With heavy heart I say good bye to you my brother. Your strength was never more evident than the months you battled the formidable cancer. We cherish & will fondly remember the great times our families shared together. Generosity was one of your many attributes. We will miss you!
Beth, Johnny & Trina: Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. We was a great guy who loved his family dearly.

Trina and Family

We are thinking about you and your family. Hopefully smiles from your life of memories will bring warmth to you at this time.

Words can not give fair expression to the sadness we feel on the loss of John with whom we have shared this road of life for over 50 years.
Our sympathy to Beth and family.

Margaret and I learned of John’s death with great sadness. I think back on our time in Royal Roads and RMC, through ‘wings’ training, and then flight operations at Shearwater and off the ‘Bonnie’ with great memories. The inter-Squadron rivalry brought out the best in us, and John was always in the thick of it. We will remember John with respect and admiration for many things, but in particular his dedication and generosity to RMC and his classmates. Margaret still has the “Class of ‘66” sweatshirt John gave her at our 2006(?) reunion. He will be remembered well.

Peter and Linda,

We were saddened to hear of your brother’s passing. We are sure that you will be a source of strength for your brother’s family in the days and weeks ahead.

Dear Beth and family:

May I express my condolences and sorrow at John’s passing. You will recall perhaps that Don Sharkey and I visited with you and John at your home in Bolton about a year ago. That day, and having lunch with John, will remain a powerful memory for me. In many ways, John is emblematic of our whole class: kind, generous to a fault, caring and interested in his friends, and dedicated to his family. A person to be admired and remembered always. He remains in our hearts.

Walter Staples
Class of ’66

We had very good times with John at Roads, RMC and with John and Beth in civilian life. Their support of the class of 66 and the college was most admirable. The van Hasstrect family can be very proud of John’s tremendous legacy. May you rest in peace John.

Dear Beth and family:

I am deeply sorry that you have lost John. He was a generous and affectionate friend to many of us, a unique and inspiring person. He will be greatly missed.

What a loss, John has left us far too soon. John lived his life to the fullest, he did things that most only dream of and through it all he was a gentleman. John was always ready to help on anything. I am blessed to have known John through business and through the years we may have shared a glass or two of his favorite wine(s). RIP my friend. My thoughts are with Beth and the family.

It has been a true honour and privilege to have known such a gentleman and an ardent supporter and contributor to the Canadian military college establishment. We will miss his exuberance, energy and his open friendship towards his classmates.

Our deepest sympathy to John’s loved ones.

It is with deep sorrow that we heard of John’s illness and passing. May you find comfort in those around you and in the memories you made together during his life time. As a Class of ’66 classmate I remember John as an easy going person with a positive attitude. Since graduation we have come to admire his commitment to the College as evidenced by his generous contributions of time, resources and money. We believe this is reflective of how he lived his life in all areas. Be assured that those of us who had the privilege of knowing John will never forget him.

We are very saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family in your very sad time.
Gary had so much respect for John and doing the Bower development. We have talked about those days at great length and will always remember John, Jay and the mall!

Miss Beth, Trina, Johnny and Family,

The world has lost a truly great man who will be remembered for his generous nature and love for his family. The memories from my youth include so many wonderful times spent with your dad and us ‘Girls’ at the beach, skiing in Lake Tahoe and learning about fine wines in your living room. He fought such a great battle and showed super human strength the entire time.

We will miss you Mr VH and our thoughts are with you all at this time.

Tracy, Patrick, Walker, Ty and Finn

Dear Beth
We are very saddened by the news of John’s passing away and we offer our sincere sympathies to you and your family. We will remember John for his good humor, generosity, determination and his choice of fine wines. Both of you will be sadly missed on our Ottawa –Kingston bike marathons.

