John E. Marriott: The Man Behind the Lens and His Battle with Cancer
If you haven’t heard the name John E. Marriott, you’ve certainly seen his work. A local legend in Canmore, John’s stunning wildlife photography graces the sides of Roam Public Transit buses, showcasing the majesty of Canada’s wilderness. His work is both nationally and internationally recognized, with awards in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, stamps from Canada Post, and even coins from the Royal Canadian Mint bearing his name. But beyond the art and accolades lies a deeply personal story—one that reveals John not just as a photographer but as a cancer survivor, an unwavering community supporter, and a man profoundly grateful for the care he received at Canmore General Hospital.
A Passion for Wildlife and Photography
John’s journey to Canmore began like many before him when he was drawn to the beauty of the Rockies. Originally from British Columbia, he made his way to Banff in 1992 and moved to Canmore in 1995. “I’ve been in the valley for 32 years now,” he recalls with a smile. Initially working odd jobs to make ends meet—mini-golf at the Banff Springs Hotel, teaching computer classes at Get Smart—John was already nurturing a passion for wildlife photography. “In the year 2000, I went full-time as a nature photographer,” he shares, a decision that would lead to an illustrious career as one of Canada’s top wildlife photographers.
“I guess I’m now considered a senior statesman in wildlife photography, both in Canada and internationally,” John reflects humbly. His photos have earned him spots in prestigious competitions, and his work has become iconic, decorating everything from buses to license plates. But his heart has always remained with the animals and landscapes he captures, a passion that continued even during one of the most challenging times of his life.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In February 2022, while tracking cougars in the Okanagan, John’s life took an unexpected turn. “I had this strange sensation, like I needed to go to the bathroom, but nothing would happen,” he explains. It was an unusual symptom that kept recurring, and by May of that year, it started happening more frequently. Two of John's friends, who had both passed away from cancer, had left him with a crucial piece of advice: "If you ever have anything go wrong with your health, go see a doctor. Don’t be a guy about it."
Taking their words to heart, John went to the doctor, and after months of tests and a gut-wrenching colonoscopy in September 2022, he heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “Cancer.” He chokes up as he recalls the moment. "That was the literal start of the journey."
What followed was a whirlwind. A CT scan revealed not just a tumour in his colon but also a large tumour on his kidney. “It all escalated very, very quickly,” he says. By November 2022, John underwent a gruelling seven-hour surgery to remove 18 inches of his colon and his left kidney. Fortunately, the kidney tumour, while large, was deemed non-dangerous, but the colon cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, meaning chemotherapy would be next.
A Community That Cares
John’s battle with cancer wasn’t just about surviving—it was about doing so in the comfort of his own community. For that, he credits the Canmore General Hospital and its incredible staff. “I was told I would be able to do chemotherapy at the Canmore Cancer Clinic,” John says, his voice filled with gratitude. "It was a game-changer."
In December 2022, John began his first round of chemotherapy, a process that would extend through June 2023. Walking into the clinic for the first time, he recalls, “I was greeted by Ashley and Fiona, the two regular nurses, with so much care and love.” Their support, along with the other nurses, home care staff, and even the massage therapist, made an overwhelming experience feel manageable. “By the end, I’d walk in and everyone knew my name. It was like a family,” he says, his eyes misting over.
The clinic, with its dedicated staff and serene mountain views, became a sanctuary for John during his treatment. “It’s impossible not to go in with trepidation and fear, but the staff made all the difference,” he says. The ability to receive treatment in Canmore, close to home, spared him hours of travel to Calgary—time he could instead spend recovering in the peace of his own home.
An Uplifting Message
John’s recovery hasn’t just been physical—his mental resilience has played a huge part in his journey. “After the initial diagnosis, I spent a week thinking about dying. But then I switched my mindset. I was going to survive this,” he says, determination evident in his voice. He approached chemotherapy the same way, focusing on staying physically fit and mentally strong throughout his treatment. "I hiked, I hit the gym, I did everything I could to prepare myself for what was coming," he says.
Now, months after finishing chemotherapy, John reflects on his journey with immense gratitude. “The Canmore General Hospital, the Cancer Clinic, the Foundation—without them, I don’t know where I’d be,” he says. “Most small towns don’t have anything like this, and we are extraordinarily fortunate to have this in our own backyard.”
A Grateful Patient
John E. Marriott’s story is one of resilience, passion, and gratitude. As a survivor and a longtime supporter of the Canmore Hospital Foundation, he knows firsthand how essential the facility is to the community. “I hope people realize just how important it is to support the hospital. It’s not just about cancer treatment—it’s about having a state-of-the-art facility that allows people like me to stay close to home, surrounded by the community that loves them.”
For John, every day is a gift, and his work, as always, continues to reflect the beauty and fragility of life. Whether it’s through his photography or his inspiring battle with cancer, John E. Marriott remains a pillar of the Canmore community—capturing not just the wild, but the human spirit.