Obituary for John Joseph Banks Sorel
SOREL John Joseph Banks, died peacefully at the North Shore Hospice on January 26, 2024.
John is survived by his wife Kathleen, stepchildren Nalini and Syam DIL Melanie, and fondly remembered as JJ to his grandchildren Mishka, Alaya, Roman and all in Trinidad and Tobago. He is also survived by his brother Peter in Victoria, sister Patricia , BIL Kirk, Nikolas (Rochelle), Alayna, granddaughter Alexander (Taylor). He is predeceased
by Fred & Marie Sorel.
John was born on November 27, 1946, in St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. He was a graduate of West Van High and SFU University In 1970. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History, Geography and also received his Economics degree. John enjoyed over 40 years in the insurance business. Initially at Lloyds of London UK then to senior executive positions at Johnson and Higgins. He spent the latter part of his career at Marsh Canada until he retired in 2019. John was a high achiever and had an extensive background in risk management, business development, quality control and client satisfaction in the marine and aerospace insurance sectors. As well as related insurance services for his clients. John was recognized throughout his career with Gold Circle Club status titles and extensive travel. He was a snappy dresser for sure! His bow ties and socks being his favourites! He was a long standing member of the Vancouver Club and the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (with no boat). But his favourite membership was at any Costco with Nini and having to explain the haul! Shopping was his passion.....for anything!
An avid athlete, John ran marathons and loved cycling, skiing, kayaking, golf, and hiking the North Shore and Penticton mountains. John loved cars, watches, cooking and wine and regular coffee sessions with friends. John & Kathleen’s happy place was their Penticton Cottage. There they had some of the best times in their lives. From Gardening and BBQing to repairing and altering their cabin with their many friends and family. John loved to be the one to supervise these jobs and to be the one milling about in the lake with Tiggy, Indie, Tao, Mimi or Milo blu over the years.
Special Thank You to the plethora of family, friends and former colleagues for your tremendous kindness and support. Also, the palliative team with Catherine Jarvis RN and other nurses and support staff and North Shore hospice. A special thanks to the Living Well home support and their wonderful staff.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Agency, North Shore Hospice or SPCA in John’s name. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the Spring. To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.mckenziefuneralservices.com.
John is survived by his wife Kathleen, stepchildren Nalini and Syam DIL Melanie, and fondly remembered as JJ to his grandchildren Mishka, Alaya, Roman and all in Trinidad and Tobago. He is also survived by his brother Peter in Victoria, sister Patricia , BIL Kirk, Nikolas (Rochelle), Alayna, granddaughter Alexander (Taylor). He is predeceased
by Fred & Marie Sorel.
John was born on November 27, 1946, in St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. He was a graduate of West Van High and SFU University In 1970. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History, Geography and also received his Economics degree. John enjoyed over 40 years in the insurance business. Initially at Lloyds of London UK then to senior executive positions at Johnson and Higgins. He spent the latter part of his career at Marsh Canada until he retired in 2019. John was a high achiever and had an extensive background in risk management, business development, quality control and client satisfaction in the marine and aerospace insurance sectors. As well as related insurance services for his clients. John was recognized throughout his career with Gold Circle Club status titles and extensive travel. He was a snappy dresser for sure! His bow ties and socks being his favourites! He was a long standing member of the Vancouver Club and the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (with no boat). But his favourite membership was at any Costco with Nini and having to explain the haul! Shopping was his passion.....for anything!
An avid athlete, John ran marathons and loved cycling, skiing, kayaking, golf, and hiking the North Shore and Penticton mountains. John loved cars, watches, cooking and wine and regular coffee sessions with friends. John & Kathleen’s happy place was their Penticton Cottage. There they had some of the best times in their lives. From Gardening and BBQing to repairing and altering their cabin with their many friends and family. John loved to be the one to supervise these jobs and to be the one milling about in the lake with Tiggy, Indie, Tao, Mimi or Milo blu over the years.
Special Thank You to the plethora of family, friends and former colleagues for your tremendous kindness and support. Also, the palliative team with Catherine Jarvis RN and other nurses and support staff and North Shore hospice. A special thanks to the Living Well home support and their wonderful staff.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Agency, North Shore Hospice or SPCA in John’s name. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the Spring. To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.mckenziefuneralservices.com.