It is with heavy hearts we share that John “Giovanni” Ambrosio, age 81, passed away Sunday, November 6th, 2022, at Ridge Meadows Hospital.
He is survived by his daughters Julie (Chris) Fraser & Lisa (Brian) VanSchagen, his grand-daughters, Vanessa, Samantha, Rebecca, Natasha & Elena, as well as his sister Teresa (Fred) Finley, brother Guy (Lorraine) Ambrosio, and brother Tony (Patty) Ambrosio. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and extended family.
John was born in San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1948. They settled in Kimberley, BC where he was involved in various sports and scouts. He left home after high school to attend business college in Vancouver. After getting his industrial first aid ticket, John worked in rural logging camps on Vancouver Island. In 1971, John became the first aid attendant at BCFP cedar mill. He remained at the mill for the next 39 years expanded his role to safety, social club, calendar publishing, sign design, payroll, historian & fireman. He was the heart of the mill. After retirement, John enjoyed his Friday breakfasts with his fellow retirees where they would “solve the world’s problems”. One of his proudest accomplishments was the compilation of a book with Len Pettit showcasing the 100-year history of the Hammond Cedar Mill. John believed in the impact of volunteerism and dedicated 28 years to the St. John’s Ambulance. He touched the lives of thousands of students teaching first aid and decorating elaborate floats.
John met Lorraine Krebs in 1971 and soon after married “the love of his life”. He was a family man - actively involved in the lives of his two daughters, Julie & Lisa. He was a patient, non – judgmental, and unfailingly supportive Dad. As a St. Patrick’s parishioner, he participated on the school board and bingo committee. John embraced his role as a devoted Papa to his 5 granddaughters and adored Julie’s nieces and nephews and many other friends’ children.
He will be remembered as a generous, humble, kind man. He deeply loved his family, had a great sense of humour and was loved and respected by all who knew him.
His legacy will be his ability to make everyone feel like family.
He will be buried alongside his wife, Lori, at Maple Ridge Cemetery.
His funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church @ 10am on Saturday, Nov. 26th. A celebration of life and luncheon will follow mass in the St. Patrick’s school gym. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“I always tried my best.” - John Ambrosio, 2022
November 28th, 2022
Dearest Julie, Chris, Lisa, Brian and family,
we are praying for you to find comfort in knowing so many people have you all in their heartfelt thoughts and faithful prayers!
Your parents raised two fine daughters of deep faith and integrity!
You were the pride and joy of their lives !!
Your parents legacy lives on through you and your family !!
Love never dies!! Love lives on!!
Feel comforted knowing
we will all be together once again
in our Eternal home.
Memories of your mom warm our hearts!!
Your mom Lori was such a bright light in our lives !! A bright light that shine so brightly!!
We are forever thankful for her
kindness , loving actions and compassion!!
Lori was an angel to us right here on earth !!
John was her constant, steady and abiding partner sprinkling faith and hope through his good deeds in his daily life in our community!
We all have been blessed by their lives!!
Such an amazing couple filled full of faith and love!!
Once again, Lori now has her soulmate by her side!!
Together forever ❤️❤️
Feel comforted knowing now you have two strong great ambassadors on the other side ! They walk with you every day as you journey on in your daily life on earth !!
It was such an inspiring and divinely uplifting service on Saturday!!
It was evident, your loving Father was there with us all in Spirit!!
Journey on knowing you do not walk alone!
Thank you for sharing your parents and your lives and faith with us all!!
We are forever grateful !!
Love to you all,
Susan, Sean, Michelle O’Reilly and family
❤️🥰😘
November 27th, 2022
So sad to hear of cousin John. Cherish the memories.. our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
November 24th, 2022
Dear Julie, Lisa and family We were so sorry to hear the news. Mr Ambrosio was a second Dad to the Cullen family and we are grateful to have had him in our lives. One fond memory we still talk about today is his beautiful speech at our wedding where he fondly said "his wife is like an angel always harping on him". Your dad was so proud of that line and had everyone laughing and smiling as he always did. We hope knowing your parents (soul mates) are together can bring you peace. Love Kim & Tails
November 22nd, 2022
I hope your memories provide solace during this time and in the future. I know he had a great sense of fun and love for his family. Bless you all with love from family and close friends.
November 19th, 2022
Julie Lisa and and all the Ambrosio familes. I am so very sorry to here about your loss. At the end of the last social club there was a banner - “Thanks for the Memories “ Well with John’s Book - Welcome to Hammond Cedar - there is treasure trove of people sharing their memories of their time at Hammond Cedar, plus of course pictures and an insight how lumber is manufactured. I will miss you John, and Lori very very much. Love
Len and Wilma Pettit.
November 15th, 2022
What I remember most vividly about John was his engaging, receptive, sense of humor. He was a positive, supportive, attentive person, through and through who loved his family and devoted his life to doing good. I admired his relationship with Lorraine.
Dennis
November 11th, 2022
We are saddened to hear about the passing of our cousin John.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to all the family .
Teresa, Mario , Tony
November 10th, 2022
Dear Julie and Lisa and the Ambrosio Family
Our Sincere Condolences to you all. We are deeply saddened to hear that our cousin John had passed away. We will always treasure the beautiful memories we have of him. May John Rest in Pease in the Loving Arms of God.
Sending Love and Strength to all .
Liz (Vetere) Duri & Family
November 10th, 2022
We loved John so much; he was so caring and loving! Blessing to a wonderful family!
November 10th, 2022
John is remembered for his big smile and his gentle soul. He was such a kind hearted person who enjoyed every moment. We have great memories of the times we shared. Our sincere sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace and find eternal happiness.
Hugs to the family
Teresa and Allan.
November 10th, 2022
Our deepest condolences to all the Ambrosio family on the passing of our cousin John.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
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