We sincerely express our feelings of loss for such a dynamic guy who meant so much to our Class of 66…………Terry and Linda Doyle

Beth, we are all saddened by your loss our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I started in the shopping centre industry in 1981 and starting working for John shortly thereafter, a relationship that has lasted for 35 years. He was a mentor, coach and friend that had a major impact on my career. He was an industry icon, he will be missed!
Unfortunately, I cannot be there Tuesday Kathie fell on the ice Monday and broke her left arm so I have to take care of things on the home front. Our thoughts will be with you in our absence.
Richard

Beth – even knowing it was coming, it is a great shock to us. Our love and support will always be here and we will never forget John. Sincerest condolences to you, Johnny, Trina, the grandchildren and your wonderful extended family. Your long-time neighbours Maire and Bryan

Dear Beth,

The Fantham family wanted to express our sorrow. Ray and Helen remember with such fondness meeting you in 1976 and sharing a glass of wine and laughs on the deck at Bob’s Lake. Helen delighted in watching Johnny and Trina learn to water ski. Ray and Helen were proud to be invited to the grand opening of the Pinecrest Mall in west Ottawa. The last time Helen chatted with John, he was flying to Toronto with his beloved dog in tow. Subsequently we learned John was a leading benefactor and advocate of the Royal Military College which touched Ray’s heart as a retired Armed Forces pilot and Kingstonian. And we were so happy to learn that the chats on the Bob’s Lake deck were revived when Judy’s friend and colleague Glenn bought our cottage. Our family held such admiration for John as a dedicated and magnanimous husband, father, brother and grand-father and wondered if he had been able to fulfill his dream to take his grand-children to the Netherlands. May you find strength and joy recalling wonderful memories.

– The Fantham Family, Ray, Helen, Judy and Rick

Beth and family

The world has lost a great man, wise, kind and generous but heaven has received a wonderful new angel.

Jane and Roy Thomas

It has been quite some time, but I wanted to let you know that John and your whole family have brought a lot of wonderful memories to my brothers and I growing up.

Beth, you and John have always been warm, kind, down to earth and funny. Thank you so much for including us in your lives, and know that you have touched our lives in a positive way and I think in a very inspiring way too..I have always looked up to you both as role models. Yes! It’s true!

Am so very sorry for your loss…you are in our thoughts and hearts.

Tina K

Lynda and I send you and your family our condolences Beth. John was a good friend and always enjoyable to be with. We will miss him a lot.

Dear Beth, Johnny & Trina,

We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your extended family. John was a strong, admirable man from whom we can all learn – about setting and achieving goals, about facing adversity with valour, and above all, about living life to its fullest. In the coming days may your memories of better times bring you comfort.

Our thoughts are with you, as well as with Betty, Peter & Linda.

Deb & Dan

Am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. It was a treat to have him visit our office each year. What a wonderful conversationalist. I hope you take care of each other and remember the best of times with John

Dear Beth and Family;
We are very sad to learn of John’s passing. He was a great friend on Bob’s Lake who was always willing to help any of his neighbors. We will certainly miss him at the cottage but will fondly remember him every time we look across the bay at your cottage.

Dear Beth, Johnny and Trina:
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing and our hearts are with you. John was a true and loyal friend right from our first days at Royal Roads – any friend knew that he had your back regardless of any sticky situation that might arise. We have particular fond memories of John as leader of the infamous Van Nielbeales in early days Shearwater. John’s generosity to all and dedication to his family, friends and the College was truly outstanding. He will always be remembered.

Beth and family,

It was truly an honour to work under the leadership of your husband and father. His work and dedication to the RMC Foundation will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Jennifer and Nancy

It is with great sadness that Ethel and I received the news of John’s passing. John attended our wedding and we enjoyed many good times back in the old days.

John will be missed and we send our sincere condolences to Beth and her family.

Barry and Ethel Morris,
Ottawa, Ontario

On behalf of the Toronto Branch of the RMC Club of Canada, we extend our condolences and appreciation. John was always a help to our Branch in addition to his supreme efforts at the National Level.

