Passed away peacefully, in his 73^rd year on April 6, 2014. He is survived by his wonderful, loving wife Sylvia, daughters; Debbie (Gary), Tracey (Rob), cherished grandchildren; Jordan “tiger” (Kayleigh), Brenden “big guy” and Tara “wonder girl”, Great Granddaughter, McKenna and many nieces and nephews.

John was born on January 18, 1941 to Ethel and Fred Rivers in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England and was raised there with his five siblings throughout his young adult years. Predeceased by his parents, his sister Jean, brothers; Norman, Fred, Stuart and Ronnie. John was the youngest and last to carry the Rivers family name.

At the age of 16 he met the love of his life Sylvia Wedgewood and after completing his electrical apprenticeship, they were married on September 2, 1961. Seven years later, blessed with two daughters in tow, John and his family immigrated to Canada in 1968, residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba with other family members.

John began his trade as a maintenance electrician with Ray-O-Vac which led him to continue his lengthy trade as a Journeyman Electrician. He made many friends along the way and spent lots of memorable good times in the outdoors camping, spending time at the beach, along with the numerous winter activities spent with the kids such as, skating and tobogganing. After braving those long cold prairie winters, John and his family moved to the West Coast, Victoria, BC in 1975 where he continued with his electrical trade.

In 1984 an opportunity for John arose to obtain a position working with the Southern Electrical Board. Missing the beautiful English countryside and driving on the wrong side of the road, John and Sylvia relocated to Somerset, England. He had his own company van along with excellent benefits and perks, it was a great life. In 1990, they became first time grandparents which forced them to move back to Victoria where they remained with their daughters to watch the family expand further.

Over the years, in addition to his numerous electrical jobs, John held property maintenance positions then moved onto to Canadian Tire in the hardware department. John’s vast knowledge of various areas of home renovations gave him his passion for helping people and answering their questions. He really enjoyed his years spent there and met some good friends before retiring.

John enjoyed playing a good game of football in his younger years. With his enthusiasm for the sport, you could always find John watching British football, as an avid Manchester United fan. He belonged to the Metchosin Cricket Club, and enjoyed watching hockey, cheering on the Vancouver Canucks and other teams. Being a grandfather, full of pride, he thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren play soccer, hockey and baseball. He loved music such as the Beatles and Elton John, but his all-time favorite was Elvis Presley. He was known to show up on Sylvia’s doorstep back in their courting days with his many albums in hand, sporting the same hairstyle as the King himself. He also loved his days spent puttering around the garden in the fresh air. He had a kind heart, a great sense of humor and always loved a good laugh.

John “jack of all trades” was always there to provide a helping hand to family and friends with electrical, carpentry or any other odd jobs they needed him for. He touched many lives and will be sadly missed and forever remembered as a caring and loving husband, proud father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend to all.

We will always remember you DAD because there will never be another one to replace you in our hearts and the love we will always have for you.

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