John Claude Somers

John embodied what it means to be an extraordinary neighbor, friend, and community member. When we moved in next door, he immediately became our quiet cheerleader—always taking a genuine interest in our lives and in the lives of our young children. John had a remarkable gift for listening deeply and making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. And he had the most fun and quirky ways of showing it! When our daughter Nina mentioned that she loved artichokes, an artichoke dish towel appeared on our fence a week later. I don't think he ever missed one of our kids' birthdays, always leaving little surprises for them—including a pen that said "NO!" with every click, which got plenty of use in our household. If I casually mentioned a new song I liked, a text about an upcoming concert would soon follow. When we got our dog, John was over the moon to meet him. One of my favorite things was seeing the joy in his eyes as he shared in the joy of our children. John had a special way of paying attention to the little things, and then turning them into gestures that made people feel deeply cared for. We will miss him tremendously and will always be grateful for the kindness, warmth, and friendship he brought to our lives.

I met John (Bruce) at the UofG in residence. He was an instantly likeable, thoughtful and funny friend. We bonded over Monty Python and Neil Young. We went to Buffalo in a recycled ambulance to see Neil play. We stayed in touch across the years. He was wise and caring. I’ll miss him. Cynthia and I send our deepest condolences to his family and anyone who loved him.

Tahoe - hockey, beach, great memories.

When we I met with John, he put so much care and attentiveness in the smallest of task, creating a little menu of drinks and appetizers, planning activities for us and making me feel so welcome and important. Behind his sometimes understated demeanor was a kindness and warmth that paired so beautifully with his intelligent sense of humour. Laughter was a big part of our friendship. I miss him terribly but will always carry the wonderful feeling he gave me whenever I was around him.

I will always remember John with a pep in his step and a smile on his face.

We had the pleasure of meeting the Somers family through hockey, and over the years we shared so many wonderful memories together. John and Jennifer are truly amazing people and dedicated hockey parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Peace be with you all, The North Family

I had the great pleasure of having Coach Somers during my early playing days with the Santa Clara Blackhawks, and I always remember how dedicated he was during practice and games to push us to be better.

John always kept in touch. Usually by text. My favorites included photos of the family that I grew to love like my own over the years. And I could count on some level of humor or my smart sarcasm to accompany the update. I could “hear” his little giggle through the writing. And like so many of the stories I’ve read here, he kept a little inside joke alive. Remember the trampoline with the sprinkler!!!😂 Miss you John! Love to my longtime friend Jennifer Jo and Theo and Eli. ❤️

oh JJ, I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. I only met him a few times at your parent's house, but he was lovely to me. I will remember him sending me home with a bag of red hots that your dad used in his apple sauce. (after I told him about how I used to eat boxes of them in high school.). I am sending you so much love. xoxoxo, Sally Ann. : )

John noticed things and took the time to know what you liked. If you had a conversation, he could ask you about it two years later. He was always generous when he came up to visit Guelph and brought a little something for everyone. On one of those visits, we were away and Phil was staying at our house. John slept in Luca’s bed and left a 20 dollar US bill. He knew what a thrill it was for Luca (who was 11 yrs old at the time) to score some money. It was those little things. You will be missed John. Thanks for the laughter, the memories, the kindness of your friendship, sharing the love of art, music and all things fine. Much love to you Jennifer Jo, Theo and Eli. Mike and Andrea De Rita

I was blessed to come across John in beer league hockey in Fremont and his charisma and ease in connecting was immediately evident: His unique way to call for the puck (hey hey!), and the casual way he broke the ice yelling “hey Frenchy!” at me when coming back to bench for a line change :) We shared common interests in wine, music and theater and got to make many wonderful memories over the years wine tasting, getting together for dinners and catching shows, games and concerts in the city and around the bay. I miss John’s company… most of all his unique sense of humor…

Catching an A's game after getting our newly minted Red Baron's team sweatshirts.

