Dr. John Lewis Sapp

It is with deep sorrow, and with gratitude for a life lived with grace and love, that the family of John Lewis Sapp announces his passing. Born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia on June 20, 1942, he was the youngest son of Joseph R. Sapp and Lillian (Maroun) Sapp. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a man of faith and family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Judith Mary (Simms) Sapp and by his four children and their families: Felicity Sapp (Marc Gagne); John Sapp Jr. (Heidi); Cathy Sapp (Trent Laing); and Nicholas Sapp (Laura Farr). John (“Gid” to his grandchildren) was grandfather to Julia and Sara Gagne; Alexander (Michelle Johnson), Robert, David, and Felicity Sapp; John and Jaime Vickery; Darcey and Patrick Loch-Sapp and Connor Farr. He is further survived by his brothers Philip (Julie), Jim (Margaret), and sister-in-law Patricia Sapp. He was predeceased by his brother Raymond and cousin George (Claudette).

John’s faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted Roman Catholic, he was a long-time parishioner of Canadian Martyrs Parish, now part of Good Shepherd Parish, Halifax. John lived his life with kindness, compassion, and humility, but never wavered in his convictions.

John’s professional life was one of achievement and service to the people of Nova Scotia and to his medical specialty. After undergraduate studies at Saint Francis Xavier University, he earned his medical degree from Dalhousie University in 1968. Following a fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and residency training, he built a distinguished career as a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. For over three decades, John was a Staff Physician at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, where he also served as Medical Director of the hospital. He was an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, where he taught and mentored generations of physicians.

Beyond his clinical work, John was a leader in his field at the provincial, national, and international levels. He served as President of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, President of the Nova Scotia Society of Internal Medicine, Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Nova Scotia, and as a founding member and Past Chairman of the Canadian Physiatrist Research and Development Foundation. He was the recipient of the Annual Honourary Lectureship of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the Distinguished Achievement Award of the QEII Health Sciences Centre Medical Staff.

Over the years, John spent his leisure time working in the yard or on the boat, sailing, skiing, and playing tennis. He spent many beautiful Nova Scotia summers at the cottage, and winters in Stuart, Florida. In retirement, he was busier than ever. He found artistic expression in wood carving, enjoyed salmon fishing with his brothers, and he and Judy shared a love of travel, sailing, golf, and time with family and friends. Through it all, what he treasured most was time with his family. We will remember his warm smile, gentle manner, and genuine goodness. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation 6-8 pm, Sunday October 18th at Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, at 10 am, Monday Oct 19th with a reception to follow. There will be a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the QEII Foundation.