I just heard from one of John's old paddling and walking buddies, Debbie, that he has died. My condolences to Pat and Johns family. The first thing that came to mind thinking of John was strength. He was the strong paddler, the strength of the group and had a strong presence that was felt by everyone. I heard about John in Banff before meeting him from Bucky and Doug when they taught canoeing in Manitoba together. He was a well respected paddler. We paddled some fun rivers together in the west and the magical Bonnet Plume In the Yukon. Although we had not seen each other for many years I will miss that strong man. I'm happy John choose to leave this world on his own terms. May his body be at rest now.

Dear Pat and family. Our sincerest condolences for your loss. A huge loss.
I have over the years visited in my mind the many great adventures we have had together. When I got the opportunity to join your Seal River trip it opened up a door to world class adventure. There are moments from each trip we did together etched in my mind. From Polar bears to Belugas to Moose running through our campsite. Sitting at the brink of Virginia Falls watching the violence of the sluice box being split by the spire of rock. The Moisie, I think of often. The struggles the terrain gave us. The rain. The perfect throw you made to my hand when Tim and I dumped on the Moisie. The strength it took to swing us in to safety. Wow! We had many laughs on all our adventures. Even in tough times (25 days of rain out of 26) we laughed our way through it. We will miss your sense of humor and your smile.

God bless.

Emails by many former students were expressing how sad it was to hear of Coach Silver's passing. St.John's was special back in the 70's with an incredible staff. John was a big part being involved in Football, Canoe trips and as Linda mentioned Track just to mention just a few. Personally it was his toughness as a football coach. Easy man to respect. Condolences to all those close to him!

John was one of my best Buddies growing up on Walker Avenue . He often intervened when the neighbourhood bullies pushed me around . We spent many hours playing sports and board games together . He coached me in becoming a baseball Catcher , a position I ended up playing in one form or another for 60 years .We kind of lost touch after University . I last saw him at the nice Tribute he organised for Clint Evans .You were a true friend to all in your circle ,johnny .Sincere condolences to the entire family .

My paddle's keen and bright
Flashing with silver
Follow the wild goose flight
Dip, dip and swing
Dip, dip and swing her back
Flashing with silver
Swift as the wild goose flies
Dip, dip and swing

John and Pat were around The Winnipeg Rowing Club cheering Emily and Karlee on during training and racing. We will always remember their support as we made the decision to move out west. We are thinking of the whole family at this time sending love and support.

My first canoe trip was on the Grass River organized by John. It was the perfect trip in terms of white water, weather, planning and execution. John said not to expect this to be repeated - so I made it my last trip, not wanting to break our perfect record. Great memories of Assassins rugby and Bison football where he taught me the essential skills as a linebacker. It was a privilege to spend time this summer with John and Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

So many memories for sure, from high school track,wrestling but my favorite our Canoe trips. I learned the joy of running, and paddling some incredible lakes, through Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, which I still do today some 45 years later. Why you made Wendy and I the rescue canoe through the rapids, still makes me laugh. Still puzzled by your love of diet Pepsi and salami in salads. Thank you for being you and inspiring so many of us with the love of paddling those amazing lakes. Love and light to your wonderful family

The World seems a little smaller now. John and I shared so many times over the years, Churchill High, Bulldogs, Assassin's Rugby and paddling. One of life's greatest joy is to find an amicable paddling partner to share the journey. May you find peaceful waters, and some sweet white ones, on the homeward leg my friend.

So many fond memories of Mr Silver at the Winnipeg Rowing Club and regattas. Always the biggest brightest smile, and wonderful cheerleader! Karlee , Emily, Breanne and Mrs. Silver sending you all warm rower hugs! May he be paddling on beautiful calm waters.

Mantgreat memories growing up. Church basketball, high school sports, Assassins rugby. Starting the Bullsog hall of fame dinners. His last dinner this year. So glad to have gotten a visit in. Though are with the family.

Mr. Silver was not only my track coach but also the teacher who helped me find the love of the outdoors on our canoe trips. I will never forget those gruelling portages, learning how to shoot the rapids, and most of all those peaceful serene lakes that are etched in my memory forever. My sincere condolences to the family.

RIP Mr. Silver.

Oh the times we had at these highland dancing lessons and competitions! Pat and Karlee, Emily and Breanne...you are in my heart. Rest in peace John.

