DOBERNIGG, John Herman

January 21, 1936 – March 4, 2023

It is with great sadness that the Dobernigg family announces the passing of our kind, generous, and hardworking husband, father, brother, and friend, John (1936-2023) . He is survived by his wife Priscilla, sister Ruth, sons David (Melissa), Philip (Kristy), Michael (Jodi), sister-in-law Martha, eight grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Walter.

Passionate about agriculture, John pulled off over 70 apple crops over his lifetime – an unreal accomplishment given one harvest does most people in!  Moving from northern Alberta as a child, he attended both Elementary and High school in Vernon.  He worked part-time at the Bay fitting the gentlemen of Vernon with the finest menswear, and learned business by working in banking at the Royal Bank in both Oliver and Prince Rupert. However he couldn’t quit talking about farming, and so turned full-time to orcharding in 1962, purchasing his first land at this time.

An active part of various Tree Fruit organizations, John contributed to the apple industry and expanded the orchard over the years to its current 40 acres.  John continued to help with thinning, pruning and tractor work right up until this past season – even when he could no longer drive a tractor he worked from his scooter – we bet the scooter manufacturer never envisioned the tire upgrade would be to “off-road” over uneven orchard terrain.  The rare moments not spent on a tractor or orchard ladder, John enjoyed cooking for his family and we will never be able to match his short rib or turkey dinner the same. ?

“Salt-of-the-Earth” and “Tough-As-Nails”, John was a rare gem of a by-gone era of farmers with his family and work at the heart of all he did. We will miss him greatly and his legacy will live on in his beautiful rows of orchard trees and the hearts of all he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Bible Church on April 6th, 2023 at 2:30pm in the fellowship hall.]

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com