August 16, 1945 - October 19, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
John Wray McLeod passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023, in the comfort of his home. John was born in Salmon Arm on August 16, 1945, and spent most of his life farming and contributing to this community.
He had the good fortune to travel the world with his beloved wife, Lois, but would tell anyone who would listen that there is 'no finer place' than Salmon Arm, and more specifically Edgemont Farms, which was 'a damn fine place'.
John had a warm smile, kind eyes, and time for everyone. In his later years, he would frequent the Pink Cherry for his morning mocha, sometimes quietly reading a book, other times visiting with friends and hatching plans. One such plan grew into the Shuswap Food Action Coop which became the Shuswap Food Action Society.
John was passionate about food security and preserving agricultural lands in British Columbia, and in addition to his work with the Food Action Society, he served on an Environmental Advisory Committee as well as the Agricultural Advisory Committee (the latter of which he was also instrumental in forming).
As his health waned he stepped back from active volunteerism but the importance of agricultural preservation and land stewardship remained with him always.
At home, John would be bossed around by the many family pets (who always had the best seats in the house), and he would enjoy quiet evenings with Lois. John and Lois were together for 50 years and they enjoyed the farm that has been home since 1979 and the life they built together.
They raised their family, worked their dairy farm and later the garden centre. There was a quiet interlude when their children left home, but it was replaced by the boisterous happy noise of grandchildren running amok - and more pets.
When alone, John and Lois would spend summer evenings on their shaded deck listening to bees hum in the garden, birds chirping in the trees, and tractors working the fields.
John is survived by his wife Lois, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and his beloved pets. John will be missed each day.
John's family has asked the Shuswap Food Action Society to accept charitable donations in memory of John; if you wish to make a donation please visit the Shuswap Food Action Society at shuswapfood.ca, on the 'donate now' page there is an option to donate to the John McLeod Memorial Fund.
Like John, you can plant a seed and watch it grow. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com