John Edward Maunsell

Born May 5, 1934 in Victoria, BC, John Edward Maunsell died peacefully on April 14, 2026 at the age of 91.

Graduating Lake Cowichan High School in 1951, John went on to UBC to complete a degree in English and History in 1956. With a teaching career in his sights and a yen to travel, in 1960 he moved to England to take a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at London University. He met and married his wife, Micki the following year, inheriting three stepchildren: Sydney, William and Beverley. His son Jonathan came along in 1963.

After teaching school in London for several years, in 1967 John moved back to Canada with Micki, Beverley and Jonathan to settle in Vancouver, taking up a high-school teaching role in English and Drama initially at Burnaby North and then Killarney Secondary.

The dramatic arts were an early passion, first kindled in Whitehorse, Yukon; fanned into flames at Mountview Theatre Club in London, where he met Micki, an accomplished actor; and later passed on to several generations of students at Killarney. In 1974, together with Micki, he founded Westcoast Actors, an actor–run theatre company.

Retiring from teaching in 1994, John had more time for another passion: Philately — not only as a profitable hobby but as a business, establishing Steveston Stamps with like-minded partners who held regular stamp auctions for many years. He also rediscovered another fond hobby: Bridge, becoming a competitive Duplicate Bridge player in 2010 and advancing to the rank of Master. By 2017 he was teaching Bridge basics several times a week.

Predeceased by his wife, Micki and his three sisters, Robin, Jennifer and Melinda, John’s wit and humour, compassion and insight will be sorely missed by his children Jonathan Maunsell (and wife Stacey); Sydney (and husband Chris) Tingley; William (and Brenda) Peacock; Louise Stephen (and Rik Watson); Beverley Peacock; also his grandchildren William, Alex and Sam Maunsell (and their mother Judy Maunsell); Ben, Toby and Oliver Peacock; Kate and Nick Tingley; Alysa, Olivia and Emily Hanson; Max (and Lisa) Innala, Leyla Innala (and Karol Rajchert). He will also be deeply missed by other family, friends, colleagues and students, to all of whom he gave generously of his time, energy and affection.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate John’s amazing life at the Unitarian Church at 949 West 49th Avenue (49th & Oak St.) on Thursday, May 21st at 1 pm.

No flowers please. Donations in John’s name to Doctors Without Borders or Amnesty International would be appropriate and appreciated.