John David Templin
June 19, 1939-October 8, 2026
It is with sadness that we announce that John David Templin of Kitchener passed away Oct. 8, 2026, at the age of 87 while in palliative care at Waterloo Regional Health Network’s Chicopee location.
He is survived by his loving wife, Petronella (Nellie) (née van Vugt), to whom he was married for 40 years and who steadfastly provided care so that he could enjoy the comforts of home before being transferred into palliative care in his final week.
John was predeceased by his father, John Hiles Templin (1989) and by Mother Margaret Teasdale Templin (1974). Predeceased by mother-in-law Josina Heuvelmans (2013) and father-in-law, Johannes (John) Heuvelmans (2005).
He is survived by brothers-in-law Hendricus (Harry) van Vugt (Brenda) of Windsor and Dan Van Vugt of Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as nephew Dave van Vugt (Tanya) of Windsor and family.
John had a close relationship with his late mother-in-law, Josina Heuvelmans/van Vugt, and routinely made the drive every two weeks with Nellie from Kitchener to Ridgetown to care for her needs while she was a resident at The Village on the Ridge. It was through Josina that John became acquainted with many members of the Heuvelmans family.
John was a man of faith who took comfort from his Bible readings. He enjoyed making people laugh and had a repertory of jokes and limericks that he would gladly share (and sometimes inflict) on an audience. If a piano was nearby, John could usually be found at the keyboard entertaining all with his considerable skill.
Along with his special dog Timmy, John also enjoyed the lakes and rivers of the Port Loring area and would traditionally begin the holiday with a recitation, from a canoe, of The Song of Hiawatha, the epic poem of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
The family extends a heartfelt special thanks to Dr. Mohan Babapulle, Dr. Claire Marjorie Harlick, Dr. Jonathon Langridge and Dr. Andrea Molckovsky for dealing with John’s complex medical challenges.
The family is also deeply grateful for the care of the palliative care staff who visited the home and also at the Waterloo Regional Health Network’s Chicopee location. Many thanks also to PSW Ankita.
Cremation has taken place and it was John’s wish to be remembered privately. If you wish to make a contribution in his memory, please consider a donation in Support of CNIB Guide Dogs or to the charity of your choice.
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