John came to Canada in 1963 to work for Babcock & Wilcox in their nuclear engineering department where he travelled extensively. John retired in 1989 to pursue his love of sailing after having bought his first sailboat in 1976. Together with wife Pat (Patricia) they bought a sailboat in England and for the next 12 years John and Pat sailed through the British Isles, Europe and the Mediterranean. In addition to being an accomplished sailor, John volunteered for 30 years as an instructor with the Cambridge Power and Sail Squadron.
John was pre-deceased by his wife Isa (1979), son Sandy (2015), brother Alex (2012) and sister May (2011).
Surviving John are his wife Pat (nee Duncan), brother David, sons Gary (Fiona) of Glasgow UK, Iain (Shawn) and step children Alison (Chris), Jon (Julie) and Leslie (Roy).
Fondly remembering their ‘Grandpa John’ are grandchildren Calum, Ciara, Cian of Glasgow UK and step grandchildren Dani (Melanie), Jack Leiper, Vienna, Ashleigh, Christopher and Katrina all of Cambridge Ontario.
‘Grandpa’ will also be missed by his ‘Fuzz’y babies Dali, Frankie, Beans, Jaxin and Bogi. (who could always count on Grandpa to sneak an extra slice of turkey under the table).
The members of John's family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Tamara Holling and the exceptional staff at St Andrew’s Terrace whose compassion and care were a comfort to all.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at The Grand Valley Golf and Country Club (1910 Roseville Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S3) on Sunday February 3, 2019 from 1-5pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Cambridge or the Cambridge Humane Society.