John Charles Grace, 64 of Goderich tragically passed away on Lake St. Joseph near his family business, a fishing resort 30km south of Pickle Lake on August 9, 2022. John was born in Goderich Ontario on November 6th 1957 to Isla and John Patrick Grace. John was a lifelong entrepreneur and proud supporter of the business community, founding and running many businesses, most notably the Old Post Lodge. John was a man of many pursuits and great passion who left an indelible mark on the communities he lived and worked in. Goderich, Old Post Lodge, Pickle Lake and the Indigenous community of Mishkeegogamang all held a very special place in John’s heart. In Goderich he was involved with many service groups and community organizations throughout his life and was very active in municipal politics, first running for town council in 1998 serving as Deputy Mayor for two terms and most recently as the Mayor of Goderich, a post held until his untimely passing. It is difficult to summarize John’s achievements without understating his role and impact on the community of Goderich. John was a guiding light, leader, mentor, friend, humanitarian and a champion of many causes. He was a man of the people and had a profound impact on everyone he met. His laugh filled any space lucky enough to house it. He will be missed.
John is survived by his wife Wendy, sons Jonathon, Jordan and Joel, daughter-in-law Rebecca and grandson Finn.
A visitation will be held on August 22, 2022 at Lakeshore United Church between the hours of 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lakeshore United Church, on Tuesday August 23, 2022 at 2 PM. A livestream of the service can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCINgoJF_sih3LsbazfDQ3zg/featured. A Private family interment will be held at Maitland Cemetery. A public Memorial Service to celebrate John’s life will be held on the square in downtown Goderich, date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to the Tanner Steffler Foundation (www.tannerstefflerfoundation.com).
Shared by Judy and Barry Ward
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).
Janis Barlow
I worked with John when he served on Council. My firm was selected to undertake a feasibility study for a performing arts centre expansion to the Livery. John was a joy with whom to work. He was smart and well informed and a visionary for the Town of Goderich. Gone too soon. May he rest in peace and may Wendy and his children be sustained by warm memories.
Dave Robinson
I struggle to find the words to express my sadness over John’s passing and the tremendous loss that Wendy and the family must feel. John will be missed by all of the people who were touched by his energetic way of life, his commitment to community, his story telling (especially the stories about brother Phil!), and his inclusive way of interacting with everyone. I met John in 1989 on my first visit to the Old Post. Although we only saw each other once a year, I considered John a good friend. He helped make my 33 trips to the Old Post some of the most memorable times of my life.
“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. It is the price of love”.
Mark & Cynthia Strickland
To Wendy and her family our heartfelt condolences. John was always smiling and hearty laugh and hearty hand shakes will be missed. He will be be missed!!
Casey & Brenda Does
Casey & I would like to express our Sympathy in the passing of John.
Casey met John in the coffee shop on Hwy #8 to Volunteer for Dialysis
that was his first time Volunteering and found John a Great Guy.
Kevin & Connie Adams
Unbelievably sad news. John was a very proud and devoted family man with extraordinary dedication to Goderich. His laugh and warm smile was infectious to friends and strangers alike. John will be deeply missed but remembered fondly. Our sincere condolences to Wendy and family.
Ernie & Liette Pfrimmer
Our deepest condolences to the Grace family the memories we shared with John over the years will always be cherished .
our friendship started back in high school days and remained. Again our condolences John was a good man.
Ernie and Liette
Kristin Crane
Wendy, Joel, Jordan, Jon and the entire Grace family: I am very sorry for your loss.
I will most remember his jovial laugh and willingness to elevate the needs of people who were often unheard or overlooked.
I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside John and I will always admire his ability to get things done with a hearty dose of humour.
Thank you Wendy, Joel, Jordan and Jon for sharing your partner and dad with the community.
Kristin
Denise and Grant Langlois
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of John Grace. He was such a determined man to get things done that he believed in and had such a great sense of humour. He will be missed by so many who were lucky enough to have met him.
Remember the good times you had with him and the great memories. Sincere condolences go out to the Grace family.
Sally and David Walker
Upon reading these heartfelt tributes to John, we totally concur with the sentiments expressed. He indeed did possess the tenacity of a bull-dog to work and fight for what he believed in. He also had a heart as big as all outdoors. His smile, charm, enthusiasm, joie de vivre and decency touched so many lives.
We send Wendy, Jonathan, Jordan, Joel, Rebecca and Finn our deepest condolences. You are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
David and Sally Walker
Greg Edwards
Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Family Edwards
Greg, Alexandra, Samantha, Shannon, Evangeline.
Dale Erb
Not all staff of BMROSS knew John, but many of us did in a capacity ranging from professional acquaintance to personal friend. To those of us that did know him, it was abundantly clear that John profoundly cared for the Town of Goderich. He committed much time, energy, and passion to endeavours that would help see his community thrive. The entire team at BMROSS extends our deepest sympathies to John’s family. An entire community mourns this loss with you.
