John Wayne BISMEYER

Early in the morning of Wednesday, June 5, John left his troubles and pain behind and sailed into his perfect and eternal life.

John was born in Vancouver, first son, 4th child, to John and Eva.  Life was revved up for the Bismeyer family!  A very sociable and multi-talented child, John was busy with his "gang" of kids, in Little League Baseball, delivering newspapers, entertaining his sisters and scouting.  He always had a pet, usually a family of cats.  At age 15, he was presented to the Lieutenant Governor as a Queen Scout.

After high school, John was Assistant Manager at the White Spot but soon wanted to leave city life and moved to Quesnel.  He returned to Vancouver for a few years of chauffeuring people in his Advance Cab #23 and was an active member of a sailing club.  He decided to return living closer to nature and chose Nanaimo with it's inviting harbour, and his local favourite, the Colliery Dams  He was happiest being on, in, or beside water, especially the ocean, going out on his little boat the "Eva B".

John was the family entertainer and that was his mission to the end.  His quick wit was expected and usually appreciated!  Some family members called him "the white Eddy Murphy".  You never knew what was coming!

The past 25 years John did landscaping and garden maintenance work.  It gave him great pleasure to see gardens completely transformed.  Regardless of the weather he was hauling, grooming, planting, pruning and cleaning up, ready to stop and share his outlook on life and local politics mixed with a little BS.

John was predeceased by his parents; brother, Stephen; sister, Debbie; and very dear friend, Linda Neville.  He will be missed by his sisters, Marilyn Bennett, Sharon Grams, and Joanne Christmann; brother, Greg Bismeyer; cousins, Dianne Kerr and Janice Robinson; as well as long time friends, client friends, neighbours, his feline kids; and his many furry and feathered friends.

There will be  a gathering in John's honour at the local spot he loved, the lower Colliery Dam at 6th and Wakesiah in Nanaimo at 3:00 pm on  Thursday, July 25.  We invite you to join us and to bring a "John" story to share.

In memory of John, plant something special, adopt a pet, or take another walk along the ocean enjoying the beauty as he had.