Jo was born in Walton, Surrey, England, the only child of George and Kathleen Briggs. After he finished school he joined the RAF, gaining his pilot’s wings just before the end of WWII. He qualified as an architect from the London School of Architecture. In 1953 he married Shirley and they came to Canada. They lived in Prince George where they raised their 3 children, Sarah, Holly and Geoff.
When Jo retired in 1984 he and Shirley moved to a property on the Koksilah River at Cowichan Station, where they raised sheep. The grandchildren had many happy holidays there. In 2004 they moved into Duncan.
Jo was very active in the Anglican Church. He was involved in many community organisations including Cowichan Green Community, The Land Conservancy and the Homelessness Committee. He served for a time on the Board of Brentwood College.
Jo had a heartfelt commitment to issues of social justice and environmental sustainability. He was a loving and generous man with a great sense of humour.
He is survived by Shirley, children Sarah, Holly Verticchio (Lu), Geoff (Margot), grandchildren Paul, Leroy, Evan, Christina, Michael, David, Nina and Gillian, great grandchildren Sophia and Tom.
A celebration of Jo’s life was held on Monday June 8. Donations may be made in his memory to the Anglican Church’s Primate’s World Relief Fund.