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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
QUARMBY, John Varley - Passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at his home in Eastern Passage, surrounded by his family.
John lived a life full of stories, adventures, and twists and turns while staying true to his motto-be kind, honest, and help where you can. He stayed true to that motto until his final moment.
John was born November 27, 1949, in Cottingham, Yorkshire, England, to the late Alec Quarmby and Iris Jean (Hindley, Quarmby) Rotchell, and moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, when he was 7 years old. Two years later, in 1959, they moved to Ottawa, Ontario. In his youth, John's love for the outdoors began as he was in Boy Scouts, learning lifelong skills.
After graduating from Carlton University, Ottawa, with a degree in Electrical Engineering, John joined the Canadian Forces Naval Reserves in 1967, being posted to HMCS Carlton (known as the Stone Frigate) in Ottawa; later posted to the Pacific Fleet in Esquimalt and the Atlantic Fleet in Halifax. It was during this time that John became a Canadian citizen. John joined the regular force in 1972, sailing on the HMCS Margaree and HMCS Preserver as a signalman and ship's diver. John was interested in photography and was in the process of remustering to the Air Force as a Photo Technician when he was asked to photograph a shipmate's wedding in Cape Breton. He said yes, leading him to meet his life's love, Marlene (Vienneau).
John and Marlene married in 1975 and welcomed their son, William, who was born in Halifax in 1978. A few months later, they were posted to 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron. This posting was the highlight of John's military career, during which he logged more flight time than the pilots and took part in groundbreaking work.
John and Marlene's family grew as they welcomed their daughter, Amanda (Quarmby-Bennett), born in Cold Lake in 1980. A year later, the family of four moved to 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. Two years later, they moved to 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, for seven years, with the final military posting to CFB Bordon, Ontario. John proudly wore his dolphin and wings on his uniform. At one time, he was the only qualified Photo Tech as a Land, Sea, and Air photographer. John retired after 26 years of service, settling in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia.
John did not stay retired long. He started his own business, Video Product Leasing, which he had for many years. He worked at Convergys and finally as a commissionaire at the Halifax Harbour Bridges.
He joined the Shearwater Yacht Club in 1999. He made many close friends and had many sailing adventures aboard his sailboat, Dazma.
John was a Master Mason of the Royal Arch Lodge, a Knights Templer, a Shriner, and a member of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
In 2020, John was diagnosed with cancer, and he agreed to try experimental treatment. This gave him time to complete a lengthy Bucket List, including travel, a hot air balloon ride, attending Parker's football games, concerts, a train trip, and model building. John's motto throughout this journey was, "I am going to live with cancer."
We were able to celebrate four years of kicking cancer's butt by having an annual at-home pub crawl party with many friends and family, where John would display his bartending skills.
John had many titles: husband, dad, father-in-law, Master Corporal, Skipper, Captain, and was beyond excited to become "Grampy" to Parker (Bennett) in 2010.
He is survived by Marlene, William, Amanda (Shane Bennett), and Parker. Although he had no siblings, his brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, Paul, Claire, Valerie (Robert Hickman), and Jennette (Yves Vanier), nieces and nephews, and many friends were considered his family. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his stepfather, Lance Rotchell, father-in-law, William Vienneau, and mother-in-law, Annie Vienneau.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Shearwater Yacht Club at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the charity of your choice.
We sincerely thank Dr. M. Thana, Dr. A. Wiebe, the Palliative Care Team, VON, and other medical professionals, including the Passage PharmaChoice, for their care and compassion shown to John and his family. We are forever grateful to our great friends and neighbours for their support.
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