John Henry Moyes
October 17, 1937 to July 30, 2024
Obituary
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, John Henry Moyes crossed over the bar* at the age of 86.
John was born on October 17, 1937, in the heart of London’s shipping and marine industry, near the East India docks. He had a legendary memory and could clearly recall helping put out incendiary bombs with his sand bucket at age three and had detailed memories of June 6, 1944, when his dear sister Marie and he noticed that the tanks of the training Canadian and American soldiers (who had recently given them their first chocolate biscuits) had suddenly left the fields around St. Neots one morning while they were walking to school. D-Day. Despite the war, John had fond memories of his childhood and adored his family.
John Moyes’ life was full of stories, most of them true, of an adventurous, passionate and blessed life, by his ability to see an opportunity and take an educated risk. He had a 40-year career as a successful businessman in the marine industry in Newfoundland and Labrador; was proud to count many fishermen and their wives all across the province among his friends. When the phone rang in the middle of the night, we always knew it was a fisherman asking for advice about his broken-down engine or to put his coveralls on and head to the harbourfront to inspect an engine. He built up incredible marine and snowmobile businesses for Steers Limited, and then Charles R Bell, followed by Liftow and was honoured to be the first distributor of Volvo Penta diesel engines in the country.
Yet, as much as he loved being a ‘nuts and bolts man,’ he always said he was an actor with a day job. Soon after arriving in St. John’s, John joined the St. John’s Players and has been actively involved in both amateur and professional theatre ever since. In 1967, the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre opened with Tom Cahill’s adaptation of Harold Horwood’s Tomorrow Will Be Sunday as part of the national Dominion Drama Festival for which John won Best Supporting Actor. John performed and directed over 100 community plays and has won several provincial drama festival awards.
As a professional actor, John has been a member of ACTRA for more than 40 years and has performed in more than 400 radio plays, stage, film, and television productions. He played many notable historical characters in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history, including Sir Humphrey Gilbert in the CBC production Cornerstone of Empire, winning the ACTRA award for Best Production of the year and a Best Actor Nomination.
John was passionate about community volunteering and served as Board member and Chair of The Crow’s Nest, the Beothuk Institute, the Commonwealth Society, and the St. John’s Players as well as board member of Maritech, Bombardier Canada and the Resource Centre for the Arts. In 2014, John was awarded the National ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society’s Leslie Yeo Award for volunteerism.
John was an avid runner, won medals and held provincial records for the 100 metres, high jump and more and encouraged and coached us in track, referring to us the Union Track Club.
He could not have done much of this without the intense love and support and holding down of the fort from his teenage sweetheart Magda (Margaret) Moyes. Ballroom dance partners from the age of 17 (she was his teacher), they courted for eight years before marrying and moving to this wonderful province in 1964, to work on Water Street, in the heart of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industry.
John and Magda absolutely loved their lives and large circle of theatre friends and others in St. John’s. They created a home where everyone felt welcome, at over 55 Boxing Day curries, and countless parties and gatherings. John was an adopted dad to many and a great friend to many more. We are forever grateful to John for passing on his love of learning, the arts, leadership, and the importance of community to his children and grandchildren.
Predeceased by his parents, John Henry and Marie, brother Richard and wife Magda in 2022, John will be sorely missed by his children, Louise (Mark), Jonathan (Shahrzad) and Rebecca (Terry); grandchildren Stella, Ava, Gabriel, Kate and Ash; sister and brother-in-law Marie and Peter Garner as well as nieces and nephews Karen, Paul, Dean, Gina, Lisa, Debbie and their families with whom he remained closely connected throughout his life; extended family Ann, Steve and Margie McLean and Kathleen McNeil; as well as special friends Lisa, Robert and Simon Hurd, Gary Cook and Lisa Piercey, Lisa Barnes, Fabian and Janet O’Keefe, Frankie O’Neill, David Ferry, the Dupree family and fisherman and master boat builder Vernon Petten.
We wish to give heartfelt thanks to Dr. Costello, Dr. Greenland, Dr. Ryan, Head Nurse Moores, and the staff of 4 North A at the Health Sciences Centre for their care and kindness during John’s hospital stays.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home on Thursday, August 8th, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A celebration of life will follow later in August. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Cultural Artist Emergency Fund at capeartistemergency@gmail.com. In memory of John, please consider joining a local community board.
‘He was a man take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.’ – Hamlet, Shakespeare.
