John had great hair: pulled back in a long, thick ponytail the day we met at Laird Automotive, many years ago. I was jealous. He was also a superior human being, and I was jealous of that as well. Always calm, cool, and collected behind the desk of the shop while all manner of automotive mayhem played out around him at high volume, I can only guess that the fact he didn't drive gave him a level of calm the rest of us lack. We had so many great conversations while I waited for my cars to be fixed, that I was almost sad when the repairs were done and it was time to go. I think it says a lot about John that after he got sick, they didn't hire someone new to replace him. Rather, Sean rented out half of the shop to downsize, and (after some difficulty I'm sure!) took on John's responsibilities. I miss him. I miss hearing his voice. Godspeed John. You won't be forgotten.  Scott Kennedy

We have known John professionally for over 20 years and were devastated to hear the sad news today, visiting the shop for regular maintenance.  He was always kind, thoughtful, honourable and possessed a sparkling multi-facetted brilliance spanning the intricacies of automotive and aviation technology, stock market volatility, history and cool t shirts. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. He was "an original" and will be greatly missed. God Bless.

Carolyne and Michael Fowler, Toronto

I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. Of course, after a long and hard fought battle, it was best for him but I'm sorry it had to happen at all.  My late husband, Bill, had many interests in common with John and visits to the shop were interesting because of that connection.  John was kind to me after Bill's passing knowing, I'm sure,  that cars were Bill's arena and now I was vulnerable in more ways than one. May John rest in peace. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

We knew John through his work at Laird Automotive.  It was always a delight to speak with him and it was obvious he cared a lot about the business and the people who walked through the door.  He was funny, intelligent and insightful.  We knew John to be generous and dedicated, with a special sense of humour.   

Our sincere condolences to John's family, friends and colleagues.

Rest in peace John - may you feel Love's embrace, always.

I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing.  While I only knew  of him through his work, what I  read about him in this notice (so beautifully written and evocative of his essence) makes total sense to me. His intelligence and kindness radiated from him. It was always such a bright spot in my day when I had an interaction with him.  He had such a twinkle in his eye! 

What his family has written about him will stay in my heart, as will my fond memories of him.   I am so sorry for your family’s loss of such a beautiful soul. Constance Marlatt

My heart is very heavy today as I just found out about your brother.
So sorry Maureen to hear about the loss of your brother John.  I know you were very close to him and you will miss him every minute of the day.  My prayers go out to all of John's family and friends who will miss him so very much.

Thinking of all of you.
Sandra Cassar Gabbott

My deepest condolences to John's family and friends.  John was two years younger than me. I remember going and playing at his house when I was five-seven years old. The Tasker's had the best sand box in the neighbourhood! I have very fond memories of the dark haired handsome boy I knew.

Janet Cassar Hodgins.

I’m so sad to hear that John has left this earth. I didn’t know him for very long, but he always stood out every where he went. We attended Albert Campbell CI, together. He was so handsome, interesting and independent. So fashion forward. I remember he had glitter socks like Michael Jackson. He wore the best cologne, but would never disclose the scent to me, no matter how much I begged him. I loved being in his presence and regret that as time moved on I was never able to find a way to contact him, to stay in touch.

To the Tasker Family, sending our deepest condolences to all the family at the loss of your brother and dear uncle. Thinking of you all during this difficult time 💕

Rob, Lynne & Carly Delo

Such a thoughtful, considerate, kind and smart guy.  Only ever knew John as a client at Laird but we always had long conversations about all manner of things.  He never showed off his knowledge, but he always quietly told me a few things I had never known about topics I thought I knew well.  The decency of people at Laird Auto has always struck me - and John was the archetype of that.  Blessed to have known him, and great sympathies to all family and friends.  We are all better for knowing him. Anthony Wilson-Smith 

Sending the entire Tasker Family  sincerest  condolences  for the loss of your brother  and Uncle John.  RIP

John was 15 years old when we first met.  I was 12. I thought he was cool in 1976 and he never lost that vibe in the 47 years that I knew him!  Maybe because we are both Geminis or more likely because his sister Maureen, so dear to him, is also so dear to me but whatever the reason, John and I shared a special fondness for one another. He  always had a warm hug and I never doubted that he cared. May you rest in peace my friend.