So sorry to hear that John is gone. Our condolences and sympathies from our family to yours. John was a thoughtful, insightful, and inventive person with an almost cheeky sense of humor. Humor swirled around almost ever topic and there were a lot of topics. 

 The world is filled with problems, especially in the world of youth hockey. I don’t recall that he would merely complain about a problem, rather he would have a solution or a suggestion to fix the problem. John helped me with insight and suggestions as I navigated the multi-faceted world of youth hockey which is plagued with the grand daddy of all problems — parents!

 In this picture, John and I coached the all San Ramon Valley High School hockey team. It’s a unicorn now, but back then we were able to field a full team from SRVHS. Our win-loss record has been forgotten (or needs to be forgotten), but we had the best time with those kids and we made sure that they enjoyed themselves. John took great pleasure in coaching those teams and those kids. I remember one game we somehow managed to keep the score close and we were going on a power play. I told John, let’s put our best players out there. His response, “And remind me who is that exactly?” As a neighbor, we engaged in neighborhood issues. The major one was the proposed massive pickle ball complex at Osage. John was right at home diving into data and analysis. I believe he read everything on the subject and he was a key contributor to that effort. Our pet project was the proposed ice rink to be built at Osage. Only John and I were proposing it and no one else listened. That didn’t stop us from dreaming. He will be missed.

I had the pleasure of meeting John through beer league hockey on the Red Barons in Fremont. I first knew John only as that initially rusty but very good hockey player. A great guy to join the team. As time passed and we chatted I learned he spent time in Boston. I was born just outside Boston. When The Patriots were playing the Falcons for the Super Bowl on 2/5/2017, John and I were at a team SB gathering sitting next to each other both rooting for the Patriots but watching them getting destroyed 28-3 in the first half. At halftime we looked at each other and John said "want to change seats?". I said definitely. After that it was a different game, the Patriots won. We would propose that change at other events after, it was our little hope of changing the way a game was going.

Over a decade of weekly get together as neighbors, by far and away the best neighborhood I ever lived in. Fine dining, libations, talks, music, with John leading outings to concerts, events, rides… John would often lightly strum his guitar, evenings, by the firepit, and on special occasions we were treated to a private concert at the Somers residence with John on guitar and JJ on piano. Just a flood of awesome memories and emotions. Way, way too soon John.

Find Bernie, from John.

John wasn’t just a neighbor—he was a constant presence in our lives, a true friend woven into our everyday moments. Over the years, we shared so much: house projects that often turned into lessons, laughter over stubborn moles in the yard (I still wish I could find that photo of “John the Mole Hunter”), friendly competitions over LEDs, and long evenings by the fireplace, listening to the sound of his guitar. We celebrated birthdays together and created memories over superb wines and moments our family will carry with us forever. John wasn’t perfect… he could never catch a mole, and he called his love for Hockey his “affliction” 😊. But John had a remarkable mind. He was incredibly gifted in math and computer science, yet what made him truly special was that his heart belonged to the arts. He had a deep appreciation for beauty, culture, expression, and humor (as the famous Bernie Sanders photo he crafted). He was a cultivated soul—someone who saw and valued the world in a thoughtful, meaningful way. Over the years, I introduced him to exactly one band he didn’t know. In return, he introduced me to countless others I had never heard of. That was John—always sharing, always expanding the world around him. He brought intelligence and creativity together in a way that made every moment both inspiring and grounding. You always walked away from time spent with him feeling a little richer, a little more thoughtful. I will deeply miss his friendship, his insight, his humor, and those quiet moments we shared that now feel so precious. John left an imprint that won’t fade. I am grateful for every moment we had.

