Peacefully at his home on Friday, July 1, 2022 of Seaforth at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Rowe) for 58 years. Cherished father of Carrie Debrone (Bill Driedger) of Kitchener and Cameron MacDonald (Karen Catton) of Nova Scotia. Loving Papa of Amie (Sean), Miles, and Anna (Jared). Dear brother-in-law of Patricia “Pat” Rowe. Predeceased by parents Mabel (Layton) and Orlin MacDonald, and son-in-law John Debrone.
John had a long-standing teaching career of over 28 years. He taught at schools in Toronto, Stratford, and Waterloo. John was a talented woodworker. He designed the workshop at the former King Lear Public Sr. School (now Avon Public School) in Stratford. John and Dorothy lived in West Montrose for over 30 years. He was a skilled carpenter and always had a project on the go, whether it was a piece of furniture, a decorative item or completing home renovations.
In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be held Huntingford Christ Church Anglican Cemetery. Donations to Skills Ontario or your local Food Bank would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jeannette M Finnigan
John was for a time a frequent patron of the Seaforth Library, where I work, and always an interesting fellow. He always introduced himself as John A. As we got to know each other he shared his interest in woodworking and would show me pictures of his projects. I was awed by the lovely jewellery case he made for his wife: it resembled a marble pillar and had many compartments. It was a master work. He also showed me the antique lawn bowls he carved into wonderful art creations and told me of the rare hardwoods they were made of.
He was a man of many talents and always interesting to talk to. I am sorry to hear of his death and express my condolences to his family.
Scott McDiarmid
Gisele & I wish to send our condolences to the family. I will always remember all my talks with John over his many accomplishments with his wood working projects and the time we spent at the cottage with he and Dorothy. He will be missed.
Gerry Andrew
While I had only known John since 2007 when I first moved into Seaforth, we became great friends due to our shared love of woodworking and music. John played by ear and was a great entertainer and I sang. When it came to the woodworking part, we shared a spirit of co-operation and believed in the need for order, safety and cleanliness in the workshop. But John was no ordinary carpenter, he was a true artist with wood. We were in awe when he showed Ann and I the furniture he had made and he was so modest about his amazing talent.
For years we had visited in our homes and telephoned each other. Imagine my shock when I learned of his passing when I went to call on him most recently.
I shall miss John A greatly. He was a good friend and I shall miss him a lot. Rest in peace John.
Bob & Bonnie Hastings
My husband, Bob and John taught together and did many wood-working projects together. We saw John last summer as he dropped in on the way to see Carrie. He seemed his same happy soul. We will miss him. Our sympathy and love go out to all the family.
Gwendoline Powell
My husband, Bob Rolston, now deceased, and John went to Humberside P ublic School and Runnymede High School together. I, Gwen Rolston, now Powell met John in High School. There was always a crowd around John when he played the piano at school. John & Dorothy married as did Gwen & Bob and he attended each others weddings. We always hung out and on hot days John loved to crunch on ice and when we had lemonade, he loved to suck on the lemons (no sugar). Bob & I moved to Florida, but even that did not keep us apart. They visited us in Florida and we visited them in Montrose and also saw their new house when it was being built. We always called each other at Christmas to get caught up on the latest news. John will be missed especially on his birthday. I would send birthday cards and talk to him on the phone every year. Rest in Peace John.
Leah Hachey
In the short time we knew John I will always remember him as a wonderful musician. He would sit down and play the piano at many gatherings we had at our Community Center.
He also enjoyed the bingo nights.
Our deepest condolences to his family.
RuthMundy
My connection with the Rowe family began in 1963 when Dorothy’s sister Pat was looking for a place to live in Toronto as she started her own teaching career. Through the years I came to know Dorothy and John and their children as the families came together on several occasions. One special trip with
John and Dorothy began one evening at Firehill Lake when a decision was made to leave for Gimli, Manitoba the next morning. What a great time we had. John was always in a good mood and just a real gentleman.
My profound sympathy to Carrie, Cam, his grandchildren and Pat. I know you will all miss him terribly.
Norman S. MacDonald
John was my cousin since his father and mine were brothers, and my father also was John A. MacDonald. My wife and I have happy memories of visiting John and his wife Dorothy in West Montrose, and of their visit to us in Placerville, California and again in Davis, California. Also my parents and I visited his family in 1936. Since we have lived at a great distance from each other we sadly missed many other chances to get together except by letters and phone calls. We send our condolences and prayers for a dear cousin and fine man.
Lucy and Barry Gilbert-Morris
John was a dear friend and neighbour. We will miss him. John was always interesting and wise in many ways. We loved our conversations over dinner. One of our prize possessions is antique lawn bowling ball that he made into a curiosity case. He was a gentleman whose interactions with us will always precious! Rest In Peace John!
Jack and Fran Malone
We remember John in so many ways, his gift of woodworking,friendly attitude and the vegetables that he grew especially his carrots, that he shared with friends and neighbors. John was a good cook as well as a friend
Jack and Fran Malone
Lori Anderson
John was a good neighbour and a nice man. I will forever be grateful for the beautiful bookcase he built for us. RIP John.
Carolanne Doig
My sincere sympathy to John’s family. Although he was not a golfer he seemed to enjoy his time nearby and we would chat once in awhile. In 2017 during the Canada Day sesquicentennial celebration I invited him to take part because of this name, of course. He came all dressed up as Sir John A complete with a whisky bottle! What a good sport. Many people had their photos taken with John that day.
When you pass away after the age of ninety all we can do is smile and hope that he enjoyed a long and happy life.