Joni Vachon passed away on March 2, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, with strength and passion and characteristic humour – her final words: “Adios Amigos. Get the stuff on your bucket list done while you can.” It is a fitting farewell from a woman who had done exactly that, both before and during her long, courageous struggle with heart and lung disease.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, raised in Donald, BC by a Canadian World War II veteran, Harry Oseychuck and his Dutch war bride, Johanna Oseychuk (Besselink).
The family had a peaceful life in Donald, with various pets, including horses, dogs, cats, and also raised rabbits and chickens, where she formed her love of animals, which continued throughout her life.
Growing up in BC’s Columbia River Valley, she found her footing on steep mountain slopes and wild river currents, spending years as a ski patroller and whitewater rafting guide – Joni lived with a spirit as wide and open as the big skies she so deeply loved. It was a fitting beginning for a woman who would never stop moving to the next horizon. Extended time spent in Europe and around the world travelling deepened her world perspective and wanderlust.
Joni’s extensive post-secondary education included: an Agricultural degree at UBC, a Landscape Architecture degree from Utah and a Chiropractic degree from Georgia, which she later extended in San Francisco to care for animals, specializing in horses.
Her love of animals and her healing hands took her to Ireland and later England, when she was invited to work on equestrian horses there after treating one at an international event at Spruce Meadows. She subsequently spent 10 years in Ireland and England helping horses and humans alike.
All the places she lived in and loved included New Mexico, Texas, California and beyond, where she worked with people, dogs, cats and horses.
Those who knew Joni, a woman who was, in the best possible way, one of a kind. Vivacious and rubenesque, she was equally at home dressed up for High Tea, a night out or in her jeans.
She was open-minded, spiritual, and funny, with a sense of humour and a depth of compassion that left a mark on everyone she encountered.
Her joys were many and genuine: country western and ballroom dancing, rodeo, travel, theatre, a good restaurant, landscape design, interior decorating, photography, reading and more. But perhaps most of all, she treasured the simple things – working with her hands in the garden, quiet times, laughter and great conversations with family and friends.
She is survived by her two brothers and their wives, Jim (Lee) and Dood (Donna), as well as numerous cousins in Canada and Holland.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends around the world.
As per Joni’s wishes, her ashes have been spread in the sacred places that were dear to her heart. Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Columbia Valley.
A Celebration of Life for Joni will take place at the Golden Seniors Center on May 29th, from 1-4 PM. All are welcome!