Dear Beth and family:

We are truly shocked and saddened by your loss. John was a true friend and I will certainly miss seeing my “room mate” at future reunions. Our prayers are with you.

John was a very rare and special individual who has left me with great memories from our business dealings then leading to our friendship.
The infamous fishing adventure will be forever a standout.

To you Beth, and all of John’s family, I send my heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time.

Beth and Trina,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. John holds a special place in my heart and I greatly appreciate the opportunity he provided me in my career. He was always kind to me and a great inspiration. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

I considered John a friend and mentor. Over the years he was always available and willing to share not only his knowledge but time. I will miss Him and his wisdom.

But I will always have what he taught me and great memories.

My condolences to the family

I was privileged to serve on the RMC Executive Committee with John, and was just getting to know him when he was taken away. On behalf of all members of the Old Brigade of the RMC Club of Canada, please accept my sincere condolences.

Dear Beth and family:

Sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a true entrepreneur and gentleman who never forgot his classmates and alma mater. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

I am deeply sorry that you have lost John.
He was a unique and inspiring (dutch) person when I was working with him at my time in Canada. He will be greatly missed.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Frits van Sambeek

It was with great sadness that I learned of John’s passing. His competitive and fun loving spirit at RMC were things that all of his classmates will remember. John’s untiring work and generosity with the RMC Foundation and the Class of 66 showed his ability to get things done and have fun while doing it. I still remember well the t-shirts recognizing the Ottawa-Kingston Old Brigade bike ride Sep 2011 that John had with him for our re-union and one of which I still have as a memory.

John will be missed by all who knew him.
Our condolences to all of his family.

Kal Kuronen Class of 66

We are sorry to hear of your great loss and hope you can find comfort in your many memories.

Our sincere condolences,
Steve, Debbie, Nathan & Emma

John was an important contributor to the growth of the Canadian Shopping Centre industry. I had the privilege of working with him starting with Columbia Commonwealth, Campeau Corp., Devan and Morguard. John was a leader in his field and his advice and guidance was of great benefit to many in the industry.
It was always a pleasure to work with him. He will be missed.

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Hermann J Kircher

Trina and family ~

Please accept my condolences during this most difficult time. Thinking of you all – Xo

Please accept our deepest condolences.
Jerry and Michele Domanus

Dear Beth and family,

Please accept my deepest condolences. I share in the sorrow of John’s loss as I was very fortunate to have shared in the privilege, and joy, of knowing him. The immense pleasure that John took from being with his family, especially the grandchildren, was always in evidence. I will miss him.

Sincerely,

Michael Homburger
Toronto, ON

Beth
I was so sorry to learn of John’s passing. Although we were not in contact recently we did go back around 40 years! I recall my wife Joan and I having dinner at your place in Bolton all these many years ago. Fran reminded Joan that probably the last time we saw you would have been at her 60th. Other than that the only other time I recall seeing John was at Jim Kelly’s memorial some years back at Hy’s.
All the best to you and your family.
Clay

Beth and Family
Please accept our sincere condolences. John was one of those few people you meet in life that make an indelible impression; his tenacity, character and friendship will endure in our memories.
Our prayers are with you
Paul and Lyndal Meyette
Red Deer, AB

Peter and Linda,
John and I first met on September 5, 1962 when we both tumbled off the bus upon our arrival at Royal Roads and soon discovered that we were to be “brothers” in Thompson Flight. For the next four years we enjoyed a strong camaradrie and a lot of laughs. John enjoyed life to the fullest.

He told me at one reunion that he didn’t realize until much later the impact four years of military college had on him, and that he was determined to “pay back” the institution. Indeed he did. His enthusiasm for and support of RMC over the years was admirable.

Those of us who knew him in those halcyon years will miss him very much. JT 7073

Dear Beth and Family –
Please accept my condolences. John was a great, solid, quiet friend to so many. I join the guys who enjoyed his close companionship over our 4-year Military College experience in telling you his presence with us will always be there.

