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
Josee de Bellefeuille
Freida Hjartarson
Dear Colette,
Know I am thinking of you and sending my deepest sympathy and support at this sad time to you and your late husband’s family.
Gail Graser
A particullaly wise and compassionet man. Very thoughtful with always a touch of homour when needed. John always gave good advice and was a reliable friend.
Louise et Michel Trahan
À toi, Colette, et aux êtres chers de John, nous offrons nos sympathies. Nous avons perdu beaucoup avec son départ. Nous avons été honorés de compter parmi ses amis pendant des décennies. Comme bien d’autres, nous avons apprécié son esprit méthodique, son attitude humaniste, sa présence attentive, son sens de l’humour et tant d’autres choses. Nous le regretterons. Il est dans nos cœurs, et toi aussi, Colette.
Louise et Michel Trahan
Carole Vivier
Chère Colette,
Je t’offre mes sincères sympathies pour le décès de John, ton cher compagnon de vie! Je n’ai pas connu John longtemps mais à travers Gilbert, et les rencontres avec vous ,je peux dire qu’il était d’un humanisme remarquable avec des grandes valeurs de justice! On ne l’oubliera pas!
Tavi Weisz
Dear Colette,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was an amazing gentleman. My heartfelt sympathies.
Judith Middleton
My dear cousin, known since 1954 when he, his mother and sisters came to live with us in England. We have been in touch and met regularly ever since the family returned to Canada. A wonderfully funny, kind and intelligent person. He was one of the pillars of my life, like a brother to me. I shall miss him enormously. So glad we have such positive memories of him and Colette from last year’s trip up the Rhine.
Des and Carole Vincent
Dearest Colette we are shocked and saddened by the news of John’s passing. We enjoyed many times together with you two both in Canada and elsewhere including here in Northern Ireland. John was intelligent and articulate and was dedicated to making a difference in other people’s lives. He will be sorely missed not least by yourself Colette. Carole and I send our deepest condolences.
Allan and Marilyn Dolenko
Our sincere condolences Colette. We so enjoyed our travels with you and John. We know how much you will miss him.
Tom and Beth Charlton
John was a real gentleman and a great travelling companion on our trip to Poland. He was an involved member of the Senior Snooker League with his partner Jacques Fournier. We will miss you John, "and that ain't no joke".
Mes sincères sympathies, Colette et la famille. Je garde de bons souvenirs de John en tant que DG à Statistique Canada et membre du corps professoral à l’Ecole de la fonction publique. Il était apprécié de tous.