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March 29, 1941 - November 6, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts we share that John "Giovanni" Ambrosio, age 81, passed away Sunday, November 6th, 2022 at Ridge Meadows Hospital.
He is survived by his daughters Julie (Chris) Fraser & Lisa (Brian) VanSchagen, his grand-daughters, Vanessa, Samantha, Rebecca, Natasha & Elena, as well as his sister Teresa (Fred) Finley, brother Guy (Lorraine) Ambrosio, and brother Tony (Patty) Ambrosio. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and extended family.
John was born in San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1948. They settled in Kimberley, BC where he was involved in various sports and scouts. He left home after high school to attend business college in Vancouver. After getting his industrial first aid ticket, John worked in rural logging camps on Vancouver Island. In 1971, John became the first aid attendant at BCFP cedar mill. He remained at the mill for the next 39 years expanded his role to safety, social club, calendar publishing, sign design, payroll, historian & fireman. He was the heart of the mill. After retirement, John enjoyed his Friday breakfasts with his fellow retirees where they would "solve the world's problems". One of his proudest accomplishments was the compilation of a book with Len Pettit showcasing the 100 year history of the Hammond Cedar Mill. John believed in the impact of volunteerism and dedicated 28 years to the St. John's Ambulance. He touched the lives of thousands of students teaching first aid and decorating elaborate floats.
John met Lorraine Krebs in 1971 and soon after married "the love of his life". He was a family man - actively involved in the lives of his two daughters, Julie & Lisa. He was a patient, non - judgemental, and unfailingly supportive Dad. As a St. Patrick's parishioner, he participated on the school board and bingo committee. John embraced his role as a devoted Papa to his 5 granddaughters and adored Julie's nieces and nephews and many other friends' children.
He will be remembered as a generous, humble, kind man. He deeply loved his family, had a great sense of humour and was loved and respected by all who knew him. His legacy will be his ability to make everyone feel like family.
He will be buried alongside his wife, Lori, at Maple Ridge Cemetery.
His funeral service will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church @ 10am on Saturday, Nov. 26th. A celebration of life and luncheon will follow mass in the St. Patrick's school gym. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
"I always tried my best."
- John Ambrosio, 2022

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 26, 2022
10:00 AM
St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 22561 121 Ave, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3T5