John Klincans

John Klincans (born Janis Klincans) passed away peacefully on December 29 at the age of 84. He was born on January 15, 1941, in Riga, Latvia, to Adams and Marianna Klincans. In the aftermath of the Second World War, John emigrated to Canada with his parents, beginning a new life that he would embrace with gratitude, determination, and pride.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sabina Klincans, who passed away in January 2025. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. They were long-time residents of Bridgenorth, Ontario, and considered it, along with the greater Peterborough area, their true home.

John is survived by his four children: Anita Dawson (partner Chris Prince), Lisa Lindland (husband Kevin Lindland), Teresa Pike (husband Matthew Pike), and Jason Klincans (wife Donna Hunter). He was a proud grandfather to Matthew and Cathryn Klincans, and Joshua Dawson, all of whom brought him great joy.

John was deeply proud of his Latvian heritage and maintained close ties with childhood friends and extended family who also made Canada their home after the war. His early adult years included service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, stationed at Cold Lake, Alberta, where he earned his certification as a mechanic as well as his pilot’s license. It was during this time that he met Sabina in nearby Bonnyville—an encounter that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

Following his military service, John worked for more than 25 years as a mechanic with the City of Peterborough Public Board of Works. Renowned for his ingenuity and practical intelligence, John had a rare ability to fix almost anything. Mechanical problems of any kind seemed to invite his curiosity rather than intimidate him. This gift filled his family’s life with constant projects and adventures—airplanes, snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, and countless other machines that he repaired, restored, or reinvented.

John was generous with both his time and his skills. Neighbours knew that if something was broken—a car, a furnace, or part of a home—John would arrive with a vehicle full of tools and a quiet confidence that the problem could be solved. Helping others was simply who he was.

He loved the countryside and often spoke fondly of his time on the family farm as a young man. His affection for animals never faded; horses held a special place in his heart, and he never lost his sense of wonder at the sight of a hawk or heron in flight.

Above all, John loved his children deeply. There was no task too large or too small if it meant helping them—moving homes, maintaining vehicles, repairing houses, or offering steady support whenever it was needed. His reliability, kindness, and unwavering presence defined him as a father and as a man.

John will be remembered for his generosity, his mechanical brilliance, his quiet strength, and his deep devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of skill, service, and love that will continue through those who knew him.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Peterborough Humane Society.