John Joseph Metlej

Born in Diman, Lebanon on February 20, 1939, John was the oldest of 5 siblings with whom remained his best friends throughout his life. John was a pillar in the Lebanese community and one of the first to immigrate to Halifax, Nova Scotia in February 1965. He had a humble beginning and worked hard in various jobs to establish himself.

In 1968, John met the love of his life and soulmate, the late Margaret (Ramia). John and Margaret were married on May 19, 1969 in Halifax. They were the definition of true love from the beginning and that was evident when they celebrated 50 years of marriage before Margaret passed away in 2019. They raised five children together and he was truly devoted to his wife and family.

John loved spending summers by his impressive garden and winters by his wood stove. He had a special passion for gardening and spent much of his time planting his wife’s favourite flowers and vegetables. His big smile lit up every room he walked in and nothing brought him more joy than welcoming his family and friends with open arms into his Clayton Park home’s garage, which famously became known as the venue for countless visits and gatherings. He was both social and selfless - he loved sending everyone home with a bag of fresh veggies from his garden.

John’s strength, devotion to his faith, and deep love for his family were truly inspiring. He was blessed with great health until his final months. He truly lived life to the fullest and embraced every moment of life until the very end. He was known as the life of the party with his contagious smile and well-groomed moustache.

John loved to travel and always looked forward to regular trips to the Caribbean and road-trips to Sainte Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica outside Quebec City, recently visiting the month before he passed away.

He is predeceased by his wife and soulmate of 50 years Margaret (Ramia), his parents; Yousef & Labiba Metlej and his brother Sarkis (Sam) Metlej. John will be immensely missed by his siblings; Renée Metlej (sister-in-law), Margo (late John) Arab, Samir (Violet) Metlej, and Samira (late Mehrez) Kabalen, his children; Theresa (Sleiman) Ghosn, Nancy (Tony) Bou-Nassif, Joe (Vanessa) Metlej, Judy Metlej, and Susie (Elie) Abi Yaghi as well as 10 grandchildren; Sadie, Christina, Jacob, Miguel, Bryana, John, Matthew, Joey, Zeina and Alana.

John lit up every room and left a special mark on everyone that met him. Our hearts are bleeding at the void he’s left as the King of our family but we know he is at peace now.

Funeral home visitation will take place on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at JA Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive. Funeral service will be Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Lebanon Church with burial to follow at St John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Parish.