John Edward Sexsmith

It is with profound sadness that the family of John Edward Sexsmith announces his passing at age 63 in Edmonton after a long, inspiring and — okay, Johnny, okay, you win! — breathtaking battle with cancer. If you are reading this and knew John, you know he would approve of “breathtaking.” He was both a Sexsmith (son of mother Vera and predeceased by father Robert) and a wordsmith. He loved wordplay like baseball players love diamonds. He’d be the first to mine the sadness of his passing for a gem of a pun. It was one of the ways he sparkled. After learning recently that the cancer had spread to his skull, John asked a friend in a text: “What three things do Gord Downie and John Sexsmith have in common?” He answered himself: “They both love Canada. They both love The Tragically Hip. And they both let cancer go to their heads!” He added, “You might say I have a lot on my mind. Ha!”

John is also survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Jo-anne Nugent; son, Joel; sister, Maureen; in-laws, Lorraine and Kevin O'Keefe, Paul and Audrey Nugent, and Michael and Yvonne Nugent, as well as nine nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews. Left to take up John’s side of the bed are his beloved St. Bernard's, George and Duke. John cherished being paw to them. John was born in Winnipeg on Dec. 15, 1961. That’s why he always cheered for the Jets, the Blue Bombers, and mosquito ground-spraying crews.

John was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer at age 50, but he simply, courageously, and unforgettably refused to let the disease dictate the way he would live. He was a Notre Dame Hound. He never complained. He struggled and emerged and was always more concerned about everyone else. Until last week he was actively coaching grateful SSAC U13AA hockey players, golfing, gardening, and readying for a cruise vacation — and working full-time. John’s greatest love was his son, Joel. Dadeo was Joel’s biggest fan and sometimes known to be “that sports parent” on the drive home after the game. He shared with Joel a love of hockey, baseball, golf, music, and DJing, but came up short on the ultimate goal of getting Joel excited about having a lawn that left the neighbours green with envy. John had some unusual collections, including K-TEL records and Pee-wee Herman memorabilia. He enjoyed Disney trips, camping, and house-cleaning. He loved a clean floor and was a master sweeper. He served up good vibes at his charming backyard tiki bar. He took up piano in his 40s, not fretting about taking up guitar next.

John worked for 26 years as an award-winning sports anchor and producer at ITV/Global and, prior to that, with the K-97 morning show. He was adored by his colleagues. He found his real calling in his second career as a legacy gift officer with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, where he was able to tell the story of how medical research is bettering the lives of Albertans living with cancer. John supported his community, recently leading the charge to rebuild the outdoor rink in Brookview. He treasured the deep, long friendships with the kids from Malmo and Riverbend with whom he grew up. John’s family would like to thank them for surrounding him with love in palliative care during his last days. His medical care was elite and his family thanks Dr. Denise Campbell-Scherer, Dr. Scott North, the pharmacists at The Medicine Shoppe Haddow Close, and the palliative caregivers at Grey Nuns unit 43.

In John’s memory donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) program, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, or Second Chance Animal Rescue Society.

A private memorial will take place in the future. John will not be forgotten as long as we try to make each other chuckle and groan, hoping for that lopsided smile in return.