I knew it was a stroke of luck to have met John. After reading all these comments, I realize now, just how fortunate I was. I met John in 1997 when we were in the same class at Tufts university, Boston. We clicked immediately. I’ve always enjoyed the company of smart people, with a sense of humor. That was John, sharp as a tack, a twinkle in his eye, and devilment brewing in his noggin. Every now and then, Tufts would organize guest speakers from industry to speak to the class. It was called The Distinguished Speakers series. When we’d arrange to meet in the pub for a couple of pints, John dubbed those nights out the Distinguished Drinkers series! Shortly after we graduated from Tufts in 98, John and JJ moved back to California. We stayed in touch. And a few years ago, my wife and I visited John and JJ in one of the wineries. We were treated to the most glorious, memorable day. Topped off by tasting some of the most delicious wines we ever tasted. Yet another distinguished drinkers event! We got tipsy, and laughed a lot. What a day. Photo of that day. My wife and I moved back to my home country of Ireland a few years ago. I stayed in touch with John. Then recently, John hadn’t responded to my texts. Not like him. I’m my gut, I felt something was up. Then I got the sad news from JJ. He had passed. It struck me. Deeply. I want to finish by saying, what a life John lived. Full of joy, adventure and love. And what a privilege it was for me to have known him. Pull a pint of stout for me John. I’ll meet you in due course my friend.

During Covid, we turned to our gardens to pass the time. Easter morning, here was John, a wheelbarrow of premium soil, and treats he fashioned himself. Presentation: 10/10 (naturally). I imagine the chuckle on his face as he wheeled this two doors down. He brought delight, when it was in short supply. As a beloved neighbor over the years, John was our unofficial Minister of Culture. The Milk Carton Kids in SF on a school night? We’re in! A concert in the park? John went early to set up the blankets and chairs. Bike rides and bowling for JJ’s Birthday? Yup. A cuppa in the RV in 10? Be right there. Bottlerock (& oh, do the kids want to meet Mumford?) … Are you kidding?! (He wasn’t). London Grammar’s in town next week … Never heard of her, but John, if you say she’s good, let’s go (she was). Every Birthday was special and intentional, especially for the kids. Often involved kitsch (he had a knack for finding the most unexpected, fun stuff), and always cake. John knew everything about everything, and yet was demure. He didn’t want attention. He wanted to transport, and for people to feel seen and to be authentically enriched. Mission accomplished, dear friend. Oh, how we will miss you. Your family is our family forever.

I had mentioned to John in passing that I wanted to learn guitar, and just a few days later, he had restrung our old guitar and brought it over. Classic John, paying attention to even the smallest comment and going above and beyond. A man who never missed a birthday, had the best humor of anyone, and taught me loads about music, art, and the world. It was a honor to grow up down the street from a man like John.

John and I met while sailing in the San Francisco Bay. We shared the passion of sailing, and sailed frequently together. While sailing we shared stories about our lives and families, and also about living in Canada. It is also through sailing that I met some of John’s friends from Guelph, who joined us when visiting. I will always cherish those moments spent sailing with John, whether chatting and laughing, or simply enjoying the wind and the waves in silence. Fair winds my dear friend!!

I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. I have only fond memories from our days watching our boys play hockey. He entertained both kids and their parents with his sense of humor. His presence will be missed. I wish Coach Somers eternal hockey games. 🏒

I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to work with both of you over the years as your tax CPA. John was always thoughtful, organized, and kind in every interaction. He truly cared about taking care of his family and responsibilities with diligence and integrity. John will be remembered fondly and missed greatly. Sending you and your family my deepest condolences during this very difficult time.

