John will be remembered lovingly and missed by family, friends and particularly by Colette his wife. He had a liberal arts education with concentrations in Political Science and English Literature which prepared him for executive positions in the public and private sector spanning more than 30 years.
What were the guiding principles that gave direction to his life? First, John believed life was to be lived, opportunities seized and new experiences relished. Not a life of passivity but one that seeks meaning. Learning was an essential part of life, to listen attentively, to join the inquisitive conversation and to assess the passage of time with an eye to the future. Secondly, he was a man committed to public service as almost a vocation: building a country, the basic goodness of men/women, the term common good being wide and inclusive. Beyond a career in public service in seven federal departments, he was a Board member/officer on organisations that ministered to the homeless and those persons with specialised health needs, for example, Options Bytown, Saint Patrick's Home, Bruyere Continuing Care.
Without naming individuals, family members and the many, many friends who helped shape his life, some of whom were instrumental in helping him to depart with peace and dignity, let this brief obituary record his abiding gratitude for your support and cherished love... You are not forgotten.
Friends are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. on Monday September 9th after 12 noon, Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 1 p.m. followed by a reception.
Digital Guestbook
Julita and Kris Pirozynski
Leslie Wake
John made our trips together so much fun. He will be missed and remembered.
Gilbert Godard
A friendship that lasted over 60 years. I am forever grateful.
Susan Cartwright
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Colette and to Colette and John's family who have lost someone so dear to them.
Louise Guay
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toi Colette et à ta famille.
Bill Staubi
My condolences to Colette and John's family. Although I did not know John well, my memories of John are of an unassuming, intelligent, and caring man whom I always enjoyed in the brief times we interacted.
Peter and Livia Brandon
A cherished friend, a wonderful human, an inspiring story-teller, a clumsy fisherman, a witty and empathic companion. May his memory be a blessing to all who have known him and were touched by his spirit.
Sandi digras and Eric Digras
John and Colette are oldest and dearest friends in Ottawa.
We shared so many wonderful memories and experiences. John was such a kind, caring person that my husband Jean (deceased in 2015 ) and our son Eric were so appreciative of his caring spirit.
Thank you Colette for being such a wonderful friend.
. My prayers and blessings for John’s soul.
Gustave, Raezelle and Laurie Goldmann
John was a cherished colleague and friend. His kindness was only exceeded by his devotion to Colette and his generous support and contributions to the community. We shared many wonderful moments and memories. Our most heartfelt condolences go to Colette.
Jacques Fournier
Mes plus sincères condoléances à Colette et à sa famille, Ca nous laisse un grand vide.
We are so sorry that we lost such a cherished friend. We will want to come and pay our last respects and to reminisce with friends the many wonderful memories we have of John.