
John Peter Pendray
May 15, 1925 – March 31, 2024
Past Probus President 2004-2005
John was born to Hilda (née Ridout) and Charles Pendray in Victoria, B.C. After graduating from Mt. View High School, John studied for a year at Victoria College. Following his college experience, he returned to the family dairy business near Swan Lake to work full time with his father. Mutual friend Ernie Wellwood introduced John and Joyce. In 1948 they married and began their partnership of 63 years.
In the mid-1950’s, John and his father moved the farm to the Blenkinsop Valley. John continued to grow the business, and in time his father retired and his two sons joined him in running the farm. John devoted a lot of time and effort to the development of the dairy industry in British Columbia. He spent 30+ years on the Board of Directors for Island Farms Dairy. He also worked with the B.C. Dairy Foundation and other dairy industry committees. He served terms on the Saanich Police Board and the local Water Advisory Board. John was a champion for local products and local businesses long before that was a popular concept. In the late 1970’s, John and his sons moved the farm to North Saanich. A high energy and very hard-working individual, John accomplished a lot in his 98+ years. Aside from achievements in the dairy industry, he was an expert commercial potato grower and won first prize for his ‘Netted Gem’ potatoes at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
John will be remembered for his savvy business sense, big smile, gregarious nature, hospitality, love of travelling, and of course, his wonderful garden! He grew delicious vegetables and fruit and gorgeous flowers that he generously shared with family and friends. John was fond of dogs and found great pleasure in raising Labrador puppies. After retirement John enjoyed curling, fishing, and going for trips all over the world with Joyce.
John is survived by his daughter-in-law Linda, children Dianne (Joe), Michael (Cheri), Carol, grandchildren Jennifer, Sarah (Michael), Alicia (Steve), Keely, Sean, great grandchildren Braedan, Trevor, Ashley, Owen, Oliver, and Emily, cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his wife Joyce, parents Hilda & Charles Pendray, stepmother Hazel Pendray, siblings Wilf (Marg), Doreen (Frank), and Elaine (Ken), and eldest son David Pendray.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in John’s name to the ALS Society of BC, or other charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.