Our wise friend gave me this to remember him by - our playful nickname for "Coach John". It's sat on my desk these many years, a reminder of happy days on and off the ice when the kids were playing hockey. Its value just went off the charts as I try to file all those great chats about books, recommendations on plays, and laughs on the road. JJ, Theo, and Eli, big, big hugs to you all. He truly is THE John Somers. xo

So many memories of "Coach" John. Pretty sure we visited every Hampton Inn in the US with the Blackhawks. One of my favorite memories was sitting in a Vacaville Hampton after a game taste testing Vodka for a project he and JJ were working on :)

John was always an amazing supporter of our kids from a very early age. He had a way of connecting to the kids that allowed him to instill great values without them really knowing it was happening. My favorite 2 memories include one him telling the kids how to eat properly to fuel their bodies--on tournament weekends he would say eating now is less for enjoyment and more about what your body needs--and they listened. Even when he tested them with donuts. My second is as we watched Dylan game evolve and he was sometimes being "rough" and others didn't always appreciate it and John would tell me I might have to stop watching or get thicker skin cuz it was part of his game. :)

When my dad John died when I was 10, John Somers was there for me like a backup father. Countless fond memories from my childhood with John taking Eli, Theo and I to places like Alcatraz / SF, chaperoning school field trips and a couple years later taking Eli and I to six flags once both our families had moved away from Modesto. I deeply regret not reaching out to him in the last couple years and thanking him for the support he stoically and humorously provided me as a kid. This feels more like losing my own uncle, I am heartbroken by the news and just want to thank the Somers so much for the role you all have played in my life. Rest in peace to a great man, John Somers.

As I write this my phone is regularly pinging with updates from a group chat with a bunch of friends who will be getting together tomorrow night for an informal, but desperately needed, wake for John C. Somers. The jokes on the text thread use the kind of shorthand that defines our collective friendship with John. A seemingly innocuous phrase carries a deeper, hidden meaning that is lost on bystanders, but those of us who were lucky enough to populate any of John's social circles immediately grasp the significance of it. Shortly after the diagnosis of his cancer, I was home alone and John and I were on the phone, sharing some powerful feelings about the whole thing, but never forgetting to laugh in the spaces between the spasms of grief. Near the end of the call, Marion came home and quietly went about her business until I hung up. She said, "You must have been talking with John." I confirmed and asked her how she knew it was John on the phone. "Because you only laugh that hard when you talk with him." John knew that he wasn't going to win the fight against cancer, but he had little regard for the calibrated stages of grief, as prescribed by . Kubler-Ross. To hell with "acceptance" - he locked into the first phase of denial and, from what I witnessed during his final year, fought it with a determination that made George Chuvalo look like a poser. And yet his innate grace and consideration for others rarely let that denial spill into anger when friends were around. During my last visit with him in March, he told me that when the oncologist finally suspended his chemo treatments, they told him that no human should have been able to withstand that level of toxic medication. He didn't offer this in a boastful way, but in a way that seemed to ask forgiveness for losing the fight. I won the lottery when I met John, but the prize wasn't a lump sum payment. It was paid in monthly installments over the course of forty-three years, during which we rarely lived in the same city for more than a few months. The trove of t-shirts, ball caps, mugs, toys and books that he offered as gifts stand as testament to his generosity and determination to maintain a friendship across years and physical distance. I also won the lottery during my visits with him in Danville during this last year. Every time I showed up, it seemed to coincide with a surge of energy that allowed him to tackle activities that were meant to show his deep love for the people and places around him in Danville. In no particular order, he took me (and Marion in several cases) to Eugene O'Neil's Tao House, Muir Woods National Monument (giant redwoods), the Berkeley Campanile, Sea Ranch, his pal's collection of super cars, sailing on San Francisco Bay (a highlight of my life), Mt. Diablo, restaurants galore, and every landscaping supplier in the Danville area. Some of these outings cost him unfathomable physical discomfort, but he never complained. The best medicine for John was his self-prescribed determination to surround himself with love and to throw all of his available energy into the task at hand. If there is any justice in the universe, his fight knocked at least a few teeth out of cancer's ugly mouth. There are many, many happy, funny and ridiculous stories about life with John as the closest of friends. Today, however, is dedicated to the story of his courage and heart and his unparalleled capacity to love. Watching Jennifer Jo and Theo and Eli navigate this final chapter with him has been devasatating, but it also serves as a testament to the power of love when it's harnessed by truly good people. People who leave nothing unexamined. People who celebrate goodness and spurn mediocrity and dishonesty. Good people to whom I will always be grateful.

