John passed away in the early hours of February 20, 2024 at the age of 87 at Matthew’s House Hospice in Alliston. John will be dearly missed by his wife Patricia, son Kevin (Amelia), daughter Tracy, sister Denise (René), and brother-in-law Doug (Brenda).
John’s sense of humour and ability to create a tidal wave of ‘belly laughs’ with just a few well-timed words is just one of the things that made him such an amazing ‘Bubba’ to Neil, Sam, Jonathan (Stephanie), and Jenna (Alex) and uncle to Jason, Michael and Karen and their families.
John’s talent and creativity was evident from a young age. His mother Winn (aka Grams) loved to tell the story of how he’d make her cry by playing guitar and singing her favourite Elvis song, and doing a credible impression! He started taking piano lessons in his 80s in an effort to stave off the advancing symptoms of Parkinson’s. He joked about dragging the family to a recital with the other students, all of whom were in grade school.
He had an innate talent for drawing and painting, and experimented with various mediums over the years, finally landing on acrylics as his favourite. The basement family room was more like a studio/art gallery, with dozens of beautiful pieces filling every available space. He continued to paint right up to the last year of his life, and connected with his art group by zoom every week, with his last ‘visit’ being from the hospice.
Perhaps his most impressive talent was his ability to connect and communicate with animals, and in particular horses. John truly found his calling when he started coaching equestrian full time, after decades of dedicating most of his free time to riding and training horses and riders. He had a magical touch with the horses and was a supportive and inspiring coach. It was a sad day when, at the age of 80, John realized it was time to hang up the saddle. But if you wanted to see what true joy looked like, you’d just have look at John’s face when he was talking about the horses and students that touched his life.
John never wasted words. So, when he did speak, we all paid attention because we knew that whatever was coming would be either insightful or hilarious – and often both. His calm and practical approach to living his best life was inspiring and could teach the world a thing or two about avoiding drama and being grateful and present in the moment. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.
John’s wish was to be cremated and that the family hold a private celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to Matthews House Hospice. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Sandra Shaw says
Dear Pat and Family,
My deepest condolences on John’s passing. John lived a challenging later life with grace, determination and a sense of humour, for which he is to be admired. He will be missed. May the love from his community of friends and family ease the pain of his loss.
Mary Lou Leitch says
My sincere sympathy goes out to all members of John’s family in his recent passing.
I was blessed to have met John through painting many years ago and looked forward to his inspiration and trusted critiques. We enjoyed many laughs while training our brushes to do the right thing so our eyes would be pleased or our minds encouraged to try another approach. His view of seeing things always made each moment a joy and worthy to have experienced. I will remember him for the gift of sharing that and I will try my best to carry it forward.
Thanks for being you, “John”.
Smiling as I think of you.
Jerry Brown says
Sorry to hear of cousin John’s passing. We will remember him at his Three Mile Lake cottage and also at Midland Park in earlier days where both families met for holidays. These were good times enjoyed by all.
Jerry & Lorraine Brown.
Nancy McHardy says
My deepest condolences to you. John was a fun addition to our art zoom sessions. John also gave me some advice on working with my mare, in fact he wanted to see her and he and Pat paid me a visit and he was so happy to see my horse. I followed his advice and it has done wonders for my connection to my horse. He was a kind gentleman and will always hold a special place in my heart. John will be dearly missed.
Bruce and Joan Wither says
Dear Pat , Tracy & Kevin , our deepest condolences on the passing of John . Such a modest but talented man . May all the wonderful memories at the horse farm be a comfort at this sad time.
Lori Mollett says
Kevin, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. My thoughts are with you and all the family at this solemn time. May he rest in deep peace.
Lynne Brown says
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. I have fond memories of visiting when I was young and hearing stories from my dad William Brown about the cousin’s adventures when they were young.
My condolences to the Neill family.
Sharon Garbutt says
My sincere sympathy to Pat, Kevin, Tracy, Denny and all John’s family and friends. Although I haven’t seen John in a long while I remember his great Elvis impressions and his love of horses, and his gentle manner with people and animals alike.
Deepest condolences
Sharon
Dianne says
Pat and family…my heart sincerely breaks for you and your loss. I have so many sweet memories of John in the post office and even giving me update on Pat when she wasn’t well.
I wish you all peace during this difficult time. Sending you all love and light.
Sheila Bell says
At 80 he took piano lessons with me and was the best 80 year old piano player I ever taught!!! Even tho his Doctor said he could never play piano because he had Parkinson’s (which he never told me until his third year with me). I was lucky enough to buy three of his paintings, one called Mardi Gras, proudly displayed in my music studio. I will be playing “Amazing Grace” for you today, John., although you had a different adjective to describe Grace LOL. Rest In Peace John, and so sorry to your family to hear of John’s passing, but I know you will have lots of good memories!!!
Terry and Lynne Stanley says
We are so sorry to hear about John. He was certainly a part of our younger life. Out condolences to the family
Rose greco says
Our deepest condolences to Jonathon, Jenna Kevin and the entire family. May he rest in peace. Rose and Tony Greco, love you guys ❤️