Peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the age of 79. Cherished partner of Sandi Knapp for 45 years. Loving father of Kelli Norton (Steve), and Cameron (Megan). Proud grandpa of Christine (Matt), Damion (Maddy), Charlie and Violet. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Suzanne, Peter, Maureen and Gary, Tim and Brenda, and Bruce. Lovingly remembered by 10 nieces and nephews: Seren, Jennifer (Daryl), Laura (Pris), Lindsay (Tim), Terri (Abbey), Nicole, Tyler (Irim), Gavin (Christine), Logan (Alyssa), Tristen (Taylor) as well as 9 great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by father Arthur Shepherd (survived by Jean Brooke), mother, Margaret Stout, and beloved sisters-in-law Donna (Billy) and Debbie.
John worked at Honeywell for 25 years in the computer division, starting as a computer operator and ending as a salesman. After retiring, at age 43, he and Sandi started a small business called S&J Enterprises. John produced custom woodworking while Sandi consulted for the Region of Waterloo.
John was an avid boater, starting with a Bayfield 25, a Searay 22’, a Bayfield 29 and ending with a 40 foot Alcan houseboat which he completely restored/renovated. Along with family, he travelled the Great Lakes, especially the pristine north channel. Boating rewarded him with many lifelong friends. He and Sandi owned Bayfield River Cottage Colony and Marina for 25 years with three incredible partners.
With Sandi by his side he travelled extensively with friends including tours to Portugal, Spain, France, a month-long tour to China, a river cruise down the Rhine, a train adventure of South Africa, a boat trip in the Galapagos including Peru and the Amazon. He excitedly embarked on two trips to New Zealand to visit and reconnect with a cherished childhood friend. Winters were spent first in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, then visiting a friend in the BVI’s, and finally, Panama City, Florida, and South Carolina with friends.
After boating, John took up Flying model aircraft. He was the president of SkyHarbour Modelers‘s club in Goderich until his health declined. He cherished the day he received his “wings” and especially the friendships he made with fellow members.
His family would like to extend a special thanks to the Southbridge Staff who helped him while he was trying to obtain his goal of coming home. They would also like to thank all who cared for and supported him especially the compassionate nursing staff at Goderich hospital who cared for him in his final days.
Cremation has taken place. At John’s request there will be no funeral.
If desired, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Reg Ogilvie
Always a pleasure dealing with John. Sending our condolences to all of his family and friends from the Mill.
Krista Dalzell
Dear Sandi,
I was so sad to hear about John’s passing. You were both so welcoming to Chris and I when we first moved to our house at Durand Huronview.
John was always a friendly face and easy person to talk to. Thinking of you as you remember all the great times you had together.
Take care
Chris Cavanaugh
Sandi, Cameron, Kelly. I am reeling. My friend, sailing companion, Mr. fix It guy. Gone.
We shared so many wonderful times together. Making pasta on the dock in Goderich. Spilling Caesar’s on the settee of the boat in Fox Harbour. And sailing on a 29ft. Sailboat in a brisk breeze on a fall day off Bayfield.
Thanks John. We had fun!
Pierre and Diane Tremblay
Our sincere condolences to Sandy and family.
We had many good times and memories with John and Sandy at our marina in Britt
memories that we will cherish.
John was a friend that I always appreciated
I will miss him very much.
Diane and Bill Konkle
Sandi and Family,
Durand-Huronview will never be the same without John’s great capacity for kindness, generosity, and outspoken charm. He will be missed.
Deborah Kroetsch
Dear Sandi and kids and family.
Thinking of you all with love and compassion during this time of grieving for John. And yet I find myself smiling as I recall times spent with you and John. I imagine he was received on the other side by lots of 😊 smiling loved ones too….lol. Blessings.
Sherrie Broderick/Larry Ballantyne
Dear Sandi and Family,
Sending our deepest condolences for your loss
Peter Brooke
Saddens me for your loss Sandi. Time will not fix everything. But your partner will be remembered. He was lucky to have the white family in his circle. All the best for your future.
Kurt & Pat Keller
Dear Sandi & Family, We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a valued part of our community and will truly be missed by everyone. We are grateful to have known him. Sending our sincere condolences.
Kurt & Pat Keller
Joe Durand
Sandi and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Napier Simpson
We count our blessings for the 30+ years we’ve known John. He’s been an engaging and honest friend, came close once as a business partner and very instrumental in helping us restore our old houses early in our relationship. He was talented, steadfast, kind and generous. We’re sorry for your loss. We all have lost someone special.
Jim and Ruth Gingerich
Sandi and family…our deepest condolences to you all! We have many happy memories of JB… he was a great neighbour and friend and will be forever be missed….
Jim and Ruth
Paul Wanamaker
Hey Cam thoughts are with you and your family. Sounded like your dad was a good guy.
Kerri Gingerich
Dear Sandi, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Churchill
Kelly and Cameron, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We were friends of your parents when they lived near Elimville. I used to babysit Kelly when she was very young. Sounds like you have many memories of your Dad to hold dear.
Carol Churchill (Parsons)
Terry Timmons
Sandi and Family…
We were so sorry to hear that John has died. He was amongst our favourite people. Hugs!
Terry and Sal. ❤️
Brian Mooney
We knew each other for nearly 70 decades being very close friends through our teenage years. My overseas adventure at 21 turned into a one way ticket being New Zealand my final destination and we only saw each other on my occasional visits back “home”. We lost contact with each other for many years however, thanks to the internet, I found him and we reconnected. My wife and I had the pleasure of hosting two visits from John and Sandi to NZ . For the past couple of months we connected via internet video a few times each week while John was hospitalized. We had great chats, some old time reminisces, (I was amazed at how he included me into his family holidays at the cottage) and of recent day always including humour. John was big in statue, and had a huge magnetic presence. I admired is stoicism and amazing attitude considering his situation. Thanks Sandi for being great partner to my very dear friend. Farewell John, I am going to miss you hugely.
Allison Mooney
I am taking credit as being John’s cherished life long friend’s wife from New Zealand .! Those two summers that They both graced our table and we laughed and let John and Brian tell repeated stories of their youth while Sandy and I rolled our eyes again and again . These were counted as our favourite summers. Yes,and we nearly all got wiped out when John drove and momentarily forgot which side of the road New Zealanders drove on. He was my favourite colour man- always in a bright t-shirt! Always interested in you!
Sandy, you have been an amazing partner and I pray during this very difficult time of loss and grief you will recall and laugh at the beautiful man we loved too. Thank you John for adding to this world .. rest, until we meet again