Dr. John Charles Varley, BA, MSc, MD

December 17, 1925 - February 10, 2017

Devoted father, husband, healer, friend; Dr. Varley went to be with the Lord on Feb. 10th in his 91st year. He departed peacefully, with family at his bedside. Dad had a long and incredible life. He enlisted in the army near the end of the World War II and he trained as a sharpshooter. After discharge, he went to the U of Saskatchewan. He later finished medical school at the U of Toronto. Internship followed at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Dad began his medical practice in rural Richmond back in the fifties. He and Dr. Talmey used to "do tonsils" in the back of their Three Road office prior to the construction of the Richmond Hospital. Dad did house-calls, air ambulance flights and even medicine on our doorstep when patients would show up at our home. He had a heart of gold and a keen medical mind. He never turned anyone away. Dad had an amazing forty plus years of private and surgical practice in Richmond. He was a son of the prairies and his Regina roots necessarily shaped his interactions with his patients. "He was the best doctor I ever had" was something that his children heard frequently while growing up (and still do).  His passing will be mourned by many. John raised six sons with his first wife Denise. His later marriage to Louise added two daughters to the fold. Dad was small in stature but larger than life. He had a great smile. He loved to sing, write poetry and travel. He also loved HNIC and the Maple Leafs. He taught us to ski, water ski, skate and play hockey. Dad himself continued to ski and play beer league hockey well into his seventies. He supported us by attending many of our sporting events in spite of the demands of his busy general practice. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Catherine; brothers Bob and Dick; sisters Dorothy and Marguerite: wife Louise and son Scott. He is survived by sons Mark, Charles, Steve (Sue), Paul (AnnMarie), Patrick, and step-daughters Kim and Colleen (Rob). He leaves behind loving nieces and nephews as well as many devoted grandchildren. His Celebration of Life will take place on March 4 at 1 pm at the Fort Langley Evangelical Free Church; 8870 Glover Rd. Reception will follow the service. Dad's family is grateful for the devoted care he received these past three years at the Residence at Clayton Heights. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to the Richmond Hospital Foundation. 604.244.5252 or online at https://www.richmondhospitalfoundation.com/donate/ways-to-give/give-today


Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.