Trina, Johnny and Mrs VH
My memories are flooded with the many wonderful times all of us high school girls spent with your family today. Thinking of you, remembering the good times.
Best
Kristen

To Beth and family,
I will never forget how good you and John were to Bruce and I. I hope over time your sadness will be eased by the wonderful memories of your life together. He will be sadly missed by many.
Much love,
Debbie

Beth,
Darin and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to you, your children and Grandchildren. John was a wonderful kind man who loved you and his family deeply. He will be remembered for many things the biggest being his kindness, support and dedication to his family and community. We are so blessed to have known him.
We will miss him and his wonderful smile!
With Love & Affection
Rose & Darin Horner

To John’s family,

‘Open- minded’, visionary and generous are some of the words that come to mind in describing John.

It was a true privilege to get to know John a few years back and I am saddened by his passing. My prayers are with you.

Andy Chabot

Dear Beth and Family:

Deepest sympathy on John’s all too early passing. I have many fond memories of deals and social events with John over many years. He was a true gentleman, a mentor to us all and he will be truly missed. May your fondest memories be a source of strength and quiet reflection over this difficult time.

Take care and warmest regards, Mike

Dear Trina, Beth, and family,

My deepest condolences to you in this time of great sorrow. Devan Properties was my first “real” full-time job and I will remember John fondly. He was always so kind and generous to me. I will remember his love of travel and good wine. My prayers are with you at this time.

Sincere condoleances to the family and friends of John

At this difficult time, I remember John as a great man whose accomplishments and generosity will be his lasting legacy.
Farewell brother in arms.

JP and Pauline

Dear Beth,
With a great chock we have heard that John is passed away.
Our condolences with that great loss.
We will remember him as a fine and sympatric person, how’s was always interesting in us and the rest of the family.
We will also remember the good times we had when you were in the Netherlands and the good times with Coen during his holidays.
Our door is always open and we hope all the best for you.
We wish you and the family all the strength and love to go on.
We will not forget him.

Liesbeth v Haatrecht, Ruut, Karlijn and her boyfriend Jonathan, Coen.

My deepest condolences to John’s family. I worked for John at Devan/Morguard and will always appreciate the opportunity he gave me in my career. I wish you all the best in this difficult time.

Dear Beth, Trina & family, so sorry to hear the news of John’s death. My condolences are with you all. I remember all the great conversations we had when walking Velvet & Hope. How they loved to play with Breeze!

Dear family,

We thought you would like to know that many people that you have never met, and that like us knew John only in a professional capacity, are deeply saddened by your loss and are grateful for the contribution he made to our company and working lives (in his capacity as board member of, and friend to, North American Development Group).

Some of us were honored to attend yesterday’s funeral and appreciated the opportunity to show our respect to a man who was known to us as whip-sharp, intuitive, and generous with his time and experience.

On behalf of my colleagues, thank you for sharing John with us. Please accept our condolences for your loss.

Maureen Sharp

Dear Elizabeth,

Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved husband John. He was a wonderful person to know. In addition to all his many accomplishments, he was a major help to Lung Cancer Canada as our Fund Raising Chairman and Board Member.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Morty & Gloria Sacks

Our sincere sympathy to Beth, Betty Aldridge (Marcia’s colleague at Pancreatic Cancer Canada), and Peter and the entire family. We are very saddened by John’s passing. He has left us far too soon. John’s classmates from Royal Roads and the Royal Military College have lost a true friend and a generous supporter of the College and the Class of ’66.

Andrew Payer and Marcia Armstrong
RMC Class of ‘66 Pancreatic Cancer Canada

Beth and Family, Please accept our condolence, I worked with John at St Laurent, head office in Toronto , Winnegpeg and Campeau Corp , Toronto.

I spoke to John before his death and remember him fondly, you had to run to keep up with him.

John and Connie Renaud