We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our father, grandpa, brother and friend John Gettings, of West Vancouver, British Columbia, who passed away on July 18, 2024, at the age of 73.
John was born in 1951 in Greenock, Scotland and emigrated to Canada in 1957. John always had a love for sports, winning “Soccer Boy” of the year in Winnipeg as a young boy. John was always incredibly intelligent, energetic, curious, funny, social and LOUD. He loved being around “his people” and had an incredible affection for dogs. John was a successful salesman for many years before completing his career as a successful business owner selling his company 3 years ago to start to enjoying retired life. John left an impression on everyone he met, good or bad. He was a take it or leave it type of person who would only speak with 100% honesty. John was incredibly passionate about his Vancouver Canucks, always hoping they would win a Stanley Cup in his lifetime. He also enjoyed watching his New York Giants play, constantly ribbing anyone who was not a Giants fan. John was first a foremost a family man, and cared very deeply about protecting his family.
John’s family eventually settled in north Burnaby in his teenage years. He attended Burnaby Central Highschool and worked at the local bowling alley. After completing high school, he attended Simon Fraser University where he was studying to be a high school teacher. With the passing of his father, he went to work full time to help support his mom and brothers and sisters.
John and Hilda were married in 1977. They started their family in June of 1979 with the birth of their son Robert. A little over one year later, they added to their family with birth of their daughter Jacqueline. They lived in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Abbotsford before setting in Walnut Grove.
John enjoyed rowing with the Fort Langley Rowing Club where he took pride in learning how to row in the 8-man boat before learning to row in a single. He also enjoyed rowing with a club in Vancouver where he participated in a number of dragon boat festivals.
John eventually moved from Walnut Grove to the English Bay area where he enjoyed walking on the beach, taking in local musicians, meeting friends at the Park Pub to watch hockey and football, and playing the odd pitch and putt golf game with his buddies. He loved when his grand children would come to visit, taking them to all the hots spots in the city to ensure the kids always had a good time. He was never too far from the action in the English Bay area, and enjoyed being close to his brother Daniel a few blocks down the road.
After enjoying the English Bay area for a number of years, John moved to West Vancouver. He lived just off the beach and had an amazing view of the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and the ocean. He was the party captain for his building, helping arrange regular parties in the building and ensuring that pool would always be ready for summer. He enjoyed taking care of his plants on his deck, and supporting his fellow neighbors whenever they needed anything.
The most important thing is John’s life has and always was his family. John “loved hard”, and always wanted the best for those he cared about. John and his son grew incredibly close after Robert moved to Alberta in 2007. Robert and John spoke almost everyday, talking about the Canucks always first, then about the kids, sports, family and life. Robert had a best friend in his dad, and his dad had a best friend in his son. John cared deeply about his daughter in-law Kara, speaking on a regular basis about anything from the weather, to the rain in Vancouver. John loved spending time with his oldest grand child Jaden. John and Jaden were polar opposites but somehow made an amazing bond when Jaden was just a child which remained to today. John loved when Jaden and Paola would stay with him in West Vancouver, taking him around with their weekend adventures. John always joked and laughed with his grand daughter Sophia. Sophia and John would giggle like children talking about nothing and everything. John was extremely proud with how smart and poised Sophia is today, and believed she is destined for great things. John relished at the opportunity to watch Lincoln play sports, especially hockey. John asked in every conversation how Lincoln was doing, how was his skating, and believed Lincoln is a “pure goal scorer”.
Jacqueline was daddy’s little girl growing up and always wanted to go wherever her dad went. In adulthood, they bonded over the Canucks, travelling and dreaming about one day leaving Canada and living on a beach somewhere far away. John became a grand father to Destiny when was 49 years old and took every opportunity he could to watch her grow up. They had a special bond. Emelia was born 10 years later, he beamed with love at every family dinner and special occasion when she was there. John never missed the chance to spend time with Jacqueline’s grand children until the very end and created many special memories, especially with Linden.
John spent a lot time in his final years with Henny. They travelled to Mexico and recently to different countries in Asia over the winter. John was so excited about being on the beach over the winter, and loved being in Bali and Thailand. John and Henny enjoyed attending various parties with friends, and were known for wearing matching outfits.
John was loved deeply by his family and is survived by his son Robert (Kara) and daughter Jacqueline. His grand children (Jaden, Destiny, Sophia, Emilia, Lincoln) were grateful for the time they each spent with their crazy grandpa. John was also a great grand father to Linden, William, Gracelyn, and Atlas.
Life will never be the same without John it. John would want his family and friends to celebrate his life, and to remember all the good times. A celebration of life will be planned in September.