We Remember
HORNIBROOK, John Alexander
April 12, 1950 — February 24, 2026
The world has lost a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, godfather, friend, neighbour & to all who loved and respected him.
John was born in Luanshya, Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, in Central Africa. He spent part of his youth in Penticton, BC with his parents, John and Rita, and his two sisters, Carol and Audrey. Back in Africa, he met and married ‘His Bride’, as he called me, on June 1, 1971.
Canada was his first love, and when his parents returned to Africa a few years later, he swore he would return one day, and he did – with me and a 3 1/2 year old daughter. John and I immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in September of 1977, carrying with us love, hope, courage and dreams for the future. We had two suitcases and $950can for which to start a new life, and after paying $500 for an old Ford Galaxie, we were on our way. We could not afford to drive the Galaxie during the work week, but $5 per week was allocated for entertainment, and we would choose between a meal for 3 at McDonald’s or $5 in the car for gasoline, so we could drive around and absorb all the sights and sounds of our new exciting City.
Times were tough, but we were tougher. At no time did I ever doubt my husband’s work ethic, as I had seen it first hand, and as I had been independent, since I was 16 years old, and knew my own capabilities. Looking back, what a chance we took – but people, we made it!
Our daughter Jackie [Junior] and John shared a wonderful, unique relationship, one that will live on in her life, and in the lives of her children, and grandchildren. Their bond was unwavering, and their dry humour was constantly put to the test when they were together. She was the apple of his eye, the son he never wanted nor needed. He was proud of her and all her achievements, absorbing every precious moment when she took time to visit with us from her busy life with 3 children and 2 grandchildren. His eyes would light up when he saw her and he would tease us saying that ‘his buttons were popping’. Meaning off his shirt as his chest swelled with pride!
John’s interests were numerous, flying was his first passion, he wanted to be a pilot, but there was no available program for him in Zambia, and by the time he moved to Zimbabwe, and later Canada, he was too busy trying to make a living with a wife and family. He did get to go flying with a couple of his friends, which made his day – particularly when he was given the opportunity to take over for a minute or two under supervision. One of his other friends who actually did aerobatic stunts took him flying too, and proceeded to dive bomb & rotate the plane much to his startled surprise and his gurgling stomach. He did not take his friend up on his offer for a second round.
John’s other great passion was cars, collecting them and working on them. His brain was constantly working, thinking, designing, and planning his next move on his latest restoration. Our yard is filled with a number of vehicles, each one holding a vision of completion in John’s mind [and did I mention boats]? He would groan when he saw a low bed carrying crushed vehicles, and carefully explain to me as quickly as he could, which one was which, and what a great vehicle they were in their day!
John owned his own business, Inlet Diesel Recon Ltd., from 1980 to 2025 working hard, honestly, and faithfully to the very end. He has worked for the biggest and the best companies in the world, flying in and out of logging companies, driving thousands of miles with various jobs, and the more challenging it was for him the more it excited him.
My Hero, my Superman, my Protector, my Provider, my Husband, my Soulmate, the Love of my life is gone, but my memories of him live on.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dear Aunty Linda and Jackie
Im so sorry for the loss of uncle John my heart goes out to you both and the rest of the family. I loved reading about his life and how much he loved and cared for. Sending big hugs and lots of love to you
I had the pleasure of knowing John for 25 years. John and I had similar passions liking both cars and boats which we often discussed. We were both Jaguar guys and we traded stuff back-and-forth many times over the decades. John was one of the most modest and talented restorers yet never took credit for his excellent workmanship. John has left a big hole and we will surely miss him.
To dearest Auntie Linda and Jackie our heartfelt condolences go out to you on the passing of a much loved husband, dad and our special uncle that has meant the world to us over the years and I am grateful that we have spent time with you and the family on holiday a few years ago. Over the years I remember the special bond that Uncle Johnny had for his family and particularly my Auntie Linda as she was nicknamed “Pooh” and I remember he used to carry Auntie Linda’s bag/purse when going out on day trips. Uncle Johnny was dedicated to the family pets and would take them for walks and particularly would take “Barley” his family dog to work with him. Uncle Johnny would always keep himself busy at home and in his business. He is truly going to be missed today and always ❤️
Dear Linda, Jackie and family,
We will miss Uncle Johnny every single day, he was so kind, strong and loving towards his family and his beloved pets. Barley, Miss Kitty, Lucie and Piper. You leave a huge hole in all of our lives, never forgotten …. John, the world was made richer by your living in it. Dianne Tom Christopher Harrison
When we arrived in Canada from Zimbabwe we were so fortunate to have John and Linda as contacts. They took us into their home and treated us as family helping us get settled into our new life. We have remained friends and in contact over the past 40 years and will always remember how kind and hard working John was. My thoughts and love are reaching out to you Linda and Jackie.