*Royal Navy term to inform of a person that has died.
Please note that Carnell’s is a nut free building due to a staff member with a severe allergy. Thank you for your cooperation.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on August 8, 2024
7-9 p.m. on August 8, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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The man who shared my birthday has gone.!
I remember John as a close, loyal, and sparkling friend.. It is hard to put into words the sadness I feel when hearing of his death. To the family, my most sincere sympathy – and a memory for Rebecca, I knew you since you were born, held you in hospital and feel a special connection with you. Therefore, I feel your pain and have a sense of your loss.
Sincerely, Jean McKinlay Muncy
Sorry to hear about John’s passing…
We meet John at the Crow’s Nest and had Wonderful conversations’ always will remember those times with him.
To his Family our Condolence…….
Please let me offer my sincere condolences to Louise, Jonathan, and Rebecca at the loss of your father.. John was, among many other things, a great man of the theatre. When I joined the St. John’s Players many years ago, he was one of our guiding lights.. He has been both a friend and a mentor to me over the years. He will be missed by us all but by you in particular. My thoughts and and my prayers are with you.
John L. Whelan and Family
Our deepest sympathies to John Jr, Rebecca and Louise on the passing of their dad. As John and Magda’s neighbours for the last 8 years, we had the pleasure of getting to know one another well. From sharing the scattered gin and tonic to having biscuits and tea at their home during a social visit, we thoroughly enjoyed their company. While we are sad that they are now both gone, we are very fortunate to have so many great memories.
Shawn and Noelle Patten
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Rebecca. Condolences to you and your family.
My late husband (Snowy) thought highly of John and spoke of. Him often over the yes. My condolences to all the family.
Sincere condolences to family and friends. John certainly lived life to the fullest and leaves many fond memories behind. He had an abundance of wit, charm, cheerfulness as well as an indomitable spirit.
Rest in Peace John
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. I know John was a big part of our extended family and a dear friend to my Nan Vera Dupree. He radiated a joie de vivre with his glowing personality. He will be missed dearly.
Louise and family, sincere condolences on your loss. John was a larger than life person with a joyous spirit. I am sure you will miss him terribly.
To the Moyes Family,
We were surprised and saddened to learn of your Father’s passing.. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John was a wonderful man. Truly, his like will never be seen again. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Bonjour Louise, Djany et moi te souhaitons toute nos condoléances ainsi qu’à ta famille .on garde de lui un très bon souvenir.
To John’ family
We had the great pleasure of knowing both John and Magda through the Nest over many years. John always with a smile and a welcome and a story was a wonderful person full of life. Rest in Peace John.
Linda and Dave Dewling
To John’s family and friends:
I had the great pleasure to meet, and get to know John through our mutual affiliation and membership in The Royal Commonwealth Society. I remember John fond.y for his sense of humour, his honesty and devotion to all things in which he was involved. Rest in peace, John.
Past Vice Chair
RCS St. John’s NL. Ranch
Dear Rebecca and family., I was sorry to read this morning of the passing of your father. Only yesterday we drove past the War Memorial and Crow’s Nest, and he immediately came to mind. Our condolences.
Larry and Theresa Walsh
To the family
John was a consummate sales professional.. He knew engines and he knew how to get a repeat customer. I purchased three engines from him over the years.
I also had the opportunity to participate in a “Royal Tour” with him. When we visited the Volvo Penta factory in Sweden and then toured his hometown of England. This trip is a lifelong memory I will never forget.
John left a lasting mark in the world of business and friendship.
Sincere condolences
Louise, Rebecca and John and family, my sincere sympathies on the passing of your father. He will live on in many a memory…
Mr. Moyes was such a nice man. Always kind, good natured and generous of spirit. I recall the last time I saw him a couple of years back. He was in great form, laughing and joking, and it was easy to appreciate that he was someone who enjoyed life to the fullest. I remember thinking that I wanted to be like him. He will be missed. Condolences to Jonathan, Louise, Rebecca and the family.
Sorry for your loss.
To John’s family and friends
John was my long time dear friend. I recall meeting him for the first time as I believe I was one of the first fisherman to have a Volvo Penta engine installed in my boat. It was on the “Iris and Donna”, a vessel that was 45 feet in length and named after my daughter and niece. John travelled to Port-de-Grave with Bert LeDrew from Charles R Bell Ltd. to make the sale of the engine. I purchased three more engines from John after that. I encountered John quite frequently over the years and we developed a lasting friendship. On one occasion I asked him if he could understand what I was saying and he replied “let me take you to Devon in England and you will know why I can understand as they speak just like you”! I often wished I took that trip with him. I have many wonderful memories of him which I often recall with fondness.
