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1949-2017

It is with sadness we announce that John passed away peacefully at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital on September 3rd, 2017 at the age of 68. Born June 14th, 1949 in Edmonton, AB to Charles John Simonetti, an Italian-American, and Adeline E. Bourget, a French-Canadian. John's father passed away when he was only 6 months old, leaving him to be raised by his loving mother and grandparents, as well as his tight-knit extended family in Edmonton. John graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1967, earned a business diploma at NAIT, and worked in the industrial parts supply industry before jumping at the opportunity to relocate his young family to "God's Country", as he called it, a.k.a. The Shuswap, due to its striking beauty and close proximity to what he loved most - fishing and being in the Great Outdoors.

John and his former wife, Maggie O'Brien, took over Foley's Sales and Services in 1984 and quickly grew and expanded it from a small sharpening business into a busy sales and rental business, where many people came to know him as "John Foley". In 1999 Foley's joined forces with Cardinal equipment where John continued to work until ongoing health issues forced him into early retirement. A bright and kind-hearted man, John was always willing to go the extra mile to lend a hand.

John is survived by his children: Alison Simonetti (Alejandro) and David Simonetti, his two granddaughters, Ellie & Hannah, his brother Charles Simonetti (Ruth), his Aunt Bea, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Sadly, John was predeceased by only 11 days by his loving cousin Jeanne Smith, and survived by her husband, Grant Smith and family.

John's family would like to thank the nurses and staff at SLGH, especially Connie, the nurse who gave us 6 and a half more years with him by saving his life, and Sally, the nurse who gracefully helped usher him on to the next. They would also like to thank Dr. Heunis for his amazing care throughout the years, as well as the Smith family, the staff at McGuire Lake Congregate Living, and the Shuswap Hospice Society.

Donations may be made in John's memory to the Shuswap Hospice Society, and memories and condolences can be shared online through John's obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com.



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