To Auntie Linda, Jackie, family and friends
Our world will not be the same without the much respected and loved Uncle John Alexander Hornibrook but we have memories that will live in us forever ❤️ I am sharing a photo that was taken when I was 22 and visiting Auntie Linda and Uncle Johnny. Met my cousin Jackie at that time. We have loved, laughed, cried and shared many wonderful times together and memories that will live in me for many years to come ❤️ love you now and forever and may you fly high amongst those that we have lost and look down on us always ❤️ love you Uncle Johnny 🌟
I met John in Ndola in 1969 as a 12 yr old kid bombing down the road on a wooden soap box and he stopped me and had a look at the ‘engineering’. Linda came out to see, and that was the start. Linda and Johnny later married in 1971 in Ndola.
John always had a fascination with machines. His start came from a summer placement job at the copper refinery in Ndola ,Zambia , in the machine and fabrication shop and then in the n design and drafting department at the same refinery.
He then moved onto a Terex mining machine company and was the head mechanic at Bwana Mkubwa open pit in Ndola.
He then was offered a placement with a company KB Davies in Chingola that also maintained 200 ton EV dump trucks at the open pit mine.J
John and Linda married in 1971 in Ndola Zambia, and shortly after moved to Salisbury Rhodesia and took a ‘lowly’ job with a company servicing adding machines and early entry computers.
He eventually found work with the Caterpillar dealer. He served as a reservist in the Rhodesian army and challenged and was accepted into special forces. A very great honour at the time. For Rhodesia now ZImbabwe.
John packed his wife and young ‘Jacques ‘, she was 3 years old,
and came to BC and got a job with Finning tractor in Richmond. He rose to a high level and middle management.
He started his own business, Nchanga diesel in the early ’80’s, and later transitioned into Inlet diesel fuel Injection.
A man with a vision and drive and the finest engineer, Without having a degree , that I have ever met.
My mentor, My friend and my big brother. Bless you boete. 🙏
So many Dinners at your Table John Hornibrook, your jokes, your warm personality, we loved it all. WIll be so missed in our family lives. Always
FOR UNCLE JOHNNY WHO CAME TO MY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PARTY 2012 FROM BOUCHERIE HIGH SCHOOL.
WEST BANK BC WHAT A SUPER UNCLE HE WAS. CHRIS XX
I have known John since the KNW Diesel days in the mid 1990’s. John always made time to fit in a rush injector test or an injection pump overhaul. In 2014 John and I took on a Generator repower project. John in Kelowna and myself in Langley. John always found time in his day to manufacture items, box them up, and take them to the bus station. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with John. I will think of him every time I jump on the Ferguson 28 tractor. He will be missed.
Linda and family: We are so sorry to learn of your tragic loss, John was such a good man and our hearts go out to you. We thoroughly enjoyed John’s humor and wit, and catching a glimpse of him either scaling the hill to build a tram, or using the forklift to trim trees, or scaling along the beams of the boat dock, always a delight to see him work. He was dogged and would always find a way to get it done. The world lost a good man here. His whole family, including his beloved pets, will miss him dearly, as we will. The hill will not be the same without John. Rest in Peace, Sir, enjoy snuggling Russell! And if there’s anything that needs to be done where you are, we know it will get done.
To John on behalf of all his pets from Barley – Thank you John for your many years of care and love to all the pets you have enjoyed time with – this one’s from Barley Boy he just loved going for a cheeseburger with John in the Bug
Linda, Jackie and family – I didn’t know John super well, just through my Dad Larry (Lawrence) who thought so much of him, & always said how talented he was and valued their friendship immensely. John was so nice after my Dad passed and took the time to make sure I was doing okay which I really appreciated. Such a genuine and caring individual. So sorry for your loss.
Aimee Schlosser (nee Sargenia)
I am so sorry to hear about your Loss Linda. Vasim and I were really shocked to hear about John’s passing. We always remember him working hard on the property with Lucy running around. We didnt know John long, but we could see that he loved you and the family a lot. I hope Johns memories will bring you peace and comfort. We are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
I met John and Linda 18 years ago. It took me a while to ge to know John. He was very quiet around the house. He spent most of his time outside, cleaning up the lawns, or working on his boatlift or his tram to the beach. He loved fixing up his expensive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, boats, tractors, motohomes, etc.
John was definitely a workaholic. When he did come inside, it was usually in one door and out the other. Occasionally, he would sit down in his leather chair with a cup of tea. Almost immediately, he’d have Miss Kitty rubbig against his legs or perched on him, bunting him with her nose. Lying beside him wold be Lucie with her front paws on the arm of his chair. And always close by was Barlely, watching John’s every move adoringly, with his beautiful golden brown eyes.
John sometimes liked to tease me. Linda gave me a colorful leather purse one time, and John kidded me about my “hippie” bag for years after. When I would give him gifts for Christmas or his birthday, he’d always say, “you shouldn’t have gotten me anything.” Then he’d be thrilled when he opened it, and saw the candies I’d thrown in to appease his sweet tooth.
He loved everyone in his family, especially Linda. She called him, “Johnny” and whenever they sat next to one another, he’d have his arm around her.
The two of hem enjoyed going on roadtrips on the weekends, always with their “pups” along for the ride. It was kind of a hobby for them to checkout rural properties from Lake Country to Grand Forks.
John was a wonderful man. All of his family and friends miss him dearlly.
I always signed his birthday cards, “Your friend, Carla.” So au revoir my friend. Now you can finally get some well deserved rest.