When reflecting on his past community involvement, John Bos speaks of a rich variety of endeavours. Throughout many decades, he has dedicated himself to numerous projects, such as volunteering with Big Brothers & Big Sisters, initiating two outreach programs for teenagers, and participating in multicultural folk festivals to promote cross-cultural relationships. He and his wife, Norma, have also been involved in teaching Sunday School since 1974, and in 2014, became Anglican Bishop appointed Canons.
John is very proud of his family. Among his five children, each one has pursued a distinct career path. From a musician, an RCMP officer, a lawyer, a chiropractor, to an early childhood educator, their diverse professional choices reflect their individual passions. John and Norma are also blessed with seven grandchildren.
Another source of immense pride for John is his skilful craftsmanship of stained-glass windows. Shortly after World War II, when he was a small boy in Holland, his parents took him to their local church. It was there that he discovered the delights of stained glass. Little did he know that 30 years later, the craft would become his own, with him making pieces not only for churches, but also for private homes, restaurants, and hotels.
The first time he was given the opportunity to try his hand at stained glass was in 1967 when he attended a silent retreat at Sacred Heart Church in Ladner, BC. During one of the breaks, he noticed pieces of colourful, broken glass near the building. After inquiring about the pieces, John was directed to the Prior, Father Othmar, who was a stained-glass artist in the process of repairing the window. Father Othmar gave John a few pieces of glass, strips of lead, and some advice, all of which kickstarted a decades-long passion for the craft. To this day, John says he remains enchanted by the combination of glass, light, and design.
Engaging in this creative hobby has not only been therapeutic for John but has also been a source of strength during challenging times with his health. Twenty-seven years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer, resulting in surgery, and very fortunately, a clean bill of health. Then, two years later, John noticed a slight tremor in his right hand. His chiropractor son suggested John talk to his doctor, who referred him to a neurologist. The diagnosis was confirmed to be Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the neurologist painted a very grim prognosis, using words like “life terminating”. John has since seen another neurologist, who has been instrumental in rebuilding his self-confidence with her gentle and encouraging demeanour.
In the beginning, the disease presented as only a slight tremor. However, as his PD has advanced, John says that his list of symptoms and concerns grew. Thoughts about his future and quality of life started to come to mind. Norma suggested he make two lists, side by side – one called ‘What do I love to do?’ and another ‘What can I no longer do?’ John was delighted to see that there was nothing in the second list.
Interestingly, when he engages in any highly precise work, such as cutting stained-glass windows, John’s tremor completely ceases. It is almost as if the task overrides the tremor. “Challenges are limited only by your ability to face them,” says Norma. “John’s Parkinson’s makes [his craft] even more special, because he has not been limited.”
John’s desire to give back to the community did not stop when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In fact, it resulted in him and Norma starting a local support group in their community of Williams Lake. From simple beginnings of having coffee and dessert with couples in their home, to transitioning to a larger group atmosphere, John says that the support has made his concerns much easier to endure. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and family health concerns have brought the group to a halt temporarily, but John is confident they will start it up again when the time is right. “The laughter of friends, new or old, always proves to be excellent medicine and great inspiration,” he says. “It is in giving that we receive.”
To learn more about John, please visit www.bosglassworks.com
To watch a video about John and Norma’s glasswork, please visit https://youtu.be/2Uje6nz9G0U
To learn more about John, please visit www.bosglassworks.com
To watch a video about John and Norma’s glasswork, please visit https://youtu.be/2Uje6nz9G0U