May 23, 1959 - Jan 13, 2018
John was born in Toronto Ontario May 23rd, 1959 and was adopted by Sverne and Johanna Bjornstrom of Bardu Norway. John moved to British Columbia at the age of 5, unable to speak English.
John grew up spending as much time as he could outside, enjoying nature and wildlife, and received the name of "Bushman" at an early age. John moved to Williams Lake at the age of 12, and got his first ranching job at the age of 13. John enjoyed not only wilderness, but a love of horses. John was also a well accomplished bare back rodeo star.
At the age of 15 John left Williams Lake on horseback via Highway 24, which at that time was a gravel logging road. He would make his way to Calgary, and eventually the Shuswap. Between the age of 15 until his return to Williams Lake in 2002, John made a name for himself as the infamous "Bushman of the Shuswap". John found himself under house arrest, and after answering to his crimes, he eventually went back to work as a truck driver. In 2014 John Bjornstrom ran for Mayor of Williams Lake, but lost to current Mayor Walt Cobb.
John brought a smile with him everywhere he went and always had a joke to share. John was selfless when it came to his many friends at the Salvation Army Drop In Center, often running a coffee tab for everyone who visited for the day.
John was a friend of The Salvation Army, and loved to dress up as Santa Claus for the community Christmas dinners.
John is survived by his children Julie Bernard (Grace, Austin) Nicholas Ard and wife Sarah Kuc (Ella, Georgia) Lisa Ard (Savanna) and his adopted siblings, Jennifer Bjornstrom, Ronald Bjornstrom and Ona Betts.
John passed suddenly Jan. 13, 2018 at the age of 58. John and will be greatly missed by his family and multitude of friends.
A celebration of life will be held at The Salvation Army Church at 267 Borland Street on February 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm with refreshment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army Williams Lake, or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.