In memoriam: John Geerdes

John Geerdes’ independent nature and immeasurable curiosity led him to leave Iowa City, Iowa, to study at the University of Victoria where he had planned to pursue computer science and business. A strong athlete with a vibrant personality, John, 18 years old, had just started his freshman year in 2019 when he was tragically killed in a bus crash while on a UVic biology field trip to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

John embraced his passions with a keen focus, whether they be reading, history, building and working on computers, a friendly debate, soccer, his job as a lifeguard or spending time with his four siblings and friends. John had a big kind heart, easy grin and irrepressible personality, and everyone he encountered of all ages became a member of his ever-growing circle of amazing friends.

UVic has now established the John Geerdes Memorial Bursary. Beginning in the 2021 fall term, a bursary in John’s name will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student entering UVic. All majors are eligible and preference will be given to an Indigenous student.

John, who was fortunate to have outstanding mentors and coaches in his life, had a unique ability to prioritize what is important. Although a fierce competitor on the soccer field, John was a team player who willingly supported others.

John leaves us with a legacy of joy and the memory of a genuinely good human being, and he would want other students to have opportunities to develop themselves and find their home in a world where everyone is welcome.

—Submitted by Mary Murphy and Gregg Geerdes