John Francis Winchester
1921 to 2014
On the afternoon of March 11th, a bright, sunny, warm spring like day John passed away peacefully at Grove Park Home in Barrie. It was the kind of day you would have found Dad outside skiing, snowshoeing, feeding the birds or in the summer golfing, swimming or hiking.
John was born August 16th, 1921 in Parkdale to parents Arthur (Don) and May Winchester, the son between two daughters or as it was often said the thorn between two roses!
He grew up in North Toronto attending John Wanless Public School and Lawrence Park Secondary. He went on to study Electrical Engineering at U of T, graduating in the class of 4T5. He immediately joined the Royal Canadian Corps/Signals for training but the war ended before he could be deployed overseas.
John married the love of his life Ruth West and they celebrated 64 happy and loving years. Together they raised two children Scott (Margaret) and Joan. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren Andrew (Emily), Rodney (Andrea), Pamela (Art) MacNeil, Gordon (Ayako) and Ken Grise. He enjoyed visits from his 5 great grandsons Alexander and Eric MacNeil, Sullivan and Will and Clark Winchester and his grandpuppy Gertie.
John’s working career was with Ontario Hydro. He started in 1946 as an engineering trainee and 37 years later retired as the Manager of Distribution Systems for Georgian Bay Region.
Dad and Mom lived most of their married life in Barrie. They were both active volunteers in the community. Dad with the Jaycees, the Simcoe Chapter of the PEO, the Golden K Club but most of his volunteer time was spent with Collier Street United Church where he helped in various roles.
After retiring, Dad and Mom spent 10 years in Huntsville at Echo Valley Resort where they made many great friends over coffee, campfires and cards.
John was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Ruth, his parents, his older sister Mary and her husband Jim Jack, his brother-in-law Alastair Crawford and a niece Elizabeth Clendening.
He is fondly remembered as a strong but fair person who loved his wife, family, a good pun, a crossword puzzle and the great outdoors.
Thanks to all who visited Dad at Grove Park Home especially his kid sister Jean Crawford . His family would like to thank the staff of Grove Park Home for their kind and dedicated care.
TO GATHER, TO GRIEVE, TO CELEBRATE, TO PRAISE, TO LOVE!
A celebration of John’s / Dad’s / Grampa’s / Great Grampa’s life will be held at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St, Barrie, on Monday, July 28th. Visitation at 10:00am, Service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grove Park Home, Hospice Huntsville, Collier Street United Church or your favourite charity.