We are saddened to announce the passing of John on February 16, 2016, at the age of 81. After a courageous battle with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy), he died peacefully at the Humber River Regional Hospital with his family by his side. While the disease controlled the last years of his life, it did not define him. John will be remembered for his great story telling, sense of humour, love of sports and appreciation of jazz.
Although born in Scotland, John spent most of his childhood growing up in India and England, where he gained a great appreciation of sports with field hockey becoming his passion as a teen. His competitive spirit earned him the nickname “Goal-a-game-Burleton”. After coming to Canada, his athletic prowess carried into squash, golf and tennis. He competed in national level squash championships for several years, and in retirement was an active member of the Purple Hills Tennis Club and the Mad River Golf Club. John earned bragging rights with frequent wins at the annual Burleton Closed Golf Tournament.
John had a very successful career with Royal Trust, where he developed many lifelong friendships. His career spanned 35 years and five provinces, and culminated with a senior executive role in Toronto.
John will be remembered for his devilish sense of humour: he was a big fan of jokes, pranks, and laughter. You could always count on John to put a smile on people’s faces. Once speaking became difficult for him because of the MSA, John would circulate jokes via email daily.
Community was important to John. He chaired the United Way Corporate Drive in Vancouver, was President of his tennis club, and founded The Companions of The Quaich chapter in the Creemore region, bringing his appreciation of single malt scotch to the masses.
John is lovingly remembered by Toni, his wife of 53 years, their children Stephen (Heather), Derek (Isabelle), and Margot, and their grandchildren Brendan, Jeremy, Mathieu, and Olivia. The family wishes to give special thanks to John’s caregiver and friend, Cheryl Brearey for her dedicated care and support over the past six years, and to Alex Kroon for helping to coordinate care for John over the past year.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at his farm in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada in John’s name would be greatly appreciated. Any donations made will be directed towards MSA research. Friends may visit John’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com