Any time I was with John, it was a special time, and most often because he made it so. 7 years ago I tried to plan a trip to visit all of the Somers in California and introduce my fiancée to a family and a home that have always meant so much to me. I knew the excitement was reciprocal because he helped me create a full 2 week itinerary that would make it a trip for the books. Thanks to the pandemic, the trip didn’t happen quite as intended, and had to be pushed back an extra 2 years. By the time we finally got to make it over, none of the plans John proposed happened because he instead made the arrangements for an unforgettable few days together. He also greeted me with a 1kg bag of salt water taffy he remembered I loved as a little kid! To cap it all off on our last day together, him and JJ took us all (sorry Theo) out through some of their favourite spots in Napa Valley – and the gentleman he was insisted on being DD. John was always a class act, a real wise guy (read in a 3 Stooges voice), and he will always be an unforgettable man to me.

I can never hear, “…give that man a jar!”, and not think of John. I first really got to know John when he lived on Grove Street in Guelph. His house held many wonders and became a place for me where I knew there would be great conversation and relentless laughter. It may have involved laughter at the expense of John’s carpet and furniture. (How can anyone unsee a drunken sleepwalker peeing in the window sill). John, thank you for the laughs, comraderie, deep conversations and that beautiful wit. Thanks also for remembering the little details of so many people’s lives. When I was preparing to go to Costa Rica this winter, John asked me if I still obsessed about getting a “beach bod”. We talked about that in the 1990’s and John still remembered. I am most thankful for the way John helped introduce my future wife to my friends, it left an indelible impression and grew to become one of the many legends sparked by the Legendary John Somers!! Love you.

Best dog ever (after Ziggy and Penny)

Twenty or so years ago I was buying this lamp at Lamps Plus next door to the Dublin Ice Rink where my boys were playing hockey with the Somers boys. John walked in and admired the lamp. He ended up buying the same one and whenever I visited their beautiful Danville home, John would inevitably thread in a joke about the lamp we both purchased. Now when I teach Zoom yoga Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, JJ’s mat is near the lamp and both of our lamps are on camera. I think of John every time I see it in the background. I promised you I would take care of your girl, and I will. Love and miss you Friend.

As you can probably tell from the photo, I was very proud to be part of Uncle John and Aunt JJ’s wedding day. Looking back now, it’s one of those memories that feels even more special with time. I learned a lot from UJ over the years. Some lessons were important, like how to survive being a Maple Leafs fan with a sense of humour still intact. One memory that has always stayed with me was before I left for university. He talked to me about the importance of learning how to say “no”. I can’t say I always followed that advice, but more than once I found myself realizing he was right. That was Uncle John. Thoughtful, steady, funny, and always willing to share a piece of wisdom when you needed it most. I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs, and the example he set for all of us. He’ll be deeply missed.

Writing in your youngest brothers memory book is a moment of disbelief. The memories of brotherhood from 90 Walby Drive (our parents home for 35 years) where we shared; celebrations, humour, music, setbacks and new beginnings will live in my heart forever. I will remember my brother for many of the same traits some here have shared but this small anecdote stands out. I was mentioning to John a hymn I had heard from a movie. I could only recall some of the verse (even though I had watched the movie that week)…..after a minute John looked at me and then proceeded to recite the entire hymn with the closing; “Yes, WH Auden wrote that, quite beautiful isn’t it? He was my Noth, my South, my East, my West, My working week and my Sunday rest My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would live forever: I was wrong. Our most sincere condolences to JJ, Theo, Eli Steve & Liz Somers

John has left us with so many touching and funny stories. They will be us to the end of our days. One of my favourite stories was from a wedding John and I attended in the late 80's. It was a great wedding...lots of dancing, stories told, and drinks consumed. John and I were sharing a cabin, so at the end of the night we headed back to the cabin. As I was falling asleep, I opened my eyes to see John placing 2 Tylenol and a glass of water on my nightstand. I've never forgotten that memory over the years and I have come to see it as representative of John's caring way. In the attached photo below, we're on a a forest walk north of San Francisco in 2018 - I see John walking point to make sure the path is safe for us. Thanks John! You will be terribly missed, but you are very much alive in my heart.

