John passed away suddenly and peacefully in his favourite chair while playing hearts on the iPad, in his 95th year. He leaves behind his wife, Laney (Madalane); their four children, Mark (Christine) of Listowel, Heather (Greg) of Cambridge, Bruce (Sue) of Fergus, and Laura (Trevor) of Chicago; their seven grandchildren, Emily (Berkin), Maddy (Christian), Claire, Colin, Natalie, Benjamin and Julian. John was born, raised and educated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After graduating from the University of Manitoba, with a Bachelors in math and science, he started teaching in a one room school in Franz, ON. He then graduated to a two room school in Hazelridge, MB. John decided he wanted to teach high school, so he moved to Cochrane, then to Blind River where he met Laney through a mutual friend. They moved to Kenora. Three years later they moved to Galt-Cambridge where he taught at Glenview Park Secondary School until he retired. He was the Student Activity Director there for over 20 years. John loved teaching and never once did he say ‘I don’t want to go to school today’. He loved the game of golf, which he enjoyed up to the age of 92. He still could be seen on the driving range or putting green this summer. He also enjoyed riding his first brand new bike or walking through RIM park. After retirement he took up woodworking and made many pieces of furniture for the family including pine toy boxes for each grandchild. John lived life to the fullest. There will be no visitation. A private burial will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024 followed by a memorial service at Elmira Mennonite Church, 58 Church St. W., Elmira, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. At John’s request, wear bright, happy colours; no black please. Special thank you to the attending police officers for their kind and compassionate care. As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mary’s General Hospital, Parkwood Seniors Community or Elmira Lions Memorial Forest would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.
