John Fyler Townesend, a member of the BIFHSGO Hall of Fame, passed away in Nanaimo, BC, on 3 February 2025. Born in Marylebone in 1936 to Ernest and Ethel (nee Aiken) Townesend, John emigrated to Canada and worked for various departments and agencies of the Government of Canada. In an article in the Spring 1998 issue of Anglo-Celtic Roots, he described himself as a retired Criminologist and BIFHSGO’s Vice President of publishing.
He was recognized in 2003 for setting and achieving high standards for British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa publications while a member of the Society Board of Directors from 1996 to 2002. The excellence of these standards was recognized through three international awards received by the Society journal, Anglo-Celtic Roots, during the years of his leadership.
John was a dear friend who had a big hearioit and a great love for people. I worked with him as a volunteer with a seniors residence for some years before I discovered that he was also a genealogist.
He was usually serious about his volunteer work with the seniors, so it wasn’t until he did a BIFHSGO talk that I discovered that he had a really great sense of humour.
John was a man of faith, who loved Jesus and cared deeply for others. He and his first wife faith adored their cats and join published a well researched book on Ottawa Seniors and nursing homes. He did this after helping friends and family members to find new homes in their declining years.
I am sure that after moving to the west coast and later marrying his second wife, he continued to contribute to his community in Naniamo.
I was sorry to hear of his passing.