John Hempseed Steele

January 19, 2016

John left this world on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at the age of 97.

He will be greatly missed by his children Danny (Don), Debbie (Clive) and Patricia (Mike); 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and innumerable friends.

John taught in Burnaby for 29 years and was everyone’s favourite teacher. He always loved playing the piano and had a wonderful tenor voice.

Join the family in a celebration of John’s long and full life at 11:00 AM on March 5, in the Sports Lounge at the Royal Canadian Legion, 12101 224th Street in Maple Ridge.

Come and share some of the thousands of memories and smiles.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

Wishing you and your whole family.. heartfelt condolences as you spend time together to remember your Father and Grandfather. Karen deNevers & Family

- Karen deNevers

Debbie, Danny and Trisha I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have many wonderful memories of times at your house on Cambridge growing up. May the wonderful memories you have of your Dad, help you through. He loved you all and had a wonderful life with you. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers Susan Reid

- Susan Reid

To Danny and Family, I did not know your Dad, Danny, but he raised a pretty awesome son, and that in itself says a lot for a man! Jackie and I would be happy to join you and your family in March to celebrate your Dad's life. Our deepest condolences to all of you!

- John and Jackie

What a kind and gentle man John Steele was - and with a wry sense of humour! May he rest in peace....

- Angela Van Luven

Dear Debbie, Danny and Trisha. My sincere condolences as you mourn the passing of your dear father. Our parents shared a very strong friendship. I have memories, after the war, of John in his uniform being in my parents kitchen (in England) and being fascinated by his appealing accent - I would have been about six years old! Another strong memory is when you all visited us one English winter when it snowed heavily, had some great photo's of that occasion. Our last meeting was when our family visited Vancouver on the way back to New Zealand (where we have lived for 53 years) and John and Jean kindly hosted us - we had a wonderful time in their company. R I P John.

- Veronica Bussey

Our sincere condolences to John,s family from his friends from Boundary Road. We have many good and happy memories

- Frank and Diane Uitz

My sincere condolences in the passing of your father. I was so fortunate to have taught with John in the late 50's! He also sang at my wedding with his beautiful tenor voice. A very special person indeed. He has left wonderful memories for us all. Sincerely Ann Kergan

- Annabelle Kergan

It was my privilege to work with John in my first year of teaching at Sperling Elementary in 1964. I have always remembered him with affection, he was so kind and supportive - a true gentleman and scholar! He also taught me how to make tea properly, and I seldom make a cup without thinking of him. I'm glad he had such a long and blessed life. My best to all the family.

- Gwen Chute

So sorry I was unable to attend your dad's service on March 5th. I enjoyed many years teaching with John at Sperling Ave. Elementary in Burnaby. We had great parties at the family home on Boundary--with a player piano!. As a brand new teacher it was the perfect staff for my introduction to the profession aided by excellent teachers such as your dad. I will cherish fond memories of our time together. Marilyn

- Marilyn Bullock (Garriock)

Sweet memories. I'm sorry I was not able to attend the service. I was in Asia and just came back to BC. I'm sure many children from Gilmore Elementary have beautiful memories of Mr. Steele. I remember he gave us (library monitors) each a Sheaffer pen. Black on the bottom, white top with music notes. I remember this (like it was yesterday) I goggled it and found photos of them. What a special man he was. This was the one gift I cherished in my life.

- Sze Sze Ma

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