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March 30, 1946 - July 1, 2026

John passed away peacefully in Little Current, Ontario with his wife and daughter by his side. Ever the fighter and patriot, John bravely battled a degenerative brain disease to celebrate his 81st Canada Day. Born in Toronto to Arthur and Margo (née Savage), John was one of four children. He was especially close to his older brother, Bill, with their families celebrating an annual Christmas tree hunt together for many years. John was a supportive and caring uncle to his five nieces and nephews. Family was always important to him. John married his high school sweetheart, Nancy (née Draper), in 1969 and they went on to have two children, Gregory (Anne Hilton) and Emily (Ian Hollas). They shared their home with John’s in-laws, William and June Draper (née Staughton), whom he doted on and loved like they were his own parents. John was also incredibly close to his sister-in-law, Janice Draper, who he loved as a younger sister. John’s extended family included Aunt Joan Richmond and Cousin David Monkhouse, as well as his children’s in-laws, Jim and Margo Hilton, and Hugh and Linda Hollas. A lifelong friend to animals, his family also included canine grandchildren, Midge, Belle, Lucy, and Mabel. A long-time resident of Long Branch, many neighbours will still remember John for his elaborate Halloween and Christmas displays, which took over an increasing amount of space on his front lawn with each passing year. John’s creative streak extended across his five decades as a faithful member of Wesley Mimico United Church, where his life-sized nativity scene (complete with a camel!) was a neighbourhood attraction for many years.  John loved music and was a loyal member of his church choir. Always one with a project on the go, he was especially proud of the jukebox that he refurbished himself and that regularly blasted Elvis Presley and classic rock and roll tunes in his family room. His other interests included reading novels, hosting pool parties and barbecues, tinkering in his garage, going to the movies, and fishing with his lifelong best friend, Ken Morris. John was also a skilled carpenter, with special projects including sandboxes for his children and grandchildren, as well as the treehouse that he built with his son in the family’s backyard. John will also be remembered for playing Santa Claus for his children, neighbours’ children, and at various events every year at Christmas. It was a role that John was born to play — kind, generous, and a child at heart himself. But, the role that John was perhaps most excited to play was that of grandfather, which he assumed with his usual gusto when his grandsons, Wesley and Everett Hollas, were born. He adored them and the feeling was mutual. In lieu of flowers, John’s family encourages you to consider volunteering some time with your favourite charity. He was always beyond generous with his time when it came to helping others. A celebration of John’s life will be held in the fall.