John J. Corbett

John, affectionately known as “JJ,” enjoyed a long and distinguished career in aviation. He began as a commercial pilot before serving as an air traffic controller for 35 years, a profession he was deeply proud of until his retirement.

His passion for sailing began as a young boy in Prospect Bay then transitioned to the beautiful waters of the Annapolis Basin later in life. He could often be found aboard the Kar-La-Mel. Ariel, and Cool Breeze sharing countless adventures with family and friends.

Above all else, John loved his family. The family’s happiest memories were made at the cottage in Harbourview (Smith’s Cove, Nova Scotia), a place that will remain in the family for generations to come. Summers were filled with laughter, swimming, fishing, sailing, peaceful evenings under the stars, and time spent together. Whether playing trivia or bingo, sharing stories around the cottage stone fireplace, or simply enjoying each other’s company, John had a remarkable gift for bringing everyone together and making every moment memorable.

John was a generous, selfless man whose greatest purpose in life was making his family happy. He was always there to offer guidance during difficult decisions, steady support through life’s challenges, and unconditional love to those around him. He never missed his grandchildren’s hockey, basketball, or volleyball games. He proudly taught each of them how to drive and took a genuine interest in everything they pursued. Endlessly proud of every one of them, he delighted in making them laugh while sharing stories, wisdom, and adventures from his own remarkable life.

He shared a unique and cherished bond with each of his grandchildren. Conner and Grampy spent countless hours talking about the stars, business, and life, conversations they both treasured. Leah and Grampy had their own secret babble that always brought laughter to the family. When his granddaughter, Mayev, lost her father at just ten years old, John quietly stepped into that role with unwavering love, guidance, and support. He became a constant source of strength throughout her life, always there with encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love.

Not long ago, Mayev said something that perfectly captured what John meant to his family:

“Grampy, you’ve bought so many lottery tickets over the last 20 years so you could win money to give to us. Didn’t you know we already won the lottery? We got you as our grampy.”

There could be no greater testament to the love John gave so freely throughout his life.

John was immensely proud of his son, Mark, and treasured the bond they shared through their mutual love of sailing. Together they spent countless hours racing on the Annapolis Basin, where John was both happy and proud to finally declare Mark “the captain.”

He adored his daughter, Karla, and followed every one of her adventures with excitement. Whether she was zip-lining through Belize, earning her scuba diving certification in the Atlantic Ocean, or planning her next journey, John loved that she embraced life to the fullest and it brought him peace and happiness knowing she had found her wonderful partner Pat.

John also shared a very special relationship with his daughter-in-law, Carrie, whom he loved dearly. She brought great happiness to his life, and he cherished the wonderful relationship they shared.

JJ’s devotion to Marilyn, the love of his life for 59 years, was constant and unwavering. Together they built a beautiful family, watched their grandchildren grow, and created a lifetime of treasured memories with lifelong friends. Whether spending time at the Cottage, Prince Edward Island, Porters Lake, or enjoying their much-loved Boxing Day gatherings, family was always at the heart of everything John did.

John was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Colin Corbett; his sisters, Marie Fellows (Ken) and Coline MacDonald (Ronald); his beloved brother-in-law, Ronald Jolemore; and his dear son-in-law, David Pujos-Michel.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Marilyn ( Jolemore); his son, Mark (Carrie Steeves);his daughter, Karla (Patrick Chambers) his cherished grandchildren, Mayev, Leah, and Conner;and his special nephew, Shawn Jolemore, along with many nieces and nephews.

John was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or quietly give to someone in need. Generosity wasn’t something he did—it was simply who he was.

One quote perfectly reflects the way John lived his life:

*“People will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel”

Our heartfelt thank-you to the 5B floor and palliative care team at the VG for the compassion, care, kindness and comfort you provided to JJ and our family in his final days.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at Sulis Smith Cemetery, Smiths Cove, NS at a later date.