“Be happy while you’re living, For you’re a long time deed (dead).”

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John B. Hume.

He is survived by his wife Alison and children Doug (Edie), Sheila (Gavin), his granddaughter Mackenna and his sisters Madge, Margaret and Caroline.

Born in Clydebank, Scotland, he survived the blitz on his hometown, which was a major ship and armaments producer.  After WWII and while in Scotland, he became a top ranked track athlete, mountaineer and climber where he met his future wife, Alison.  He loved rock climbing in his beloved homeland as well as across Europe.

The couple came to Maple Ridge in the early 60’s and fell in love with our mountains and forests. While here, he shared his passions for track & field, rugby and the outdoors through coaching and forming clubs within the community, some of which are still going strong today. He directed the Dewdney Mile, which brought Olympic athletes to our community.  He set up Maple Ridge’s first mountain rescue team and developed several cliff rescue techniques, which were shared around the world.  John mapped out trails in Golden Ears Park and lobbied hard to get bridges built and a peak and valley named after his good friend Les Evans and son who went missing in the area.

John was an electrician by trade but really shone when given the opportunity to work corrections and the freedom to develop and implement a program to rehabilitate young offenders through specialized skill development and regular challenging adventures (hiking, climbing, canoeing etc.) John served on various emergency preparedness committees and trained people professionally throughout BC in outdoor survival skills and Industrial First Aid.

John loved everything Scottish. He had a lifelong love of learning that never waned. He especially enjoyed ancient history and astronomy, taking college courses in his 60’s for fun. He traveled to his homeland many times as well as historic sites all around the world to fulfill his curiosity. 

John was a kind, confident and generous man, greatly admired and a role model for all.  His positive impact on the community and his family will be felt for a very long time.  A life well lived.  He will be forever loved and missed by his friends and family.

Thank you to his wife, Alison for the years of loving care at home and the Doctors and nurses at Ridge Meadows Hospital who cared for all his needs.  

A special celebration will follow in 2023 to honour John’s life.