, 2009 after a short struggle with heart and lung disease. Pre-deceased by his wife Patricia in 2005, John leaves his daughter and son-in-law Kathryn and Michael Swangard, sister-in-law Elsie Cormack, nieces Nancy McLean, Sheila Palmer, Leslie Cormack-Wilson, nephews Duncan Gurton, Tom Wientjes, Jack Cormack, and Steven Cormack along with their loving spouses and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Born in Sidney, B.C., the youngest of 5 children, John grew up on the family farm (parents Norris and Louisa Gurton) on Centre Road, off McTavish Road. After serving in the Navy during WWII, John was in Vancouver with Boeing Aerospace, returning to Sidney to work with his late brother, Tom, at Gurton’s Garage. Following a stint in Burns Lake, B.C., he spent 29 years working with the Ministry of Transport at Victoria International Airport. John was a Past President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #37, North Saanich and a member of Mt Newton Masonic Lodge #89 A.F.&A.M.. Both organizations brought him enjoyment and many friends over the years. John enjoyed the outdoors, his small garden, and animals of all kinds. He was a quiet man who enjoyed a simple life. He will be missed by those who knew him. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Victoria General Hospital for their recent kindness as well as support from in June 2008 after John’s first heart attack.
A graveside service and interment will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church cemetery (1319 Mills Road, North Saanich) on Friday, May 29 at 1:00 p.m. Reverend Canon Penelope Black and Ven. Ted Greenhalgh will officiate. A reception will be held following the service at the home of Duncan Gurton, 9240 Mainwaring Road (off McTavish). In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to the BC Lung Association, Masonic Community Charities, Legion Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.