May 10, 1932 – January 15, 2020
January 15, 2020, John peacefully passed away, lovingly surrounded by family & close friends with his favourite songs quietly playing at Juravinski Hospital after being diagnosed with Plasma Cell Leukemia Dec 24, 2019.
Devoted and much loved husband of Dorothea (nee Alarie) for 68 yrs. Will be forever in the hearts of his loving children, son Garth (Pauline), daughters Pamela Summers, Deborah (late Neil). Going to be truly missed by Tim and Andy whom they affectionately call “Johnny Boy” a father figure to them for 25 yrs.
Sadly missed by his brother Norman (Liz), sister Theresa Wilkinson (Chuck), sister in laws Judy (late Frank), Cherry, Bonnie, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by father John Henry, mothers Veronica, Phyllis, sister Catherine, in laws Frank and Violet Alarie.
John was the proud owner of Francis Service Centre for 40 yrs. His honesty with customers earned him the title of “The Mayor of Burlington Street”.
Spending quality time with his family and friends meant the world to him. Having family day Sunday and meeting longtime “cronies” daily at Williams Cafe brought him the utmost fulfillment and joy.
His true passion was his 1931 Model A Ford which he cherished long rides with family while daughter, Pam driving and proudly displaying it for people to admire at Rockin the Waterfront.
A heartfelt thank you to Tony & Theresa Dudhnath, Callaghan and Gattozzi families, Ken, Tony G, Keswick, neighbour Mike, Pro Resp staff, especially Larry and the Hamilton Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. To each and everyone of his friends, know that you touched his heart in a special way.
In recognition of John’s generous nature, we invite anyone wishing to make a donation please consider Zachary’s Paws For Healing. The hospital visits from therapy dogs Hazel & Lexi brightened up some of our saddest days. Donations can be made at zacharyspawsforhealing.com or donation cards will be available at the reception.
As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Celebration Of Life will be held at Leander Boat Club (2nd Floor, no elevator) 50 Leander Drive, Hamilton, ON, L8L 8L1 on Sunday January 26, 2020 from 1:00-4:30 p.m. Words of remembrance will begin at 1:30 pm.
“until we meet again here’s a wish and a prayer that all your dreams come true” – Lawrence Welk
We lost a great man We will really miss you John Your were always the life of the street with your jokes and happy smiles
Our deepest condolences
The Gattozzi family
Mike and Veronica McGough John you will be forever missed but never forgotten You were the nicest man Ive ever known Rest in peace John and god bless the Francis family
on behalf of the Malcolmson family Johnnys smiling fiendly face will be missed at the Williams coffee shop. Johnny was a close friend to my brother Patrick(Pat). Jerry Malcolmson only survivor of the Malcolmsons
Truely honest and compationate person.Zlways gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.A true friend to everyone he met.We used to meet for coffee at Fortinos Plaza.John was always there before me and had a coffee ready for me and an egg mcmuffin for each of my three dogs.He will be truly missed by so many people.
John was the nicest and kindest man that I have ever met. His sense of humor and honesty will never be forgotten. It was always a pleasure to spend time at a family function. My deepest sympathy to Dorothea, Garth, Deborah, Pam, Tim and Andy. He will definitely be sadly missed.
On behalf of the Hamilton IPF Support Group John will be dearly missed. As will his support group of Dorothea, Deborah, Pamela, & Garth. John was always there to help out from Blowing Bubbles at City Hall to stacking the chairs after the meetings.
We will all miss his smiling face and cheerful attitude.
“Breath easy now my friend”
John was a dear friend to my grandparents Monica and Jack Stewart and was my grandparents mechanic for all the years he had a car , Johny as my grandfather often called him was a wonderful man , we would like to offer condolences from the Stewart, Mathyk and Grywacheski families
John was a Great car guy I’m glad I had met him through Garth my friend of many years. My condolences go out to the family so sorry for your loss of a great person. I will miss him but will not forget him…
Garth so sorry to hear about your Dad My deepest condolences to your family