May 3, 1932 - October 23, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of husband and father John Lewis Flick. Throughout his 91 years, John faced three serious bouts of cancer. In 2017 he got lung cancer again. By the grace of God, John was given another 6 years to live life on this earth. John passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family on October 23, 2023.
John was born in Nakusp, BC on May 3, 1932. He was the son of Edith (born in Edgewood) and Charles Flick (who immigrated from Luxembourg). John grew up on a Cattle Ranch in Edgewood, BC. in a house with no running water or electricity. He enjoyed tasty food cooked by his mother on a wood cookstove. He recalled that they ate a lot of deer meat, saving the cattle for the market. On cold winter nights, John talked about bringing heated rocks into his bed on the upper floor bedroom to keep him warm at night. When it was too cold to go out to the outhouse at night, he said he would relieve himself out the window - he joked how no one figured out where the yellowish streak on the side of the log house came from when summer rolled around.
John's early schooling years were in a small one-room school in the Inanoaklan Valley. He remembered being teased for being a "rich kid" because he rode a horse to school. John's father had him operating farm machinery at a very early age. John loved operating machinery and said as a child he felt proud to be the machine engineer while the farm hands worked in the field. John learned early in life to farm, clear land and harvest logs. As a youth, John was also proud of his participation in the World War II effort - logging birch for the "Bamboo Bomber" with his father who was unable to go overseas because of having had TB.
When John was 17, he got his first job away from home working in a mine in the Watshan. A year later he moved to the coast and worked in the Britannia mine. As John's love for machinery lasted into his adulthood, he started logging with his brother and eventually developed his own logging and road building business, purchasing a couple of bulldozers. John enjoyed this type of work and continued with it until he retired.
When John was 25, he first saw Gwyn walking down the street one day in Nakusp BC. He recalled, thinking he wanted to get to know that girl. He said, "I set my eyes on her and she became my wife." John dated Gwyn for a year and a half. They were married and had 4 children together. In 1964 they moved and settled in Revelstoke. Through the years John & Gwyn built up an elaborate and beautiful garden of vegetables and flowers on their half acre in the Big Eddy. On October 11th John & Gwyn celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, a wonderful milestone for them both.
John had many passions. One was to become a pilot, which he did in 1965. He bought his own plane a year later. He loved flying and shared that experience with family and friends. An even bigger passion for John was socializing and telling stories. His memory for details of his life experiences were absolutely amazing. He would often say, "Let me tell you one more story."
John attended Revelstoke Fellowship Baptist church for several years. John had faith in Jesus Christ and is now rejoicing in heaven with his Saviour. We look forward to seeing him again. Gwyn said at the end "he was so sweet" - as they found comfort and joy singing songs together.
Gwyn and family would like to express their deep gratitude to the many doctors and caregivers who provided support in John's battle with lung cancer. A special thanks to Dr. Cam Molder - John held him in very high esteem - a dear friend.
John is survived by his wife Gwyn and three children, Robert Flick (Lilia), Gina Carpenter (Terry Bainbridge) and Duane Flick (Teresa). He is predeceased by his youngest son Dean Flick. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held next Spring.
Online condolences may be sent to John's family through his obituary at
www.bowersfuneralservice.com