1929 to 2008
John passed away at Smithers Hospital on Jan. 25, 2008, at the age of 78. John was born on March 21, 1929 in Manteca, California, the last of eight children born to Clyde and Julia Silveira, immigrants from the Portuguese Islands of the Azores. Growing up on a dairy farm in California, John loved the outdoors and nature, which eventually led him and his family to Smithers in 1968.
The family eventually settled in the Kispiox Valley, and John made his living building roads for highways and forestry. John later relocated back to Smithers where he spent his later years traveling between California and B.C., with his good friend and partner, Gladys Hawkes.
John is survived by his five sons; Gary (Alison), Steve (Janice), Keith, Greg (Sherry), Tim (Karin), a daughter Laurel; 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 30, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Smithers, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Community Cancer Care Team, P.O. Box 370, Smithers, B.C., V0J 2N0.