It is with deep sadness and indescribable grief that we announce the passing of our beloved John, on December 10th, 2018 at St. Joseph's Hospice, Thunder Bay, at the age of 65. For many years to come we will be remembering him as loving husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to all who knew him. John was born on February 12th, 1953, in Oshawa, Ontario where he was raised and lived for most of his life. John started his career with General Motors in 1978 and remained until his retirement in 2008. Since settling in Thunder Bay 5 years ago, John made many new friends. Everyone who met him was immediately drawn in by his kindness, sincerity, generosity, sense of humour, and unquestionable passion for music, and since retirement, his keen interest in gardening. A self-taught musician since the age of 15, John played guitar, bass and other instruments in numerous bands starting at the age of 16 and upon settling in Thunder Bay, was happy to join like-minded fellow musicians in hours of "jamming". Through his love of flower gardening, he happily transformed many yards into wonderlands of colour and patterns, including his home on Catherine Street. John enjoyed being able to share this knowledge and enthusiasm during his employment at Home Depot's Garden Centre until his recent passing.
John's family, and in particular his 2 daughters, were his life. Having regular contact with them sparked his soul - he looked forward to regular telephone conversations and in particular discussions on politics, world events, summer holiday planning - playing an active role in their lives was important to him and a life-long priority. John will forever be remembered and missed by his wife, Marie (Klassen), his children: Katie & Becky Romanchuk, his mother Mary Romanchuk, sister Eileen Morse, niece Andrea (Morse), nephew Christopher Morse, brother-in-law Orest Iwaszko (Gerry). He will also be missed by the Duguay family in Chattanooga, Tennessee: Adam, Larissa (Klassen), Eden, Cadence; and Bryan & Jan Duguay of Stratford, as well as many friends in Oshawa and Thunder Bay. John was predeceased by his father John and brother-in-law Erling Morse.
While fighting a short but brutal illness, John was supported by numerous close friends, in particular Jan & Joe who spent hours at his side during this difficult time. Thank you to Drs. Exley and Simpson for their care and personal attention to John's needs, and the nursing staff at TBRHSC- 2B and St. Joseph's Hospice for the excellent care and compassion given during John's illness.
A Celebration of John's Life will take place at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Saturday, October 12th, 2019 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm with Service at 12:30 p.m. Please feel free to share any memories and/or condolences with the family by clicking the "Add a Memory" link below.
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell
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