It is with profound sadness that we share news of our father’s unexpected passing on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the age of 88.
John Douglas Avery was born on June 16, 1938 in Toronto to Douglas Walter Avery and Doris Avery (nee Curran). In November 1970, he married Mary Leonie McDonald and together they moved to Bolton where they raised their two sons.
John was a machinist at Husky for the majority of his working life and was skilled in many trades – all without having had formal training, and all before YouTube. He could do virtually anything involving renovations and could often be found on a ladder working on something around the house.
A devoted grandfather, John was always there for his grandchildren. He grandparented in the same way he parented. No matter what the situation, he would be there. He was always concerned that everyone was provided for and wasn’t happy unless he knew that his loved ones had ‘enough’. Enough food, enough money, enough everything. He kept the kitchen clean because he didn’t cook. He checked in every few days with his boys to make sure all was okay. All he asked for in return was to know the score of his beloved Toronto Blue Jays because he never did figure out how to use the internet.
We are keenly aware of how fortunate we are to have been raised by a role model who proudly invested everything in his family. We will be forever grateful for the time we had with him, to learn from him, and to love him. If you are fortunate enough to have spent any time with John, you will know what a kind, generous and talented man he truly was.
John will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend, Leonie, his sons Stephen (Erica) and Michael (Geraldine), and his four grandchildren Claire, Lauren, Charlie and Nora, as well as his brother Gord (Lynne) and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Joan, and her husband, Doug.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Friday evening 5 – 8 o’clock. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Saturday morning, July 25 at 11 o’clock. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Colleen Chafe
Rest well Uncle John. Give Mom, Dad, Pop and Nana a big hug and kiss from Alexandra and I. You will be so missed.