May 04, 2019
RIDDELL, John David Cecil – Passed away on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 at the age of 54. John’s death was sudden but he passed away peacefully with his sisters Cherie, Cathy and Patti by his side. He may no longer be on this earth, but he is above watching alongside his mother Ruth. John honoured the Riddell Family moto “I Hope To Share”. His generous gift of organ donation saved four lives. He was a hero to his entire family. Dearly missed by all of his friends and family who all loved him.
“Tomorrow will start without me, I won’t be there to see, the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you. Each time you think of me just know I miss you too. When tomorrow comes without me, please understand that an angel came and caĺled my name and took me by the hand.
I remember our lives together and everything we shared. I know you must be very sad but think of what we had. The times we were together, the good and even bad.
The four of us forever and aĺl the love we had. So when tomorrow starts without me. Don’t think we are far apart. For every time you think of me. I am right there in your heart.
My departure was so sudden, a surprise to even me. But here on earth I left a gift so I will never leave. Your brother is a hero who does not wear a Cape. But now I fly with Angel’s there can be no mistake.”
As per his family’s request there will be a private service followed by cremation. To remember John, the family would appreciate donations to the Trillium Gift of Life Network (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/trillium-gift-of-life-network/ and for everyone to consider signing their organ donation cards.
I just recently heard of Johns passing and sending my deepest condolences to the family. John and I had been messaging each other in 2017 , as we have some history. We had not seen each other since John was a young lad, but will always regret not being able to get together to be re acquainted. His decision to be an organ donor for others is very honorable. God bless and may you rest in peace.
Johnny, I remember when our paths crossed at “Not Just Desserts” in East Van in the spring of ‘93. My first shift there was your last. Days later we ran into each other on the street and struck up a conversation. That was the beginning of an amazing friendship…Drinking cheap beer at the Ivanhoe…holding court at Clark Park…catching special guests at the Railway. Sitting on my stoop…drinking…smoking…and laughing till our bellies hurt. You had a gift for finding hilarity in the mundane. Your pockets were always empty but you brought more to the party than anyone could have asked. I owe you more than you know. Thank you for being my friend.
Cathy and family
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May he be welcomed home by the angels.
john rest in peace. worked with you for 1yr. will miss your smile and fun times. my condolences to your family.
Rest in peace Jonny, I will always remember your wit, intelligence and kind heart. So sorry you went you soon. My condolences to the family during this time.
Our sincere condolences to Johnny’s family. We all think so fondly of him from his visits to ‘The Park’… his kind and laughing spirit will always be remembered.. the ‘office’ is truly and forever his.
My condolences to John’s family. Very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Alot of fond memories of John. God bless you John…until we meet again. Fly high brother
My deepest condolences to John’s family and friends. I was blessed to know John since we were 14 years of age. He was one of a kind, with an old soul, & the life of the party. I will miss you, gone from this earth. Cheers my friend until me meet again. I know you will on as you should, gone too soon.
My sincere condolences to Cathy, Cherie and Patty and the rest of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the family. We went o High School together and always had a lot of laughs. He will be missed.
You didn’t have to know Johnny for long to know that he was one of a kind. Rapid fire wit and off the wall humour. When he was on, he could entertain for hours. He also had a heart of gold. On a trip to Cuba, John literally gave the shirt off his back to one of the locals. He was a good friend and his memory will always be with me.
So sorry for your families loss. I knew John back in Vancouver when he lived down the street. I still look back on the best belly laughs of my life and John was usually responsible. He had the best sense of humour and a truly caring soul. I am not surprised that he has saved others in his passing. RIP John.
Cherie, Cathy and Patti – My heart breaks thinking that we’ve all lost such a warm, kind soul. Over the years, I’ve often thought about John’s gentle laugh, and the way he leaned in to tell a good story. Know your brother was dearly loved, and brought such light to so many.
Cherie, Cathy, Patti, and family
Hoping you find comfort knowing your friends are thinking of you all in this difficult time.
John was one of those people I was always happy to see. When he sat in my section at the Pump all those years ago I was relieved because it meant that table would grow with more cool people as the night went on. He had such a huge number of friends and I am honoured to be in that club. I just know our paths will cross again.
My thoughts are with all of you during the sudden loss of your brother. Let your family, friends and memories provide support and strength during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to John’s family and many friends. I met him during the Elgin Street years but really got to know him in Vancouver when we were neighbours in the mid-90s. He had a lovely spirit, full of joy and laughter. I will remember him fondly, grateful for the good times we shared.
Dear Cherie, Cathy and Patti,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your brother, my friend John.
His good humour and generous laugh will be so