Connie Gray Mckay
What can I say, my friend, many memories of our friendship journey. The journey ended too soon but trusting the Lord had plans that I can’t understand. All my love to Wendy and the boys, you will carry each other with God’s strength. I will miss my
dear old friend and remember our sincere friendship forever. Love from mishkeegogamang gray family ❤
Claire Reynolds
To the Entire Grace Family, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy on the tragic loss of a great husband, Dad, Father In Law, Grandpa, and brother. No one has the right words to say when something like this happens.
John was an all round great person, and you could tell he loved this town with all his heart by the way he greeted people when he saw them, he always would lend an ear and chat about whatever it was you needed to say and it was done with a smile.
He was a great supporter of the Arts and just about anything else in town, but the previous was definitely shown just days before his passing at the Opening Ceremonies of the 30th Anniversary of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival. He was proud of it, he appreciated the people that volunteered, the people behind the scenes and the many people that poured into Goderich for this Annual event, he showed this by being there throughout the weekend and participating in the magic. Anyone that was there that weekend and saw him, or heard his speech will be forever grateful that they had that and saw that.
Wendy and Family, know that he made a difference, know that he was appreciated and know that this community will be forever indebted for his leadership. He will be missed…………RIP John
Jim and Barbara Hollingworth
John Charles Grace was a loving family member, a courageous, committed, progressive leader in our age of great turbulance and uncertainty. John was blessed with a terrific sense of humour, much loved and respected by his family, friends and the community of Goderich. He had an extremely strong commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Goderich and for all who cared for, managed or visited Old Post Lodge.
John’s tragic passing is a huge loss to Wendy and family, his friends and the communities of Goderich, Huron county and beyond. We will mourn his loss together, by supporting the Grace family in whatever ways we choose and by supporting one another.
With John’s passing, we are invited to cherish and to live by the values and the beauty by which John taught and lived.
Linda & Gord Wray
It was with great sadness that we learned of John’s passing. His smile would light up a room. We would mostly see him out and about our Town of Goderich, stopping to say hello and we always enjoyed those quick conversations. His service to our community knew no bounds. Our deepest condolences to you Wendy and your family.
Linda and Gord Wray
It was with great sadness that we learned of John’s passing. His smile would light up a room. We would mostly see him out and about our Town of Goderich, stopping to say hello and we always enjoyed those quick conversations. His service to our community knew no bounds. Our deepest condolences to you Wendy and your family.
Adele and Mike Drennan
Our deepest condolences to you Wendy, Jonathan, Jordan, Joel and to all your family. May the love of family, friends, and the support of our community help you through this deep sadness and horribly difficult time. John left an incredible legacy and he will surly be missed. Sincerely Adele and Mike
Richard and Laurine Madge
“The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes” (Shakespeare’s words in “Julius Caesar”)
Look to the sky. John was a “prince” of a man.
Ralph and Eleanor Smith
John’s tragic death has left a town in mourning. We, as many do, feel this as a personal loss. To his family we send our deepest condolences. As tributes pour in, we become more aware of the lasting impact John has had on our town. As a Lions Club member, I am aware of John’s ability as a leader to get things done. His light will continue to shine through all his accomplishments. Ralph and Eleanor Smith
Rosemary Beange
To Wendy & family,
Sincere condolences to you on the passing of John..
First met him when the dialysis unit came to Goderich.
He was a great supporter of many initiatives in this community.
May he Rest In Peace.
Allan& Rosemary Beange
Doneen MacCandless
I served on the healthy hearts board of directors. We did not always see eye to eye but when I could get him to laugh it was with his whole body. He will be missed. Comfort to Wendy and the family from Healthy Hearts Board of Directors.
KAREN STURDY
WE KNOW WHAT A GREAT LOSS HE WILL BE TO THE TOWN. WE CANNOT IMAGINE HOW GREAT THE LOSS WII BE TO YOU,WENDY’ AND YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES. KAREN AND MIKE
Anne-Marie Thomson
To the Grace Family and John’s friends, my deepest sympathy for the unimaginable heart ache you are all experiencing. John was one of the first people I met when I moved to Goderich to be part of the team opening the Maitland Recreation Centre some 18 years ago. I was instantly drawn in by his passion for our community and the energy he put into making a difference for the people of Goderich. Nothing was too difficult, challenging or impossible to John, he simply brought people together around a table and inspired us all to make things happen. I have such fond memories of John visiting my office at the Y to chat about ideas, collaborations and partnerships. He was always interested in knowing what was happening and what were we working on. Just a few months ago as I was departing the YMCA after a 25 year career and John showed up to wish me well. His words of encouragement will stay with me always. John has left a lasting impression on so many of us who will rise to the challenge of living out his legacy by continuing to create a healthy, vibrant community.
