John Ivan Padjen (Dida) passed away peacefully at Cowichan District Hospital on April 25, 2007. He was born July 22, 1924 in Gospic, Croatia. He leaves his loving wife and sweetheart Annie of 58 years, two sons Rocky (Kathy) of Canberra, Australia, Tom (Cindy) of Lake Cowichan, six granddaughters, Brooke, Kelsey, Rylie of Australia, Nina, Mila, and Heidi of Lake Cowichan; brother Mike (Vera); four sisters Annie (Bob), Mary, Kay, and Rosie; also many nieces and nephews. Dad served in the Canadian Army until the Wars end, then worked for Hillcrest lumber company and WFI until retirement. He was a proud member of Lake Cowichan Fire Department for 27 years, retiring as assistant fire chief. Dad and Mom were rarely apart and enjoyed their retirement years camping with the Nanaimo Gang and travelling to Australia and Croatia. He was an avid gardener well known for his great vegetables. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of 2 South and the kind care of Dr. Froese. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, PO Box 73, Duncan, BC V9L 3X1. A celebration of his life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2007 at St. Louis De Montfort Catholic Church, 60 Fern Road, Lake Cowichan, BC. A private interment followed at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be offered at www.sands-funeral.com