As a kid I spent a lot of time at the Silver's house and have great memories of John. So many laughs were had and a lot of fun times. Condolences to Pat, Karlee, Breanne and Emily.

I'm so sorry to hear of John's death. Sincere condolences to his wife Pat, their daughters, and grandchildren. I enjoyed working with Pat at Rehab Centre for Children for many years.

John was such a good friend and impacted the lives of many friends through his varied interests in sports, film, the outdoors and many other. The Outdoor Education program and Film Productions at St. John's benefited greatly from his knowledge, skills and interactions with students. He taught me so much about canoeing and life skills. Many memories and stories.

John and I enjoyed golf adventures at various courses the past few years. We will all miss his humour and wonderful friendship.

My condolences to Pat and the Family.

John and I were fortunate enough to be in the BPE class of 1972.Our group was without a doubt the most fun (and we had our fair share of characters....John being one of them) but also the kindest most supportive group you will ever find..The

guys supported each other, kept in touch lending a hand when needed. The ladies are still among my closest, dearest friends. Then as fate would have it John and I got to teach together at St John's High School. We loved our time in the Jr Gym and the amazing students there. Somehow John convinced me to go outside (WAY OUTSIDE)

my comfort zone by going on a 10 day canoe trip. You could see how comfortable he was on the rivers and lakes. He was agreat teacher for our students outside of the gym instilling in them a love for the outdoors. I have many cherished memories and he will certainly be missed. My condolences to Pat and his beloved daughters.

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We still laugh about our time cross country skiing at Hecla Island when John used steel wool and a battery to heat up tang to drink. We loved his adventure stories. May your happy memories and "John" stories bring comfort and help keep him a part of your family gatherings. Sending love and condolences to Pat, Karlee, Breanne, and Emily.

Our paths first crossed on the football field at the University of Manitoba. As fate would have it, we both taught at St. John's HS where we spent many hours with our beloved Tigers as well as in the gym teaching Physical Education. His passion for teaching and coaching in his own inemitable straightforward style was not lost on his colleagues. It was a priviledge to call him friend.

To Pat and Family, my most sincere condolences....gone, but not forgotten....RIP John.

Jim Rosche

Nov 8, 2025 at 10:00 am

So sad to read of John's passing. We spent four great years together at St. John's High School working as a team in the production of four feature length films. It was John's remarkable filming and technical skills that made these film accomplishments possible. But John was more to me than a

gifted colleague. He was a greatly valued friend who enhanced my life. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere

condolences to his family.

I was so sorry to read of John's passing. We haven't seen each other for many years but I always valued his friendship & support when we attended highland dance competitions when our girls were danncing. Such a caring & insightful father & friend.

My deepest sympathy to Pat, Karlee, Breanne & Emily. 💕

John and I were undergraduates in our BPE class. We were among a group who occasionally spent time at restaurants and pubs along Pembina highway and at house parties (John preferred a cold Pepsi rather than a brew). He had a terrific sense of humour and enjoyed planning elaborate pranks. I was the target on occasion. We were pleased to spend time with John at our 50th reunion. He is missed by all of our class and many more.

Long time memories on the practice fields at Bisons and at Assasines rugby field on Churchill Drive. John`s friendly and honest personality made him popular with all his team mates. His love of sports came natural to John. We shared the same position on Bisons and his hard work and dedication kept me focused and honest. John was a great guy and teamate. I will miss him very much. (See you man)

Sincere condolences to John's family. The values he lived by and his joy of nature will continue to be reflected in his daughters and grandsons. Life well lived.

John will be missed but not forgotten. Our sincere condolences to Pat and the Silver Family. The picture of John sitting on the dock, with camera in hand captures him at his "best". .He was a true outdoorsman.

Farewell good friend. .

It is with great sadness that I learned of John's passing.

Most memorable for me was when John and Pat would often stop by our cottage on Dorothy Lk, for a nice chat with Bruce and I before John then biked the rest of the way to their Betula Lk. cabin.

My sincere condolences to Pat and the girls. He will be missed.

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Pat and family, when someone you love becomes a memory, memories of him become a treasure. Cheers to a brave man who loved his family, the outdoors and the peace of a canoe ride.

Our condolences to the family and friends of John. We will miss our long time friend. We are greatful that we were able to recently visit with John.