John Kabatoff
August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Kabatoff
of Abbotsford, BC, on August 17, 2024.
He was born in March 1935, in Verigan, Saskatchewan, to parents John and
Mary Kabatoff. He was the oldest of his
other two siblings, Beverly and Virginia (predeceased).
John started working as an Athletics instructor at the Haney Correction
Centre before starting a 25-year career with Overwaitea Foods throughout
British Columbia. He then obtained his license and became a realtor, mostly in
the Mission, BC area.
John spent many years coaching minor league baseball and was an avid
sports fan. His favorite baseball team was the New York Yankees and favorite
basketball team the Golden State Warriors. While attending high school in
Mission, BC, John won numerous awards as a basketball player, including a BC
High School Provincial title.
Besides sports, John loved his Tim Hortons coffee, playing the Lotto and
mostly his “growing” family.
Over the last 4 years, John gradually lost his eyesight to a combination
of glaucoma and macular degeneration.
He is survived by his wife Laurena of 66 years, his children: Dana
(Scott) Guy, Kevin Kabatoff (Donna), Lee-Ann (Chris) Carlson, Sheryle (Craig)
Johnston, as well as grandchildren: Kyle (Kailee) Hosker, Brandon (Shannon)
Hosker, Lauryn Guy, Thomas Gardin (Melissa), Michale (Ashley) Carlson, Andrew
Carlson (Brittany), Nicholas (Deanna) Johnston, Jared (Kristin) Johnston, AND
ten (10) Great Grandchildren; Presley, Avah, Livia, Sophie, Aurora, Kai,
Addison, Skye, Kinsley, Benjamin.
John is also survived by his sister Beverly Belanger, niece Carol,
nephews Shane, Darren.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Valhaven Home, Clearbrook,
BC, for caring for John in his last year.
A celebration of life to be determined at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian National Institute
for the Blind (CNIB), or The Foundation Fighting Blindness-Canada
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
My good buddy and best First baseman I ever through a ball to!
John and I met in 1977 when we both joined Block Bros Realty in Mission. We had an awesome Office Team and a Fantastic Manager Jim Tracy.
I loved our Boys annual trip to the Sunshine Coast to go fishing and tell stories. Yes we would have a few cool ones!
Lorna and their 4 wonderful Children have lost a Great Husband and Father.
RIP John and we will see you on the other side for a few extra innings and fishing laughs.
Love ya Pal. JJ
~ Jim and Judy Young
We are sending our sympathy to the entire Kabatoff family. As a young teenage athlete I always enjoyed hearing John’s stories and and humorous antidotes. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Joe and Diane Best
~ Joe Best