John Braithwaite spent 23 years as a councillor for the city of North Vancouver from 1972-1976 and from 1983-2002. He also had almost 40 years of experience as a social worker, especially dealing with troubled youth.
To mark his outstanding community service, the 35,000 square foot John Braithwaite Community Centre opened in October 2004 in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver.