With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Hobbs, who left us peacefully in his sleep at Lady Minto Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Vancouver, John was a beacon of kindness, humour, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
John devoted 30 years to the airline industry, beginning with CP Air and later transitioning to Air Canada, where he built a career filled with dedication and adventure. In retirement, his passion for travel and storytelling found new life as a guide sharing the beauty of Canada with visitors from around the world. A proud member of the Salt Spring Island community, John volunteered tirelessly, being an emergency POD leader for his neighbourhood and offering his time to the SSI Tourism Centre and Sendial, a Thrifty Foods shopping service for the elderly and shut-ins.
John was a beloved husband, a loving father and grandfather (aka Papa G), an avid member of the Paw Patrol and a cherished presence in the community. His warmth, humor, and quiet acts of kindness enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
He is survived by Roz, his loving wife of 54 years, his son Chris and his wife and children Catherine, Sila and Kai, his son David and his wife and children Farran, Declan and Parker, his daughter Michelle and his dog Sammy.
In honoring John’s memory, the family invites you to carry forward his selfless nature. Perform an act of kindness for a loved one or a neighbor—expecting nothing in return—just as John would have done for you.
This is so beautiful – it has captured the essence of John’s being. He was a beloved friend.
I am so deeply saddened at the news of John’s passing. As a CP Air/Payload coworker and friend I affectionately called him “Dad” and loved every day I worked with him, including our lunches in Victoria with Lawrence. What a funny, fun guy that brought humour to our lives. Godspeed Dad – check me in when I get there!
John is the only person in the world that I have met that never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was a true gentleman to all he met! You will be missed, my friend.
Such sad news to hear of the passing of John. What a joy it was to work with him at CP Air in Payload Control! A blessing and an honour to have known him. God speed John and rest in peace. You made such a difference in so many lives.
John and Roz were our neighbours when we lived on Salt Spring. John was a kind and warm-hearted man who greeted you with a smile and thoughtful comment. We were delighted to have them as neighbours. It was always delightful to see the family together especially when the grandchildren arrived. Our condolences to Roz and her family.
Sid and Lyda
We met John and Roz when we landed on Saltspring from New Zealand. We had no furniture and kindly Roz and John let us use their inflatable mattress and a box set of Veronica Mars that was our evening entertainment. We ultimately moved to the far side of the island and our paths did not cross much even with that short distance. John has a twinkle in his eye, a quick laugh and a kindness that runs deep. Our deepest sympathies to Roz and family. Life is short but the memories are forever.
As a high school student I worked at the Salt Spring Library, and would often come through the tourism centre to put up posters. Every week without fail John had a kind word for me and a joke. He remembered my name and face, and would ask me about my plans for university. I looked forward to seeing him every week. He was a lovely lovely man, and the world is a little dimmer without him in it. My condolences to his family.