I wish to add to what Steve Meldrum said about the early years of our hockey team in Oakville, where John stood out on and off the ice. So many funny stories. It wasn't just his skill on the ice that shone, but also his skates. Notice the yellow "California Golden Seals" version skates that he is wearing in this photo. It seems he had a connection to the state of California well before moving there many years later. It was meant to be, partner! As line mates for a couple of years (around the time of the photo), John would often turn to me on the bench and say, "We gotta do something out there". My response, always, was "I know". Whether we did or not, I can't actually say. But he said it often, more, I suspect, to get a rise out of me than to have an impact on our line's performance. He loved it. I learned to love it. And many years later at a party or get together, or even the few times we played together as adults, he would say the same thing to me with that beautiful smile of his and the twinkle in his eye. I'll miss our secret handshake, buddy, and everything else.

Dave Taylor and I went to visit John and JJ in Boston years ago. Fenway. Red Sox and A’s. I was over cheering. And a lady turned and said, “I'm a speech therapist and I recommend vocal rest.” I was devastated. John laughed. So from that time on. Whenever I got loud. John would recommend ‘vocal rest.’ For me, that was John. A rampage of little moments. Little things he remembered and loved. Like people. We’d imitate old Star Trek episodes. I’d say “earthlings” in my gruff-Gorn-voice. And John would gruff-Gorn-voice…“You were invaders!” Endlessly quoting “A Christmas Carol.” And most everyone got the split fingered interlocking hand shake. Vizzini in Princess Bride - “I’m just getting started!” Words. Voices. Moments. The way he did them, forever in my mind. And when I’m watching those moments, I’ll think of John. And feel good. Cause that’s what John did. He made you feel good. It was one of his many gifts. (When he wasn’t straightening you out on something.) JJ. Theo. Eli. Hugs to you guys. I loved your guy. A big part of my life. And now, without question I know he’s musing to himself or in my ear. “I recommend vocal rest.”

I have been trying to think of a specific memory - and there are many. I have known John since about 1988 or so. Met him when I was living in Guelph & going to university there. We met through his good friend Phil and my now husband Gerry. Over many years and across many miles, we were able to stay connected and part of a large close friend group. So when I think of all of the times I was fortunate enough to hang out with John, or share a meal or a glass of wine or listen to one of his amazing stories - the thing that really stands out is how much he paid attention. And for me, this was probably most evident in a back-and-forth text conversation over the last several years in which he would send me photos of him & JJ or of a grocery display of Topo Chico (he introduced me to it) or a playlist he wanted me to check out for an upcoming vacation. He paid attention to detail & to things people were interested in. I so appreciated this long distance intermittent text conversation that helped me feel closer to John & JJ & Theo & Eli. I am sending so much love to you three. I will miss John dearly. What a life he lived! xo

One simply question from Theo, “Do you have a me year old”?, led to so many treasured memories: the cocktail cow bell; roller hockey in the court; Bass Lake camping; sing alongs; Fri night happy hour deck demolition, that yellow speedo, the tiki bar; the tree swing, the Will and Grace show, the list could go on and on. John was an amazing man, friend and the most important role - Dad. He will live on in our hearts forever for the memories he helped create for us and our children.

Best Man…..nough said.

