Dec 22, 1941 - Jan 18, 2018
Born in Kitchener, Ontario, John was an only child who showed an early passion for the outdoors and the creatures that lived there. He studied Science at the University of Guelph and left for Uganda immediately following graduation. He came home briefly to marry Joan (Keyes), then returned to Africa with her.
After completing his graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin and the birth of his son, Dr John Bindernagel took a series of contracts with the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization in Tanzania, Iran, and Trinidad. Their daughter, Sarah, was born while they lived at the Serengeti Research Institute in Tanzania.
In the early 1970's, the Bindernagel family bought a house in Courtenay and settled down. It was here, on a hiking trip that John found a large footprint that sparked his passionate interest in the sasquatch. He spent the next forty years scientifically documenting evidence of its existence. He wrote two books on the subject, spoke at hundreds of conferences, and more recently, appeared on numerous television specials about the sasquatch. He was a champion of the many 'citizen-scientists' who came to him with eye witness accounts.
John was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. His bright-eyes, sharp intelligence and dry sense of humour will be truly missed.
John was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Mona Bindernagel. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Joan; son, Christopher (Wendy) of Courtenay, BC; daughter, Sarah (John) of Bellingham, WA; and grandchildren, Jack, Francis, Tobias and Savannah.
Particular thanks to Dr Daws, whose professional and compassionate care was all we could have hoped for, Terry James for his deep friendship, and the many friends who stopped by and wrote emails to him in the last weeks of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 27th, 2018 at 2 pm, at St George's United Church in Courtenay.