Obituary for John Harold Charles VANK
John Harold Charles Vank: July 10, 1949 - March 08, 2022
It is with deep sorrow that the family of John Vank announce his passing on March 08th in his 73rd year in Ingersoll, Ontario. He was surrounded by his daughters and died peacefully at Alexandra Hospital.
John was a fun-loving guy who always enjoyed being with his friends, having a few beers, playing billiards, bowling, and listening to Bob Seger. He also enjoyed spending time in the sun and made several trips to the Dominican Republic where he’d let loose and bask in the warm weather and sandy beaches. Even more so though was his love for fast cars and motorcycles. There wasn’t an engine he couldn’t fix or a motorbike he couldn’t rebuild. He thoroughly enjoyed having the wind in his sails as he glided down old country roads on one of the various bikes he had over the years. Having been a gifted welder most of his life, he had tremendous skills in constructing everything from cars to army tanks. Working with his hands was truly where his passion lied.
Above all though, John was a devoted father to his two daughters, Shannon (“Shammins”) and Andrea (“Carrot-top”). As toddlers, he hand-welded them their first swing-set complete with swings, a teeter-totter, and a full slide. And as a single father, he always put them first and signed-up for the early shifts so that he could be home in time to receive his daughters after school. He loved taking them tobogganing, to see various attractions like Dumbo the Elephant and Storybook Gardens, and even took them to their first movie in the theater, E.T. John taught them both how to swim and ride bicycles and signed them up for dance classes. While he took some liberties with the meals he attempted to prepare for his girls, he was also quick with a few extra dollars for a run to McDonald’s or KFC when things went awry! As his daughters matured into lovely, young women, he never forgot a birthday or any other holiday and would even send cards and gifts for Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween. When life threw hard times their way, Shannon and Andrea always knew their dad was there with a hug, silly joke, a stuffed animal, or a box of chocolates just to lighten their load. His love for his daughters was protective, unyielding, and unconditional.
Beyond the affection he received from Shannon and Andrea, he is predeceased by the love of his life, Linda Heather Bain (D 1985). He is survived by his beloved mother Mary Katharine Smith (“Mumzies”), and his two delightful granddaughters, Kathlene and Tamia. He is also survived by his three sisters, Della, Nancy, and Julia, and predeceased by his younger brother, Greg (D 2008) and father, John Vank (D 1982). John spent most of his life in the Ingersoll area where he had many lifelong friends and newer friends that will surely miss his jovial laugh and various quips (“Stupid is as Stupid does” or “If it weren’t for bad luck, we’d have no luck at all”). His daughters wish him much peace and tenderness (and all the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies he could ever eat!) and pray that he and Linda are riding off into the sunset on his motorbike.
Cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Life will be hosted at a later date.
It is with deep sorrow that the family of John Vank announce his passing on March 08th in his 73rd year in Ingersoll, Ontario. He was surrounded by his daughters and died peacefully at Alexandra Hospital.
John was a fun-loving guy who always enjoyed being with his friends, having a few beers, playing billiards, bowling, and listening to Bob Seger. He also enjoyed spending time in the sun and made several trips to the Dominican Republic where he’d let loose and bask in the warm weather and sandy beaches. Even more so though was his love for fast cars and motorcycles. There wasn’t an engine he couldn’t fix or a motorbike he couldn’t rebuild. He thoroughly enjoyed having the wind in his sails as he glided down old country roads on one of the various bikes he had over the years. Having been a gifted welder most of his life, he had tremendous skills in constructing everything from cars to army tanks. Working with his hands was truly where his passion lied.
Above all though, John was a devoted father to his two daughters, Shannon (“Shammins”) and Andrea (“Carrot-top”). As toddlers, he hand-welded them their first swing-set complete with swings, a teeter-totter, and a full slide. And as a single father, he always put them first and signed-up for the early shifts so that he could be home in time to receive his daughters after school. He loved taking them tobogganing, to see various attractions like Dumbo the Elephant and Storybook Gardens, and even took them to their first movie in the theater, E.T. John taught them both how to swim and ride bicycles and signed them up for dance classes. While he took some liberties with the meals he attempted to prepare for his girls, he was also quick with a few extra dollars for a run to McDonald’s or KFC when things went awry! As his daughters matured into lovely, young women, he never forgot a birthday or any other holiday and would even send cards and gifts for Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween. When life threw hard times their way, Shannon and Andrea always knew their dad was there with a hug, silly joke, a stuffed animal, or a box of chocolates just to lighten their load. His love for his daughters was protective, unyielding, and unconditional.
Beyond the affection he received from Shannon and Andrea, he is predeceased by the love of his life, Linda Heather Bain (D 1985). He is survived by his beloved mother Mary Katharine Smith (“Mumzies”), and his two delightful granddaughters, Kathlene and Tamia. He is also survived by his three sisters, Della, Nancy, and Julia, and predeceased by his younger brother, Greg (D 2008) and father, John Vank (D 1982). John spent most of his life in the Ingersoll area where he had many lifelong friends and newer friends that will surely miss his jovial laugh and various quips (“Stupid is as Stupid does” or “If it weren’t for bad luck, we’d have no luck at all”). His daughters wish him much peace and tenderness (and all the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies he could ever eat!) and pray that he and Linda are riding off into the sunset on his motorbike.
Cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Life will be hosted at a later date.