John David Honsberger

February 6, 1923 - September 28, 2026

John died peacefully at the age of 103, at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto, surrounded by love and his cherished comforts of home - flowers and plants, paintings, books and a breeze gently blowing through the window. Sunnybrook was his "last address" and he expressed gratitude every day for the compassionate care he received. John served in the Canadian Forces in World War II in the Anti-Tank Artillery.

His resilience, kindness, humility and curiosity were boundless and unwavering and a source of inspiration to the many he mentored and encouraged throughout his lifetime.

John was a gifted lawyer, author, scholar and legal historian. He practiced law until the age of 90, and was recognized across the country and internationally for outstanding contributions to the legal profession. His writings and archival donations leave an enduring legacy. Among his many accolades, he was the first recipient of the Law Society of Upper Canada Medal, received the Award of Distinction from the Toronto Lawyers Association, and was appointed to the Order of Ontario (2013). In 2014, the Toronto Lawyers Association created the annual TLA Honsberger Award. Above all, John was lauded for his unwavering advocacy, support and encouragement of young legal professionals.

His love of the natural world was instilled at an early age by his parents at home and at the cottage in Georgian Bay. He loved dogs – his favourite was Toby – and took great pleasure in cultivating the gardens and property at his Thornhill home, a legacy that lives on in the Honsberger Field. In his later years, he savoured the flowers and plants on his balcony. Soaking up the sun in quiet contemplation was a source of deep contentment.

John and his first wife Gummy raised their three children in Thornhill where he served as a Trustee and Chair of the York County Board of Education. He fostered a love of reading in his children, and his belief in the value of research and education informed his work with the board and, later, his teaching at Osgoode Hall. He served as Editor of the Law Society Gazette for over 30 years and was a prolific author of books and other publications.

As his children and grandchildren advanced in their careers, he would often encourage them: "You should think about writing and publishing an article about your work". Drawing on his encyclopedic memory, he was renowned for citing a fact, a quote or asking a question that invariably extended your thinking.

John was devoted to his family and is survived by his children, David (Nancy), Janet (Tom) and Joan. He was a loving Mooshum (grandfather) to Honsberger grandchildren Kaleb (Katy), Michael (Rachel) and Jonathan; great grandchildren Ayden, Nora, Ethan, Morgan; Ross children, Graham (Lisa), Peter (Karen), Gordon (Krista) Laurel, Tom (Helen), Neil; Ross grandchildren Sophie, Molly (Dave), Olivia, Carter, Graydon; great grandson Beau and many nieces and nephews and their families. John and Gummy raised their children, and then John and Nancy blended the Honsberger-Ross families into a remarkable and enduring family “merger”.

John was predeceased by his mother and father- Marie and Stanley Honsberger, beloved wives Helen "Gummy" and Nancy, his sister Margaret (Ray), brother Hugh (Mardi), and grandson Connor.

Donations in John's memory may be made to Sunnybrook Foundation, Thornhill United Church, Toronto Foundation for Student Success, Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Funeral service will be held at Thornhill United Church, 25 Elgin Street, Thornhill on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 at 1.30 p.m. Family visitation will begin in the sanctuary of the church at noon. Service followed by interment at York Cemetery with a reception afterwards.

The funeral service will be available for livestream at the Kane-Jerrett website at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.com

Keep pushing. Don't coast. Be curious. Be grateful.