I guess John and Pete knew my parents spent most weekends up north. They showed up one Sunday morning (they had not yet been to bed) looking for breakfast. They proceeded to feed toast to the cuckoo clock in the kitchen and decided pouring lighter fluid on my little brother’s electric race track and running the cars through flames would be fun. My parents never knew why the cuckoo clock stopped working and my brother always wondered why his race cars were melted. A couple years later the pair were the ‘hired help’ at my parents’ surprise 25th wedding anniversary party. They manned the BBQ and were paid in beers. Upon leaving, they were called back by my father who handed them a ‘traveller’ for the bike ride home not knowing they already had a couple of stubbies stuffed down the front of their pants. The sight of them awkwardly riding away, holding a beer in one hand while trying to hold the other in their drawers, is etched in my mind. The early memories of mischief and mayhem turned into something more real and lasting when I was lucky enough to experience more of the wonderful human being John grew into, saw the special bond he shared with JJ and heard of the life they built with Theo and Eli. I will carry the impressions of John’s generous spirit and hospitality, genuine interest in others, inquisitive nature, open and welcoming demeanour and master trip planning expertise in my heart whenever I enjoy a great wine, a perfectly spiced olive, a delectably roasted beet, or think of a Ferndale detour or a late night, winding drive down Lombard Street. Cheers, my friend. I already miss the times I looked forward to spending with you and JJ in future.

One of the great coincidences of my life was running into John on an opposing hockey team at a beer league game in Fremont, California 10 years or so ago. John and I had grown up one street apart in Oakville and he was my youngest brother Dave's friend and hockey teammate and they had remained close friends since then. Of course when I told Dave about the encounter, the first thing he asked was "well, did you hit him?" John's "Barons" and our "Chiefs" teams played against each other for many years - and that got a lot tougher when Eli joined them. I of course tried to recruit John, but he was fiercely loyal to the Barons. But I did get him to play on our Integral Hockey over 55 and over 60 tournament teams for 6-7 years and that was a blast. John had that quiet demeanor - but you could see that the competitiveness, and the skills, had never left. Those many tournaments were even better because Jennifer Jo (and Millie) would travel with us. My wife Liz would join and we did a lot of wine tasting together. We also hung out at the Bottle Rock concert in Napa and they became good friends outside our hockey lives. John of course left us far too soon. But I know we'll always remember him - and respect him - as a deeply devoted family man, intellectual and inquisitive, and with a wonderful witty, dry sense of humor. And finally, just as in hockey, the consummate "linemate" loyal friend he was to so many. RIP.

A random spring day in the early 2000s.

As young teens, John and I would crank up the stereo in his basement and spend hours listening to his — and his brothers’ — extensive record collection. One of our favourites was “Say It Ain’t So” by Murray Head, which I’ve added to the set list. I always think of him when I hear it, and I always will.

John was one of the best friends a man could ever hope to have. And honestly, what can you say about John that most people who met him didn’t already know? He was one of the funniest, smartest, and most genuine people you could ever meet. If you knew John, you knew you were in the presence of someone special. I was lucky enough to call him one of my closest friends. We met early in university, but our friendship really grew after those years were behind us. We spent countless years together enjoying life, sharing laughs, and getting into more than our fair share of antics and adventures. As life moved forward, so did our friendship. We shared vacations, celebrations, and so many unforgettable moments together. One of the greatest joys was watching our children become lifelong friends themselves. There simply are not enough words to fully describe what he meant to me and to so many others. What I do know is this: he was loyal, kind, brilliant, hilarious, and deeply loved. He made life better for the people around him. To JJ, Theo and Eli, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family over the last 16 months. I will cherish the weeks I was able to spend with John and the three of you for the rest of my life. John was taken far too soon. I will miss him deeply, and I will carry those memories — and that friendship — with me forever. The photo was taken last August and even though he was well into treatment “Oh the eyes could sparkle!” (JJ)

Dad doing the thing he loved most with the woman he loved most around New Years 2024.

A favorite picture of John captured in the late 70’s on one of the many boys’ weekend trips.

