Lapadat, Johnie Safron (John)
Born November 17, 1926, passed away January 22, 2004, after a long battle with cancer. He leaves to morn, his wife Lois; daughter Judith(Prince George); sons Lawrence (Chemainus), Ron (Smithers), and Tony (Smithers); grandchildren Katherine, Erica, Alex, Laura, and Nikki; sisters Mary and Annie; and many nieces, nephews, friends ; and his beloved dog Jody. John was predeceased by his brothers Neil and George, and his sisters, Jenny and Mabel.
Born to pioneers John and Anna Lapadat in Glentanna, John was a lifelong resident of Smithers, and a veteran of the Navy in WW2. Throughout his life, John devoted his life to family and community. He was a member of the Legion, Masons, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Smithers Ski Club, Toastmasters, College of New Caledonia Council, School board, Bulkley Valley Housing Society, Museum Society, Smithers Flying Club, Real Estate Board, Federal Liberal Party, Sea Cadets, Friends of Cancer Society, Fall Fair Society, Volunteer Search and Rescue (Air/Sea), Rod and Gun Club, Bulkley Valley Players, and the Anglican Church. Above all, John is remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
A service in memory of John was held at the Anglican church in Smithers, Tuesday, January 27 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the John Lapadat Memorial Bursary at the Bulkley Valley Credit Union in Smithers, or mailed directly to the Development Office, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9.