John Lees

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Lees on Sept 22nd, 2025 surrounded by his family at Caressant Care, in Listowel Ontario, at the age of 88, just shy of his 89th Birthday. 

John was born in Scotland on November 9, 1936 to his parents, John and Marion Lees.  He was an athletic young man who loved sports and enjoyed playing soccer (football).  As a young man John became a British Police Officer and served in England with Scotland Yard.  He loved to share policing stories, especially about the time he had to provide protection to Queen Elizabeth at a horse racing event. John also served with the British Airforce and was stationed in Germany.  John moved to Canada in 1967. He then served with the Canadian Armed Forces as a sergeant and was trained and worked as an air traffic controller.  When he left the Canadian Armed Forces he had a successful career as an air traffic controller with Bombardier where he retired from. 

John has lived in many places around the world and often fondly spoke of his experiences in the many countries he visited in his travels and through his time with the armed forces.  

John enjoyed watching and coaching hockey.  He often spoke proudly of his sons and grandchildren who played.  He had a favourite chair he liked to watch TV from, and there was always a crossword puzzle from the newspaper and a dictionary and thesaurus on the ottoman. He loved the challenge of completing them.  He also loved going for a bike ride after dinner, and when he was younger a fun game of tennis.  John was always handy around the house and often involved his grandkids in being his apprentice. 

John had a love of gardening and could grow the most beautiful Rose of Sharon’s, Rhododendrons, Roses, and plentiful tomato plants.   He also had a great love of music and an eclectic music collection of many artists.  Some of his favourites were Elton John, Queen, ColdPlay, and AC/DC.  However you would also find some beautiful classical music in his car as well.  John enjoyed live musical theatre and always loved a meal at Swiss Chalet.  When he needed to relax, he often enjoyed a game of solitaire on the computer.  John also had two dogs that he loved dearly (Susie and Holly, both predeceased) who will now meet him at the Rainbow Bridge. 

John valued education and always encouraged his children and grandchildren to have goals that would ensure them a successful future, and that included talks about saving money for their future and retirement.  In his retirement he encouraged his grandchildren’s education and enjoyed teaching them BEDMAS when they were little to make them great mathematicians.  He often taught them about science, and always had an Atlas available to teach them about the world and his travels. 

John loved to BBQ, he enjoyed family visits and special holidays.  He loved Joyce’s roast beef dinners with mashed potatoes and gravy.   He liked to cook and help in the kitchen.  He also loved to fold laundry.  Summer was a special time of year for him as he loved being outdoors, and taking trips to the local ice cream shop for a special treat.  

John is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Joyce Lees who was devoted to caring for him in the past 10 years as he battled his diagnosis of Dementia.  Their love story is that of two widowers that found love again.  They shared a common bond of losing a spouse and raising children on their own after their spouses had passed away.  Their losses brought them together, and with their children they formed a beautiful blended family.  Joyce was his best friend, and partner in life.  John always made Joyce a cup of tea in the morning as they started their day.  Once they retired John and Joyce enjoyed playing darts together, gardening, and visiting with family.  They often watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy together and would compete to see who would get the right answer. They liked to go out for dinner, going for walks, and often enjoyed just going out for a drive.  John will be deeply missed by Joyce. 

John was a devoted father to Julie MacNeill (Roger Shirran), David Lees (Predeceased), and Richard Lees (Predeceased).  

John was also a devoted step-father of 34 years to Brenda Dumond-Novotny (Stephen Novotny) and Michelle Goodwin (Mike Goodwin). 

John was adored and deeply cherished by his grandchildren John MacNeill (Samantha MacNeill), Amy Falls (Ian Falls), April Giancola (David Giancola), Vanessa Goodwin, Myles Novotny (Amy Caldwell) , Rebecca Goodwin, and Chloe Novotny.  

John was also fortunate to be loved by his 5 great grandchildren, Owen, Willem, Holden, Cole, and Jack.

John was the dear brother of Archie, Ella (predeceased), Effie, and Elizabeth (predeceased).  

Cremation to take place on September 24th, 2025.  As John wished, there is no formal visitation, and a private service will be held at the time of interment with the immediate family followed by a family gathering to celebrate his life. John’s internment will take place at Mount View Cemetery in Cambridge, Ontario on October 4, 2025.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caressant Care Nursing Home in Listowel.  Donations by cheque or cash can be sent to the nursing home and made payable to Caressant Care Listowel in memory of John Lees at:

Caressant Care 

710 Reserve Avenue South 

Listowel, Ontario 

N4W 2L1

(519) 291-1041

John’s wife and family would like to express a special thank you to all of the staff at Caressant Care who took care of him in his last months of life.  They were like family, and were always compassionate, and caring. In the last 48 hours of his life, the staff not only cared for him in an exceptional way, but they also took care of his family members that were by his side during that time. Their send off as he left the nursing home on his final journey was heart warming, respectful, and comforting.  Thank You. 

A special thank you also to Dr. Gatemen of the Listowel Clinic who was John’s doctor in his last months of life.  Your care of John was very much appreciated.

“I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.

I thought of you yesterday and days before that too. 

I think of you in silence as I often speak your name.

All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. 

Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part.

God has you in His keeping.  I have you in my heart” 

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