We Remember

MONK, John Wray

January 15, 1933 — June 1, 2021

In appreciation for a long life, well-lived, we announce John’s passing on June 1, 2021, at the age of 88, with family at his side.

John was born in Montreal, Quebec, but grew up in Hemmingford on the family farm. He spent his teenage years in Pointe-Claire.

John was a high-energy guy. As a young man, he loved to sail, and it was something that he did well, as he brought home many awards. Through the years, John built many boats for sailing and fishing. He loved to be on the water.

Even more special to him than his boats, was the love of his life, Elizabeth Cross. She crewed for him on one of his sailboats, he was the first one to call her Liz, and that was the beginning of a 66-year marriage. Four children came along, and the whole family became part of the activities – skiing summer and winter, swimming, boating, fishing, rock-hunting, and camping. When grandkids started to arrive, they were part of the adventures too.

Through the years, John enjoyed his hobbies: silversmithing, lapidary, and creating jewellry. He especially loved to work in his wood shop. After years of building boats, he turned to making furniture and children’s toys such as ride-on trucks, diggers, and boats. Family and friends all have treasured pieces of his work – furniture built to last. His more recent projects were wooden spatulas and tongs, especially useful, small items that he gave away to many delighted recipients.

He will be forever remembered by his wife, Liz, his four children: Deborah Wilson (Lane), John Monk (Cindy), Dave Monk (Cyndy), and Brenda Yasinski; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with another soon to arrive. Quite a legacy! He is survived by his brother Dave (Sharon) and sister-in-law Virginia. He was predeceased by his brother Ron.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Kelowna General Hospital for their gentle, compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank or the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a gathering will be planned for a later time.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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 Central Okanagan Community Food Bank or the BC Children's Hospital Foundation Link: cofoodbank.com, www.bcchf.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Susan Hunter Eder says:
    June 9, 2021 at 7:51 am

    “Gone Fishing”. Our family has enjoyed a life-long friendship with the Monks starting in 1971 on Bowen Island. We share many happy memories of summer cottage fun. I will miss Uncle John’s twinkling, blue eyes and his enduring, kind nature.
    May he rest peacefully. Susan Hunter Eder

    Reply
  • Ian Davis says:
    June 9, 2021 at 10:05 am

    Uncle John gave me many fond memories beginning with some friendly friction when I summered with Liz and John between university years. We gave each other things to think about. I admired him greatly for his abilities, from being competent and brave enough to change careers, for his clear love of family, for his skills with wood and for his strength and energy. I often felt clumsy around him, but never belittled. He was supportive.
    I will miss him and remember him well.

    Reply
  • Brian Cross says:
    June 11, 2021 at 1:08 pm

    ‘Uncle’ John was willing to take people waterskiing. One summer,. I remember going on a 20 to 30 minute ski on Lake Osoyoos. I was tired but happy.. It was the highlight of my week. John was a very friendly person who was a builder, both of boats and people.

    Reply
  • Doug and Terry Gossoo - Prosign, Kelowna says:
    June 13, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    Dear Liz and Family,
    We are so sad to hear the news of John’s passing. It is evident from the many comments from family and friends, just how loved he was and what an impact he had on all around him. We speak from the viewpoint of the sign industry, where he was truly a legend. We always looked forward to his personal visits to the shop, as well as seeing both of you at the annual BBQs. We frequently turned to him for advice on sign-related issues, as I know many other shops did, and found him always anxious to help. He was one of the “great ones” in our business and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

    Reply
  • MP Tracy Gray says:
    June 17, 2021 at 12:04 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
    Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country

    Reply
  • Yvonne Tarrant says:
    June 28, 2021 at 10:37 am

    Liz
    I’m so sorry to read of John’s passing. I just happened upon it this morning. You both were wonderful neighbors. I’m thinking of you.

    Reply

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