John MacLean Rush

John MacLean Rush was a very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, John preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, John believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. John perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

      John was born on August 24, 1939 in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents were Hugh and Jean Rush. John was raised in Scotland, learned his trade in Wales and emigrated to Canada in 1963. As a young child, he was quiet and shy. John rarely called attention to himself, but when he did speak out, people were happy to engage with him.

      Early on in his family relationships, John showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along very well with everyone. He was raised with ten siblings. He had four older sisters, Elizabeth, Jean, Maisie and Jessica, and five younger sisters, Alice, Maisie, Patricia, Margaret, and Lilian, and one younger brother, Hugh Jnr. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      Growing up, John enjoyed playing soccer and attending Celtic games. He attended St. Philomerna's Elementary School and went on to graduate from St. Mungo's High School in 1956. He was never much of a scholar and his favorite activity in high school was sports.

      In college, John showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes that truly interested him. His ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. He earned his Technical Engineering diploma from a community college in Wales in 1959. His favorite courses were electrical engineering and drafting.

      Those who didn’t know John well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. John was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of John’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were his brother and sisters. Later in life, he became friends with workmates and golfing buddies Doug Seto, Ed Stachura and George Stewart.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, John had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. Introduced by his sister Patsy, he met his life partner, Barbara Patricia Anne Williams, on a blind date in 1969. On July 24, 1971,they exchanged wedding vows at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Hamilton, Ontario. John and Barbara celebrated their 40th anniversary this past year.

      Regretfully childless, John loved children and was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his nieces and nephews. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as uncle. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his loving nature by turning everyday events into an adventure.

      John found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was electrical draughtsman and he was employed for 30 years by Westinghouse Canada. John tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

     John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golf, soccer, walking his dogs, entertaining his family, and relaxing with TV shows. John was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to enjoy the present moment.

      John loved sports. In high school, he played soccer at every opportunity. In his college years, John continued to stay active by playing soccer. Recreational sports in Canada included golf and 5-pin bowling. John was very much an avid sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer, golf, football and curling. He followed his U.K. soccer teams Celtic and Manchester United right to the end. John was in his element when he coached a boys' soccer team for a few years.

      A loyal contributor, John was comfortable in the role of a team player. He had a tendency to bring peace to all his relationships by avoiding disagreements. Politically, he was very much left of centre and a strong supporter of the New Democratic Party. John was able to serve his community well, thanks to his open mind and faithful commitment.

Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, John was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. He often undervalued his achievements and abilities and simply viewed his performance as fulfilling his responsibilities. Some of his most prestigious awards included the Westinghouse "Signature Award of Excellence in Drafting" and his golfing "Hole In One".

      John pretended not to enjoy travelling but once arrangements were made, he tagged along and found that he loved the world around him. Travel provided opportunities for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included a trip home to Scotland and cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda.

      John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favorites were dogs, especially Chelsea, a Golden Retriever, and Charlie, a Bichon Frise. They were best friends for 13 and 11 years respectively. His pet family was rounded out by his love for family dogs, Allie, Boomer, Shannie, Brandy, Wendell, Hamish and Bella.

      When John’s retirement finally arrived in 1990, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing golf every weekday with his buddies and exploring new worlds on his computer. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He loved to potter around his basement, fixing things, and tending to his garden. His spring and summer gardens were a riot of flowers every year.

      John passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. at home. He fought a long and difficult battle against diabetes and congestive heart failure for 15 months beginning with his leg amupuation in October 2010. He is survived by his wife Barbara. Services were held at Cresmount Funeral Home. John was cremated and his ashes will be scattered in Scotland.

      John was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. John always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. John was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember John MacLean Rush.

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Passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2012 in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Williams). Loving brother of Jessica Benson (the late Joseph), Alice Melly (Patrick), Margaret Bodden (Garry), Hugh, and Lilian Buchanan (Iain) and special cousin Phyllis Rush. Pre-deceased by sisters Elizabeth Rush, Jean Pender (Jim), Maisie Matone (Victor), and Patricia Baiardo (Vincenzo). Dear brother-in-law of David Williams (June), Alan Williams (Susan) and predeceased by Peter Williams (Ruth). Uncle John will be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews throughout Canada and Scotland, especially his much loved Godson Darryl Bodden (Lori) and great-nieces Brooklyn and Emma. Thanks go out to his good friends Doug Seto and George Stewart for a lifetime of true friendship, golf and happy memories. A special thank you to all his Bayshore Home Care Nurses, especially Susannah, Clarissa and VON Nurse Terry whose expertise and tender care did so much to comfort John on his year long journey home. Following John's wishes cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue East. In lieu of flowers and donations, please be kind to one another and to all God's creatures.