June 27, 1968 – January 17, 2026
Our family is heartbroken to announce the sudden death of our beloved husband, father, poppop, son, and friend to so many. For those who knew John, a void will be felt in many ways. John loved his version of a good story made great by his delivery and would rather tell it than be on the receiving line. He was gifted with an ability to tell a story, true or otherwise, as well as simply talk. He had many hats he wore. From funeral director and owner, to biker, ( not to be confused with a bicycle ), cigar aficionado, member of the milk house gang, political consultant (to those who would listen), hunter extraordinaire (his words), whiskey sommelier, decoy and gun collector, story teller, and most of all a good human being. He will be remembered by his huntin’ group for his awesome culinary skills and hosting capabilities, his Florida travel partners that he was so looking forward to joining in a few weeks, his whiskey tasting St. Patrick’s bar touring groupies, anyone interested in his arsenal of jokes and for those who needed a hand in any situation. His professional skills shone in difficult circumstances and he never forgot that all families, regardless of circumstances, must be dealt with compassion and care. He will be truly missed by his family. His wife, Leanne will deeply miss his support and love and his ability to make her feel treasured and important. John was fiercely proud of all of his family and the paths and partnerships they have chosen. John named all of his sons, -and proudly held them from the beginning. He could be impatient when they did not listen to his advice but sometimes too much of a free thing loses its value. John will be deeply missed by his sons Duncan, Drake, Davis and Mitchell as well as his three additional daughters who he loved to embarrass but whom he greatly respected for their understanding and care of the Hart boys, Keshia, Bre and Neesha. His grandchildren Megan, Wyatt, Teegan, Peyton and Hayes who will not know the joy he could have brought to their lives but will be told how precious they were to him. He has left a space around each of us, that can’t be filled but he would be grinning and saying, “What do you expect from greatness”. John was not shy to share his opinion, even unwarranted, but it always came from his love to share his knowledge. He has joined our beloved Meg, his Mom and Dad, John and Marg, good friend Rob in the next chapter, sharing tales from here and how much they all have been missed in our lives. A celebration of John’s life has been held this past week. To honour John’s memory, we simply ask you to show a gesture of kindness to a stranger in your community over the next few days, weeks or months. Hold your family tight, and speak often of love to those you care for. Lastly tell a joke, good or bad. Know the big guy, with his own dress code, will be looking down, smiling with pride on all his life has accomplished and take credit for how it can positively shape our future going forward.
John was wonderful at supporting his community as funeral director and owner. We do ask the community to give us grace as we transition over this next period. Our commitment to families and community will remain unchanged but we do know he will be a guiding force in helping us forward to carry on under his name.
