He was predeceased by his Mother and Father Eileen and Patrick Connelly, and his sister Colette McCann. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Katherine, and his three daughters and their husbands Jacqueline and Vern, Catriona and Will, and Shona and Jim. He was a wonderful Grandfather to Madalyn, Rebecca, Aidan and Michael, a loving uncle to his nieces and nephew, and a support to so many more throughout his full and happy life.
John was born on January 15, 1941 in Glasgow, Scotland where he was doted on by his big sister Colette. He began playing golf at the age of ten with his pal Jimmy Edgar and continued this passion his whole life, and spent his youth on the football pitch dreaming of joining his beloved Celtic. He began working at an Insurance Company in Glasgow and continued within the Industry for the rest of his career.
John and Mary were married in 1968 and immigrated to Canada around the same time as their friends Anne and Jim Towns, and Elspeth and Douglas Orr, where along with their new friends Carol and George Snowden they all created a Canadian family for their collective children, beginning their own traditions of Boxing Day parties and family vacations (with the occasional golf game!). They settled in Oakville with their three children, where so many wonderful memories were made. Their home became a safe haven for friends of their children who needed extra support and love, and to this day John is considered family by so many that have no actual relation to him. His kindness and generosity transcended the traditional definition of family.
In 2000, Mary and John retired together and moved to Cambridge to be closer to their grandchildren. John found a more fulfilling second career in retirement - becoming the world’s best Grandpa. He shared his love of soccer with his girl Becca, his love of discussion and deep thoughts with Maddie, and kicked the ball around playing commentator with his boys Aidan “Fishbone” McIntyre and Michael “Boaby” McIntyre. He found immense enjoyment and fulfillment watching them grow, and becoming their true selves.
In their later years, John and Mary became “snowbirds”, avoiding Canadian winters and enjoying their time in Destin, Florida. John was a great dancer and they enjoyed boogying at Banjorama and having fun with friends. His kids and grandkids came to visit each year on March break, to help him build sandcastles and dig big holes on the beach. When at home, John found great joy puttering around his beautiful back garden that he had cultivated over the years, enjoying the cardinals and blue jays that would visit every day.
Toodle Pip Johnny. You will be greatly missed.
John’s family is grateful for the 14 years of distinctively valuable memories gifted to them because of a liver donation from his daughter Catriona. In lieu of flowers, the family would be appreciative of donations to The Centre for Living Organ Donation at Toronto General Hospital at the link below.
A service is to be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:00 am with only close family in attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please join the family via livestream on this page with the link below.
DONATIONS
The Centre for Living Organ Donation at Toronto General Hospital , Toronto , Ontario
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