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.
Dear Colette,
I had lost touch with John in past few years. Lovely man. Best wishes,
Adrian Foster