John Eliot Shearer
Aug 17, 1933 – Feb 21-2006
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John often recited the following poem by Robert Louis Stevenson as one of his favourites. Requiem Under the wide and starry sky Dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did I live and gladly die And I laid me down with a will. This be the verse, you grave for me: "Here he lies where he longed to be, Home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the hunter, home from the hill." |
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John was born on August 17, 1933, in Nassau, Bahamas. He received his high school education in Nassau, graduating in 1950. He subsequently relocated to Canada, and in 1953 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. John began his military career in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and Bagotville, Quebec, where he served as a technician for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). In 1958 he was transferred to Ottawa, Ontario, where he served as a Flying Officer for the NORAD 1st Canadian Air Division
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On September 20, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Maxine Eleanor Wells Shearer, in Ottawa, and together they raised a family of five children. John enjoyed a distinguished and challenging military career. From 1966 to 1969, he and his family were stationed in Germany, where he served as a NA TO Air Traffic Officer. During that time he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and received additional career training in aero engine air navigation, air traffic control, and radar operations. |
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Upon his return to Canada with his family in 1969, John was posted at CFB Gimli, Manitoba, where he served as an Air Traffic Officer. In 1971 he was transferred to CFB Portage la Prairie, where he served as a Public Relations Officer. While performing these duties, John decided to further his education, and in 1973 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, specializing in psychology, sociology, English and history. In 1974, he was posted to CFB Chilliwack, British Columbia, where he served as an Instructor at the Officers' Candidate School.
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After retiring from the military in 1975, John embarked on a new career as a Probation Officer in Chilliwack and Agassiz. He provided supervision and assistance to young persons in the community, and he found fulfillment in knowing he could be a positive influence in their lives. He had a great deal of respect for his co-workers and colleagues, and the friendships he formed during his 23-year career in Corrections were an important part of his life. Even after his retirement 1997, he maintained many of these friendships. Provincial Court Judge Brent Hoy stated: "I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. He was an exceptionally fine probation officer and an absolute gentleman. I valued and trusted his opinions and assessments of those who appeared before the court. He was a very compassionate man and had a positive influence on many person's lives." |
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John found much joy in the time he spent with his family. He was devoted to his children and to his loving wife of 32 years, Maxine, who predeceased him in 1990. He also enjoyed the time he spent with his friends, particularly his close friends Kemal, Dennis and Jack. Whenever he had the opportunity, John would return home to Nassau to visit his many relatives and friends living there. He often spoke of his desire to return to Nassau permanently. |
On Tuesday, February 21, 2006, John passed away at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 72, due to complications resulting from a heart attack.
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His survivors include his son Brian, four daughters: Kathi-Lynn Gilbert, Lauri-Ann Shearer, Andrea Brown and Lisa-Beth Rosales; his grandson Brandon, his great granddaughter Alexis, and his brothers: Wellington Gibson, James Shearer, and Lloyd Shearer. John will be deeply missed by his children, who remember him as a loving, caring and devoted father who always did his best to provide for his family. A memorial service in honour of John's life was held at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Chilliwack, BC, on February 26, 2006, at 2:00 PM with Captain Angus Haggerty, Salvation Army Chaplain officiating. A second memorial service will be held in Nassau, Bahamas at a later date. According to his wishes, John's body was cremated, and his ashes will be returned to his island home of Nassau, where they will rest alongside those of his beloved wife, Maxine. |
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As for mortal man. his days are like those of green grass; Like a Blossom of the filed is the very way he blossoms forth. For a mere wind has to pass over it and it is no more.
-Psalms, 103:15,16
