March 15, 1944 - May 20, 2024
In loving memory ~
John C. Wells was born in London, Ontario, on March 15th of 1944 to Velma May Clarke of Stratford Ontario and Howard Keith Wells of Fort William, (now Thunder Bay) Ontario, (both deceased).
The family soon relocated to West Vancouver where John (and his sister Kate) grew up either on or near the ocean. John loved the ocean all his life.
After graduating from school, John spent a few years travelling in Europe and the Middle East. After that, he lived in Vancouver for a few years before moving to Boss Creek in the Cariboo in 1972 with his first wife Susan (deceased), and their young daughter Tara. John never left the Cariboo and bought Hungry Valley Ranch in 1974, which would be his beloved home for the rest of his life. Over the years they had three more children: Tyler, Riley and Carly. John built a beautiful Cariboo oasis which he continued to love and nurture to his final day.
He took great care in creating a working ranch with hayfields, each one cleared by hand, while respecting and maintaining the natural beauty and environment.
John believed in helping family, friends, neighbours and the community. He was always willing to help a fellow human who was down on their luck and needed a helping hand as he always managed to see the good in people. He chose to accept others as they are, without judgment. John had an important impact on many people's lives and was cherished as a mentor and friend. Throughout his life he made many deep, unconditional friendship bonds.
John lived life to its fullest - he lived a life of adventures. The people who knew him know that he always had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. Sometimes they were lucky to get treated with a story or a joke, as only John could tell.
John had a brilliant, creative mind that was evident in everything he created on and around the ranch. From a unique gate latch, to a windmill at the pond to a beautiful home off grid - he took great pleasure and pride in solving puzzles and overcoming challenges. He loved researching projects and was always eager to continue learning and expanding his horizon.
Never willing to give up, no matter how tough things got, was another strength of his.
John was larger than life, and he was brilliant, smart, funny, kind, humble, modest and honest as they come.
John loved his family, enjoyed being a grandfather and tried to spend as much quality time as
he could with the grandkids. He loved them very much.
He enjoyed working his land and a dip in the lake after a hard day's work.
John enjoyed travelling, fishing, gathering with friends and dinners at the lake and on the barge.
He loved good food, peanut butter and pumpkin pie, a glass of good Scotch and good Tequila.
John met and fell in love with his second wife Christiane in 2008 and they were married in 2019. They created a beautiful life together on the ranch and loved each other until his last breath and their love will live on. He was a loving husband, life partner and best friend until he left this life too soon.
He is survived by his wife Christiane Nauen, his four children Tara Murray, Tyler Wells with partner Adrienne Montgomery and grand children Owen, Morrie and Luka; Riley Wells with partner Alyson Brda; Carly Wells and granddaughter Alisha Malfet; Sister Kate Wells with husband Nathan Enns; his stepkids, Fabian Esser with Alison Esser and Malia; Isabel Esser- Sandve with Corry Sandve; Caroline Esser with partner Shawn McEwen and Liam and Hayden.
And many, many dear friends.