February 26, 1935 - July 4, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, John Mowatt, on Thursday, July 4, 2024. John was born in Aberdeen, Scotland to Isabella Mary and Edward. The family moved to Portlethen in 1936 and John attended primary, middle, and high school there. He attended Aberdeen University and in 1957 graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a geology degree. He emigrated shortly thereafter in 1957 to Canada and started working as a geologist in the oil fields for Consumers Co-op in Saskatoon, SK. His wife-to-be, Rita (Margaret), joined him from Scotland in early 1958 and they were married shortly thereafter in April. Son Michael and daughter Linda were born there in 1959 and 1960 respectively. John and Rita moved to Calgary in the early 60s where he continued to work for Consumers Co-op. By late 1968, John decided corporate life was not for him and they wanted to strike out on their own and start a business. They moved to Vancouver Island and settled in Maple Bay then opened Granny's Treasures in Duncan in 1969. Once they caught the self-employment bug, they decided Victoria was the place to be for their business and moved there in the late 70s. Eventually, they had two stores on Fort Street, and both were very successful. In 1991, they decided to sell their business in Victoria and moved to Port Alberni where they remained until Rita's passing in 2019. John was an animal lover and always had a dog at his side. First in Canada was Duke, a beautiful boxer he trained to retrieve ducks. His last was Ricky, a wolfhound mix who passed in 2021. They all will be waiting to be joined by him in his heavenly adventure. John is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Linda (Terry) Massey of Duncan; grandchildren Kayla (Greg) Strilchuk, Lesley-Anne Cote, Christopher Massey, Isabella; great-grandchildren: Jonah, Matthew, Joseph, Allison, Emma, Ruby; daughter-in-law, Lillibeth Mowatt of Leduc, AB; brother, Raymond (Edith) of Balmedie, Scotland; niece, Laura Wilson of Scotland; and nephew, Eddie Mowatt of Spain. John was predeceased by Rita his wife of 61 years (2019) and by his son Michael (2023). The family wishes to thank the supportive and caring staff at Chemainus Health Care Centre where he resided until his passing. As per John's request, there will be no service, therefore the family will celebrate privately at a later date.
To express condolences, share memories and photos, please visit: www.sandsduncan.ca
