Obituary of JOHN EDMUND SOMMERFELD

JOHN SOMMERFELD

AUGUST 26, 1966 – JULY 26, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that I write this farewell to my dear, kind and deeply loved John.

On the afternoon of July 26^th, John passed peacefully to join all our loved ones who have passed before him.  He leaves behind his much-loved wife, Trish and his sister Edith (Michael), nephews (Brendan and Justin).

His battle with cancer was fought with bravery and determination but sadly, he was unable to win.  His will to stay with those he loved, for as long as he possibly could, was a true tribute to his strong will and spirit.

 All his life he displayed true determination, whether it came to working on cars with his friends as a teenager, to building a home or tree work.  He was a stickler for detail and always strived for perfection in anything he took on.

 John’s favorite thing to do was spend time at home; he was the definition of the phrase home body.  This allowed us to adopt a dog, which he had wanted since childhood.  The only thing was, he had anticipated a dog that behaved like Lassie.  Instead, he got a dog with a will and mind of its own but in spite of this, he couldn’t have hoped for a more loving ball of fur.  After waiting all his life for a dog, he didn’t stop with one but ended up with 4 beautiful, faithful, fur beyond belief hairy beasts that brought him great joy.

A few years ago, he obtained his arborist license and began a career in the arboriculture industry. He absolutely loved the work and always felt a great sense of accomplishment when he finished a job.  I’m not certain which he enjoyed more, the tree work or the clients and the chats they shared after the job was done.  He truly loved the work and he was saddened when he had to leave it behind to take on the battle of his life.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to the family and friends that kept an eye on John and I while he made this journey.  I don’t know what I would have done without their love and support and the enormous amount of “shoulder leaning” that I did and continue to do.  Thank you to the team of doctors and nurses at The Buhler Cancer Centre at the Vic for your care and kindness.  Thank you also to Palliative Care and the team of nurses that provided wonderful care and guidance. 

Life is full of uncertainty but one thing is for certain; we should love well and love deeply.

My dearest John, I was so blessed to have shared a love of a lifetime in you.  You will be loved always and remembered forever.  Until we meet again, you will be, forever in my heart.