My sincere condolences.,
Hilary and I send our sincere condolences to Louise, Rebecca and Jonathon and their families on the loss of a father, father-in-law and grandfather. A warm heated individual. We will never forget that wonderful laugh, I can hear it now.
Rest in peace John, we loved you for your sense of fun, his full enjoyment of life and what his and Magda’s friendship meant to us and my mother Mary.
Andy and Hilary
So sorry to hear this news,. A delightful man, and a life very well lived – thinking of you all, Jennifer and John
Dear Rebecca, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your amazing father. I had the honour of meeting him several years ago and we had a delightful conversation. May your pleasant memories help carry you all in your time of grief.
John would light up the room at the Crow’s Nest. He was so fun-loving and had great humor and wit. Always one to welcome first time visitors to the Nest and be surrounded by all his friends there. I’m sure he is still having fun and laughter now on the other side.
Louise, Rebecca, Jonathan and families,
Sincere sympathy on John’s passing.
My thoughts are with all of you.
Jane
Jonathan, Louise, and Rebecca, I’m sorry for your loss
My condolences to John’s family he was a very special person who always had time for everyone and brought a smile to everyone he met.
He will be sadly missed.
My sincerest condolences on the passing of John. I have fond memories of our discussions during our time with the RCS.
My sympathy to all the family.Kate always though of him as an original pillar of the Drama of the Ptovince.The arts scene is dimmer for his exit.
Louise, Rebecca and Jonathan and your families, I am so sorry for your loss.
Both Lisa and I miss you already John.
Must be I first met John in 1966. We had some great times on stage and some wonderful trips to the old country together.
Thanks, sir; all the rest is mute. – William Shakespeare.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was amazing and always brought a smile to my face. Sending love and hugs.
I knew John and Magda from the Crow!s Nest … my fondest memory of them is dancing… after dinners and occasions there, they would dance together…. They were super good. Both always interesting to talk to, share stories with… they always brought so much with them and shared it around…. Both are now sadly missed
My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the family.
So very sorry to read this sad news. John was one in a million, always ready for a chat and a good story. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
To the family of John, Ruby and I send our heartfelt condolences to each of you. John was a long time friend as our history dates back many years with our connection to the Crow’s Nest. He will be remembered fondly..
Ed Williams
Mike and I are saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was an extraordinary gentleman and we always enjoyed our banter. He was a friend of my late Uncle Bob Innes and we saw John and Magda when at the Crowsnest many events. I am certain when I say he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace with his dear wife who has gone before him.
John would never be at a loss for words as we are now, trying to express what he meant to us. Never. He was one of the greatest masters of words, one of the greatest storytellers we ever met. All we ever wanted was to listen to him, for hours on end, for days, for decades, although we both love to talk. The sound of his voice, his fabulous stories, will ring in us forever. As will his humour and laughter, his knowledge and wisdom, his generosity and, most importantly, his kindness.
We both feel immensely privileged to have been able to spend time with him just days before he passed, and truly wonderful times too, as always. Thank you SO much for that.
We are eternally grateful for all those magic times of lore and love and life, and for having had the privilege of knowing John, and the treasure of him being part of our lives. He always will be.
He made Newfoundland home for us. Chosen family: That is what he was and always will be.
We love you and will never forget you, dearest John. We will drink a Gin and Tonic, or two, and make cucumber and salmon sandwiches to toast to you, and to Magda, and to the most terrific memories anyone can wish for. Thank you!!!!!
With all our love from Germany,
and our deepest condolences as well as big hugs and love to the wonderful Moyes family,
Annerose, Jan and Martina
Jonathan and all your family …. Our sincere condolences on your father’s passing so close on the loss of Magda. Take comfort and cheer in the wonderful memories he has left you all.
Mary and Tom Sullivan
Condolences to all the family. Lots of fond memories of John.
Condolences to all John’s family and friends. John truly was a lovely man with an awesome personality. All The DuPree family treasured our long friendship and have many beautiful and fun filled memories ❤️. May John RIP and dances til eternity with Magda
Much love
Pat & Rick
Xoxo