John Walter Simmonds, Corporal (Retired)

John enjoyed the adventures and passions of an honourable career in the RCMP and then completed a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University to embark on another career on the Crisis Team in the emergency department of Peel Memorial Hospital and Brampton Civic Hospital in southern Ontario.

John’s family of origin consisted of his mother, Velvyan McCutcheon (deceased), his father, George Simmonds (deceased), and his three brothers, Gerry (Janice) of Kimberley, BC, George (Marg - deceased) of Ivanhoe Lake, west of Timmins, ON and Jim (Wendy) of Dartmouth, NS.

He was blessed with 5 nieces and 1 nephew: Christie, Holly, Jennifer, Laurie Ann, Amy, and Derek, as well as many cousins that were all part of the McCutcheon/Simmonds clan, whom he loved dearly.

John was born in Alliston, Ontario, but grew up both in Downsview, a part of North Toronto and Relessey, a small farming community an hour north of Toronto.

One could say he had the best of both worlds, but was partial to his Uncle Elmer Coleman’s farm, his Aunt Luella’s tea biscuits, and his cousin Donna Holmes (deceased).

His Downsview days held many memories of his great neighbourhood and friends, but he often said: “ when you picked on one of the Simmonds boys, you picked on all four of us!”

His immediate family included his wife of almost 51 years Linda (MacEachern), his son James (Melanie Turgeon), of Lewis Lake, NS, and his son Daniel ( Janina Lavigne) of Sandford, NS. He was also blessed with two precious grandchildren, Charlotte and Lachlan of Sandford, and two great grandchildren Veronica Kelly and Matteo of Lewis Lake.

His MacEachern clan family, whom he loved dearly included Lauren and Walter Furdas of Sydney, Brian Furdas (Gloria) of Bedford, Christina Scriven of London, England, Carl Wickstrom (Sheila) of New

Glasgow, Robert Wickstrom (Hannah) of Halifax, and two brother -in-laws Steve Wickstrom ( Brenda, deceased) of Oakfield, NS and Alan Scriven ( Marg Clare, deceased) of Toronto.

Besides his careers, John loved doing things for other people whether it was helping coach young boys in the boxing ring, designing plans for a garage, deck, stairway, renovating houses, plumbing a new cottage for a friend or volunteering in hospitals both in Ontario and locally, after he retired. John always had a project and loved being busy.

John’s best accomplishment was as provider for his family. His love language was doing and being there for his wife, two boys, and their families. At home, John cooked, he cleaned, he changed diapers, he did laundry; he always believed the running of the house and family life was a 50/50 proposition. He was Mr. Cool and Mr. Mom all wrapped up in one man, and a man ahead of his times. He provided counsel and advice to his boys as they grew into two fine men, just like their dad.

While John spent many years away from Nova Scotia, when he returned he reunited with some of his very best buddies and cherished weekly gatherings for beer and wings.

In memory of John those who wish may make donations to Feed Nova Scotia, Hope for Wildlife, Team Rubicon Canada or a charity of your choice.

John particularly wanted to thank some special people who cared for him with such kindness and grace: Dr. Mary Botrous, family doctor, Dr. David Bowes, radiation oncologist, Dr. Sean Taylor, Neurologist, Mukaila, nurse on Neurology, Cindy Bell and Dr. Gorman-Corsten of the Palliative Care Team, and Vicky Guy of MAID. God bless you all in your continuing care of the sick.