Uncle John and me at the cottage, a place of joy and tranquility for us all :)

John at the cottage, looking so effortlessly cool and up to shenanigans as always :)

Uncle John at his happy place, aunt Maureen’s cottage! 

Uncle John lovingly supporting me and joyously celebrating with me on my wedding day :)

-Hailey

My dear brother, I will miss you forever. 

You were my wise counsellor - even adopting Dad's famous 'you know what to do, kid', after he passed. I could fill pages with memories and still not share them all. We stood side by side, having each other's back, through thick and thin. I will never forget you reminding me, just a couple of months ago, 'we always figure it out'. That, we did. Laughing, crying, commiserating. 

It's a long road that doesn't turn Johnny. As I try to figure out how to navigate on my own, I'm reminded of The Riddle Song. You sang the seemingly silly lines to the boys when they were young'uns but the part you left out is what I'll remember - when I say I love you, it never ends. 

Sleep in peace, rejoice with our loved ones, and please keep watch. 

Maureen xoxo

John turned 18 on our first trip to the motherland. Our Irish cousins threw him an epic birthday party in the pub. Dromore, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. 

My love & sincere deepest condolences to dearest Johns loving family. 

My fond memories are of having tea with Nana Tasker & hearing about my very cool cousin Johns life & seeing Nana beam with love in her eyes & heart  for her beautiful handsome John. Still so vivid those memories. 

My heart goes out to Johns so loving sisterangel my beautiful cousin Maureen xx I am so grateful you shared Johns life with me the past few years. Love & Hugs to Maureen, Brian, Patti & Will & families. In Gods arms and without pain, rest in peace dear cousin John. 

xx Lisa



My sincere condolences to John's family. I've been a customer at Laird Automotive for a long time, and the whole time John worked there. Whenever I came in, he and I enjoyed sharing history stories, and had our own little book club going as we swapped books about various wars. It was always a pleasure to chat with John, and I looked forward to seeing him at the desk, smiling as he dealt with customers and others. I'm sure he will be missed by many, his family most of all of course. Rest in peace, John.

When I close my eyes, this is how I remember John. Love ya brother. Miss you always. 

For my beloved UJ.

John Tasker was a teacher. Not in a school. But in life. With his nieces, nephews, his whole family, he shared his abundance of knowledge, street smarts, and ultimate cool factor. Whether he was wearing a band t-shirt and jeans, or decked out in his man in black look, John would give knowledge about 17th century war weapons, or how awesome the newest Amsterdam beer was. 

He was a private man too. Off the grid as it were. But when he let you into a little part of what made him, him; it was always a treat and the coolest story you’d ever heard. I don’t know if that’s because he emanated coolness and everyone wanted to be just like him, or if it was just the confidence in which he said it. What I do know is that it was important to pay attention, because no matter whether you agreed or not, you’d truly learn something worth knowing. 

He was always there for me. From the time I was a young kid, until the day he died. John was there for me when I needed to be picked up from school, and he was there for me a couple of years ago, in my corner at my first and only amateur boxing fight. He was the only family member to attend, getting money together to pay for the expensive ticket. He was in my corner, with a homemade sign, cheering me on. Cheering so much, and so close to the ring, that I found out later that organizers asked him to step away from ringside. If I know my uncle, he probably called them losers and stood his ground. He was NOT leaving my corner. He never left my corner. Not once in my whole life. 

He taught us to be tough, to love, to be respectful, to follow the rules, and to be smart. Because of that, he’ll never leave any of us. John Tasker was a teacher, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. 

Love, 
Bub

OBITUARY

John Joseph Tasker

June 6, 1961 – September 1, 2023

Paul O'Connor Funeral Home

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