April 26, 1935 – March 8, 2023
John Notheisz passed away March 8, 2023, in Chilliwack. John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Maralyne (“Sandy”), 3 sons; Fred (Audrey) of Chilliwack, Stuart (Rhiannon) of Kamloops, Bryan of Drayton Valley, Alberta, sister Hannelore of Austria as well as 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
John was predeceased by his daughter Cindy Thomsen in 2016, brothers Manfred in 2005 and Martin in 2007, sister-in-law Sheila in 2020 and brother-in-law Werner Hoechner of Austria in 2011.
John was born in Apatin, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) where his father managed a fish farm. When war broke out his family was displaced, eventually settling in Austria.
John’s father was killed shortly after wars end while working for the US army. John was an apprentice mechanic until he heard there were farm labourers needed in Canada, and at the age of 18 jumped on a boat seeking adventure, arriving in Quebec with 48 cents in his pocket; he did not return to visit Europe for 25 years. John planned to head to the Fraser Valley but was met by (what he would have called) “shysters” who said there were no jobs in BC, come to Northern Manitoba where there was work building a rail line. After this detour John arrived in Chilliwack where he worked on hop farms and then on the Standeven family farm, eventually moving into the burgeoning TV business.
In 1955 while working for Guenther’s, John watched from behind a TV he was setting up and took notice of a young Maralyne Sharp. Against all odds and probably to the disdain of his future mother-in-law this young ”foreigner” (his words) got a date. The couple were married in November of 1956 and children soon followed.
After working for Guenther’s John moved up Wellington Ave to Jack Unruh’s and then further up the street to Ronal’s. In November of 1975, John and Maralyne opened Johns Electronics, which remained a staple of the community until 2007. John was known for providing good, honest service and helped out numerous community groups. The “Johns van” was provided free to community functions for a number of years due to John’s idea of building in a public address system. Since 2007 the business has continued as a successful mobile operation operated by son Fred who provides excellent service to many customers; 47 years after it all began.
John was very proud of the life he built and especially of his family. John loved his family, their home of more than 50 years, his yard, gardening, fixing and building things, camping, time spent at Pavillion Lake and many good friends made over the years.
John never needed a lot, didn’t believe in “foofaraw” (another favourite term) but gave what he could and welcomed everyone. John leaves many good memories and will be greatly missed, but we know he’s at peace.
Celebration of Life will be held on March 25th from 1-4pm at the Mount Cheam Lions Club Hall, 45580 Spadina Ave, Chilliwack.