John Grant Kinnon

Jack was the only child of George Grant Kinnon and Mabel Marguerite (Campbell) Kinnon. He grew up on the family grain farm in Hughton, Saskatchewan. After the loss of his mother at age 11 and his father at age 15, Jack went to live with his Aunt Isla and Uncle John McCray Kinnon. He was sent to St. John’s College boarding school in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he completed his high school education and proudly served as a prefect in his final year.

While boarding in Saskatchewan, Jack met Marjorie Joyce Kinnon (née Kjellander), whom he would marry and share 70 years of marriage. Together, they moved to Nelson, British Columbia, where Jack began his career as an electrician with CP Rail. Marje predeceased Jack in September 2023.

Jack and Marje were blessed with four children: daughter Marilyn and son-in-law David Hutchins; son Geoff and daughter-in-law Cindy (Gray) Kinnon; son Barry and daughter-in-law Marilyn (Sarabura) Kinnon; and daughter Tracey Kinnon Notman.

Jack was a proud grandfather to Allison Hutchins (Brandon Ho); Alex (Lee Hepburn) Kinnon, Meaghan (Derek Gregorian), and Brendan Kinnon; Matthew (Jennifer Hatch), Michael (Annie Caswell), and Sarah Kinnon; and Taryn (Alex Tanner), Talia (Brett Berry), and Payton (Jennifer Archibald).

His legacy continues through his beloved great-grandchildren Olivia and Abigail Tanner; Havenlynn Hatch; Finlay Kinnon and Hudson and Paisley Kinnon. Jack will also be fondly remembered by surrogate grandchildren Stacy and Lee McKay.

In 1964, Jack and Marje relocated to Waterloo, Ontario, where Jack began his career with The Mutual Life Insurance Company. The family later settled in Guelph, Ontario, in 1975, where Jack continued a distinguished career as an agent and branch manager for over 35 years until his retirement. Jack was an active member of the Rotary Club for many years and remained a proud resident of Guelph for the rest of his days.

Jack was an avid sports enthusiast both on and off the field. A football player in his younger years, he and Marje remained lifelong and devoted Saskatchewan Roughriders fans. Jack loved to play golf, read extensively, and had a special passion for geography and learning about the world.

A private memorial service will be held at the family’s request. Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Wellington Hospice Guelph or a charity of one’s choice.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the care teams at Arbour Trails and Wellington Hospice, whose compassion and support meant so much to Jack and his family.

In his own quiet way, Jack left a simple message:

“If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”