IBBITSON
September 8, 1943 -
March 1, 2004
John A.G. Ibbitson passed away suddenly March 1, 2004 in Manson Creek, B.C.
Born to Gerald A. Ibbitson and Chloe J. (nee Johnson), John was born in Lancaster, England in 1943. The family moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1945. When John was young the family moved to the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. The damp climate, pushed them north to McLeese Lake, B.C. John attended school in McLeese Lake and Williams Lake. John worked at the local mills one in Macalister and Ross’s sawmill in McLeese Lake. Around this time he met Nancy and they married in 1962. During their union they had three children Dean, Wendy and Bob. With the family growing John decided he would change careers and headed for the bush. (As his father before him did). In the bush he was a faller, machine operator, and later equipment owner/boss. During his years in the industry, he worked for many companies. Including Garner Bros. from Quesnel, Hrynkewich’s in Williams Lake, and Schreyer’s Horsefly/Likely area, to name a few. In the early 80’s John helped start his two sons in the world of motocross, as pit boss/mechanic how could they not shine. In 1985 after a couple rough years John headed north to an area he’d visited with his sister before. John drove into the valley and knew he was home, in the remote 1800’s gold town, Manson Creek, (+/-2.5 hrs. north of Fort St. James.) After building his home, starting life again in Manson Creek wasn’t hard as John brought along his tire machine (family Heirloom) a huge asset for the valley! John spent his time in Manson Creek, the early years working underground in the mines around Germansen Landing, when it was time to come to the surface, he worked road right away, pulling fellow friends and neighbors from the ditches, and parading his 1945? Bedford down the one street of Manson Creek, always full of firewood for the one’s that needed it. In the later years John worked for Bernard’s Plumbing & Mechanical, and Angel Jade Mines, (J.T. Thomas) and any odd job available. John spent his leisure time like any young man participating in radical quadding, and extreme sledding. Most mornings John spent time with friends having morning coffee and shooting the breeze or spending time in his shop tinkering to make his new purchases modified to his taste! There have been many tales of John over the years and here’s a few to mention, while there were onlookers John stood beside a forty-five gallon drum, jumped and there he was on top of it! Another time he’s one of the only people to fix skidder tire on site and fill it up with a bicycle pump. Or while sledding jump higher and further then the competition, 25 yrs his junior! John was a remarkable man and the loss of John will be felt for many years by family and all his many friends from the Yukon to the USA border (and beyond).
John is survived by his children Dean (Kathy of William Lake, Wendy (Rob) Blair of Langley, Bob of Williams Lake. Grandchildren Lindsay, Raine, Amelia, Matthew and Jake. Sister Barb (Del) Webb of Germansen Landing, Mary (Paul) Blazine of Montana. Nephews and nieces and Nancy.
Predeceased by parents Chloe and Gerry, friends Loren “Chutz” Schwantes, and Ronald ‘Shorty’ Wright.
A celebration of life will be held September 4-6, 2004 in Manson Creek, B.C. At which time the ashes will be dispersed atop Baldy Mountain. For info contact Dean (Kathy) @ 250-392-6630.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Manson Creek Historical Society @ Box 638 Fort St. James V0J 1P0 or Wolfridge General Store in Manson Creek, V0J 2H0