Prompted by the 40th Reunion reminiscences, our Class discovered sadly that several classmates who we had gradually lost touch with over the years had passed away, including John who had retired to Nanaimo, BC, his hometown. By all accounts John was private person, so perhaps not surprisingly his wishes were that there would be no memorial service or “public spectacle”. However, a couple of his fellow classmates did come upon a write-up about John online written by his nephew Nolan, so we learned that he had passed away on the 17th of November, 2017 in Nanaimo. We have posted that notice below, but in the meantime, we have managed to find a couple of photos from John’s time at Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) and the Royal Military College (RMC).
john at rrmc during his second year there
john was not able to keep his birthday secret apparently, so as was the custom, a trip to the shower was in order - unlike rmc which had a pool handy in the basement of fort haldimand, at roads the pool was a bit too far away so the next best thing was the shower, which of course were plentiful
john’s graduation photo from 1979 rmc yearbook
john was a member of mackenzie flight at rrmc when he first joined in 1975 - he is sixth from the left in the back row
John Mark Heinrichs – 25 June 1956 to 17 November 2017
It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of our beloved John. At 1302 hrs on 17 November 2017, John – known to many of you as minicapt or JMH – passed away peacefully in palliative care. The ambulance and emergency room personnel tried very hard to revive John, but ultimately he went without oxygen to his brain for too long. Since you have now gathered that this email was not sent by John, I would like to briefly introduce myself. My name is Nolan, and I am one of John’s many nephews. Be rest assured, John (always a Strathcona) was always quick to poke fun at my naval career despite my belonging to the Senior service.
As you well know, John was a quiet and reserved man ... I do, however, know the intelligent, quick witted, and dignified man who honourably served his country for many, many years before retiring to his family home. John had unfortunately suffered from several medical issues these past few years, and I am relieved to report that his passing was peaceful and painless surrounded by family.
John was blessed with an excellent memory, a penchant for random acts of kindness and seeing to the needs of his friends and family. He had a unique sense of humour as well as a eclectic collection of books, swords and military paraphernalia which he loved to share with the people in his life, especially his youngest nieces and nephews. They could often be found sitting with John checking out his latest acquisition in awe. John was the families resident Macintosh expert and frequently preached the virtues of the newest IOS or apple product.
In keeping with John’s desire for peace, quiet and lack of public spectacle, there will not be a memorial. I would ask that you please keep John’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.
Cheers
Nolan (on behalf of JMH and the Heinrichs clan)