John Douglas Avery
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On July 22, 2026 @ 11:30 am In Bolton Area, Obituaries | 10 Comments
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
Condolences for the family of “John Douglas Avery”
Dear Aunt Leonie, Steve, Mike, and family,
I was so heartbroken to hear about Uncle John. I’m thinking of you all so much right now.
He was just wonderful. I’ve been remembering so many great times with him lately, especially from when I was little. I can still vividly remember being three years old and him taking me out for pizza. He’d get me my own tiny bottle of Coke, and when we brought it home, he made sure nobody else was allowed to touch it! I’ll hold onto those memories forever.
I know how much Mom loved him and looked up to him. Their weekly phone calls meant the world to her. When she passed in November, Uncle John kept that routine going with me and started calling me every week instead. I can’t even tell you how much comfort those calls brought me, especially over these past few months. I am going to miss our weekly chats so much.
I am going to miss him deeply. Sending you all so much love and huge hugs.
Love,
Christine
Mike, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dear Leonie and Family
my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband and father. May he rest in peace and forever loved.
Sincere condolences, Hockey memories.
The Pilson’s
Our condolences to the Avery family. I have many fond memories of meeting John in Bolton shopping and having such wonderful conversations about his family! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Avery family!
Larry and Sandy O’Donnell
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Certainly saw him walking a lot in our neighborhood.
“When someone you love becomes a memory;
The memory becomes a treasure”.
John was my patient’s husband. You could tell he loved Leonie so much… they were best friends. He was so gentle and reassuring, he knew how to calm her down so effortlessly when she would get nervous or overwhelmed about something. He and Leonie loved animals so much and John would tell me about their cat who would cuddle up with him like they were best pals. We would talk about our pets or any animal topic at the end of every appointment we had. He was such a kind soul and I’m really happy Leonie had such a wonderful husband to spend her life with. I will always remember John and Leonie as one of the cutest couples I have ever seen. I wish her and her family all the best.
We were so saddened to just learn today about the passing of John. We have memories of our friendship together many years ago. Our daughter Nadene babysat for their sons and Joe knew him in his teens and had many good times together at his parents cottage. He helped Joe years ago renovating our basement when we were first married so we could rent it. As the years passed we met a few times at Holy Family church and chatted about our children. He always had a smile on his face and I felt both he and Leonie were such blessed people. We know that he has a special place in heaven as he and Leonie were such lovely people who were always willing to help anyone with anything. All our love and blessings to Leonie and their family. We will remember all in our prayers.
My condolences to the Avery Family. I’m so sorry for your loss
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Rest well Uncle John. Give Mom, Dad, Pop and Nana a big hug and kiss from Alexandra and I. You will be so missed.