John Albert Hinkley

In his 83rd year, John passed peacefully with family by his side at Mackenzie Health Palliative Care in the early hours of May 26, 2025. Thank you to all the nurses and doctors who did their best to care for him, especially the numerous male nurses who understood his vibe with fist pumps.

John was the much-loved partner of 17 years to Susan Horne (Ryan and Jen Horne, Charles & Elizabeth), and a dearly loved father to Stephen (Terri) Hinkley of Swedesboro, NJ (Rob, Megan, Rachel), and Julie (Jeff) Sutherland of Calgary (Emma, Charlotte, Heather). He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 41 years, Lorraine (née Grass, 2005), and his parents, Ruth and Chuck Hinkley.

Born in Dunnville, Ontario, John was the only child of an RCAF officer and a trailblazing mother who championed women’s rights and civic leadership. His early years were spent moving across Canada with the military, often with a loyal dog at his side. He met Lorraine in junior high in Montreal, and despite distance, they remained connected through letters until they married in 1964. Together, they raised a family in Thornhill and built a life filled with camping, travel, curling, cross-country skiing, bridge, and strong community ties.

John cherished summers spent with his grandmother in Muskoka, which deepened his lifelong love of Ontario’s forests and lakes. He and Lorraine eventually bought a cottage on Three Mile Lake, following years of camping adventures and time at his parents’ home on the Madawaska River. His father’s love of birds became his own, and he passed on a deep appreciation for the natural world to his children and grandchildren.

He took being a grandfather—“Poppa”—to heart, planning outings and experiences that nurtured his grandchildren’s interests, curiosity and joy. Whether sharing books, exploring nature, or seeking out the best butter tarts and ice cream, Poppa created lasting memories built on love, learning, and laughter.

John began his career at Massey-Ferguson, later joining the Dylex Group and eventually working at KTS in the early years of business computing. Known for his sharp inquisitive mind he served on numerous software and systems groups, which brought him and his family to conferences across North America. He proudly had one of the first car phones—though he never gave up his flip phone.

He contributed to his community as a loyal friend and neighbour, hockey coach and a long-time member serving various roles at Thornhill United Church during almost 60 years of living in Thornhill. After Lorraine’s passing, he was blessed to find joy again with Susan. Together, they traveled to over 50 countries, curled, canoed in Algonquin, attended countless concerts and Maple Leafs games, and shared much laughter.

John was a voracious reader, a lover of cheese and crackers, animals, giver of thoughtful gifts, and meaningful conversations. When faced with challenges, he often said, 'Everything happens

for a reason'—a belief he shared to his grandchildren. He was a kind, dependable and loyal person who was often the voice of reason and whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 from 6-8pm at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge St. Thornhill.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 30th, 2025 at 11am at Thornhill United Church, 25 Elgin St, Thornhill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army—an organization that reflected his values—as well as to Friends of Ruby, Hospice Muskoka, Haven Toronto, or the Canadian Red Cross.