I had the pleasure of playing hockey with John for many years in Oakville. For a couple of those years, he was my line mate. One of my favourite memories of John goes back to when we were 12. During practice, we had a drill where each line would skate down the ice passing the puck, making plays, and trying to score. Just the three of us against the goalie. The catch was that if you lost control of the puck, the drill was over. On more than a few occasions, John would get the puck, cross centre ice, and immediately dump it into the corner, ending the drill on purpose. Classic John. That year, we went all the way to the Ontario finals, and once again John came through clutch when it mattered. Goal mouth scramble, scoring from his knees. Thanks for the memories John. One of a kind. Stephen Meldrum

I think my fondest memories of John were in the birthday parties he put together for Theo. From knee hockey tournaments, to full movie projector set ups for “Dude Where’s my car” outside in the backyard, his creative energy for Theo’s birthday is something I constantly look back on as one of the highlights of my childhood . He will be missed and I send my love to the family.

I was honoured to share an ongoing friendship and more than a few jars with John over the past 55 years. We met in the fall of '71 when I moved to Oakville and started 4th grade at John Wilson Public School. We would move on together to Eastview for grades 6-8 and T.A. Blakelock for our High School years. During this time, we played softball, volleyball, football and too many road hockey games to count. John was an amazing athlete and excelled in every sport he played. He was also an incredible student and somehow managed to prioritize his studies in a way that didn't interfere with his busy athletic schedule. We would venture on after High School to the University of Guelph where John enrolled in the incredibly challenging Food Science program while I struggled to find any direction at all. When I finally discovered my place in the Theatre department, John was always there to support me. He attended my first play on campus and just about every one after that. I remember once that John told me he would like to act and I truly believe that he would have been a really good actor. We kept in close contact over the years and would both end up living in California and raising our families there. On one of my last visits with him in Danville, I got to hear him play music and sing and this only further confirmed my long-held belief in his compelling performance abilities. I will miss John dearly but take great comfort in knowing that his incredible spirit lives on in his sons, Theo and Eli, who embody his best qualities in their own unique way. Throughout his 63 years, John delivered a Masterclass in the art of living life to its full potential and we are all privileged to have shared any part of this journey with him. To Jennifer Jo and John's extended family and friends, I offer my deepest sympathies along with a promise to be an honorary gatekeeper of some of the early memories of a life well lived.....

Not gonna say anything cliché or too sappy here. John wouldn’t like that. Our first meeting pretty much told the whole story of who John was going to be in my life. Shortly after arriving in Oakville from Vancouver, while out for a bike ride, John and I came upon a Dickie Dee ice cream cart from different directions. The cart had been momentarily abandoned while the vendor relieved himself behind a tree. The bond was instantaneous, as without hesitation we both filled our pockets and shirts with Ice cream bars. As we rode away together, being chased by the irate purveyor, we turned to each other....”I'm Pete" ."I'm John" And just like that, a lifelong friendship, forged in stolen ice cream. I can’t tell you how many people I met in my life through John, including my wife. Is it possible to be a best friend to many people? Because I think John truly was. John, you will be missed, but you’ve left us with so many great memories, stories, and friendships. You won’t be forgotten. JJ, Theo, Eli, we are all blessed to have known him. This photo was taken at the Danville July 4th parade last year. Even during chemo, exhausted and likely in pain, John wanted to host and make sure I had fun. Goodbye for now, my friend.

John was the best host! He always remembered the snacks I liked and every time him and Jennifer visited La Grande he would bring things he noticed I liked. When visiting Jennifer and John in 2023 he brought me this snack of nuetella with pretzels in it on a spoon as I was reading. He was thoughtful to notice things that others liked and made a note to remember them.

John loved birthdays…John’s mum made beautiful birthday cakes and I think he assumed that was “standard”. His first birthday after we were married I tried to make a cake- not my thing btw and I think it was broken in pieces smeared with frosting. After blowing out candles and “inspecting” my work he realized he would be making the fancy cakes! Didn’t say a word, but every birthday he made extravagant themed cakes and birthday parties with homemade piñatas.