Margaret, Cayley, Shannon and Shelley Hill
Our dear friend will be sportily missed by all. An energetic, dedicated and hardworking pillar of Goderich will always have a special place in all of our hearts! My family and I wish to extend our condolences to his lovely wife Wendy and their beautiful sons! John May you Rest In Peace in our Golden Glory above!.
Pauline and Ed Laithwaite
Our sincere condolences to Wendy and family. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories.
Jacob van Beets
Jacob and Jessica would like to extend our condolences to Wendy and family. John was a great inspiration to us all. He was able to connect with everyone.
He always had a way to put a smile on everyone’s face. John you will be missed!!
Bobbie/George Moffat
There are no words. Our sincere condolences to Wendy and family. We as a community will grieve with you. Thank you for sharing John with us. RIP Your honor. God speed and love from a community that loved you as you loved us❤️
Penny Murray
On behalf of the members of IODE Maple Leaf Chapter Goderich, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Grace Family in this tragic loss. John was a very strong supporter and advocate of our chapter knowing many of our members on a first name basis. His positive outlook, enthusiastic foresight and love for the Goderich people and community will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Penny Murray, Regent IODE Maple Leaf Chapter.
Donna Muir
so sorry to hear
Larry Irwin
Wendy and Family, I had the pleasure of being a guest of Goderich Lions a few times this past year and was fortunate to get to meet John. Always a friendly smile and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed in our Lions family as well the Goderich town family and of course yours. My sincere condolences on your great loss.
Diana Glousher
Wow John has so many stories he could tell a great man when he put his mind to do something it got done. To Wendy and family cherish those memories ❤️ RIP John
Shirley and family, Duayn, Joanne and Lonny Wells
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to all family and friends. We have fond memories from years past of John’s younger years in the making of the fine man he was. May he RIP.
Duncan Macgregor Jr.
We were introduced to The Old Post, John, and his family some 20 years ago through his brother Brian (aka – at least to us – Father Grace) – so proud of the camp and his family – myself and another finally gave in to his unbelievable fishing stories to experience it ourselves. Now having been on 10 adventures in the north, the stories told by John, the memories of conversations and laughs shared, having had 3 generations of our own family together, and taking other friends and co-workers – I treasure John’s hearty welcome, his pride in his family and their business, and his genuine warmth. What an incredible legacy of hospitality and friendship he has blessed so many with. To the Grace family – love, prayers, and thankfulness to you all.
Raye and Dianne Armstrong
Wendy, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Cherish all the happy memories you must have. John certainly loved his community and will be sadly missed.
Jim Bissett
Neighbour, Mayor and friend ! John was true leader and loved his community ! Our deepest condolences on his passing ! He will be missed by entire community!
Thank you John for all you done !
Judy and Barry Ward
Our sincere condolences to Wendy and the entire Grace family.
John was a fixture in our home as kids and provided countless fond memories to us all.
Always my “brother from another mother”.
We share in your loss and our thoughts are with you all.
RIP my friend.
Debbie Delyea
My deepest sympathy to Wendy and family,may the lord speak peace to your pain during this time.
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Wendy and family.
Jim, Mona & Brennan Mulhern
Steve, Angie, Kailee, Josh and Ethan Hewitt
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. John was a wonderful mayor and friend to so many. He was also so dedicated to our community. He never failed to wave and say hello. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Laury Balina
We want to extend our deepest condolences to Johns family. He was a wonderful person easy to talk to and a friend to all that met him. He will be missed dearly by this community. Laury and Greg Balina
Cheryl Lawson
I would like to send my most heartfelt condolences to all of John’s family. You were a great Mayor and I will miss seeing you around town and will always remember our almost daily chats at Timmies. It seemed you always found time to stop and say hello and ask how my day was going. This meant so much to me and I will always remember you for the kind, compassionate, yet very professional person you were. Thank you for loving Goderich and it’s residents the way you did. You definitely were one of a kind!! Goderich proud!! Thank you for your service Sir, rest well!!
alvin mcgee
Wendy and family my sincere condolences; you people will miss John as a part of your family; I will miss him as a friend; the town will miss him as one of their important assets’
Roy and Monica Mason
The Town and the Lions Club of Goderich have each lost one of their primary Pillars. This one a very tall and very strong Pillar. One that identified a needed project, what should be done and who should do it. Then the project was done and done very well. He will be a very difficult Pillar to replace.
Our sincerest condolences to Wendy all of the Grace family.
Roy and Monica Mason
Darlene Wilson
So sorry to hear about John passing he was such a fantastic man. I can remember when he used to came in to Bailey’s for coffee in the morning with some of the guys to see Ben it was a great time for them
Darlene and Dean Wilson
Gord and Mary Mc cullough
So sorry to hear of this most tragic accident. We have been told many times of John’s many great contributions to the town of Goderich. Our deepest condolences to John’s wife Wendy and his children, and to his sisters Pat, and Colleen and brother-in-law Norman.
Gareth & Monique Sykes
We were very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful, gregarious gentleman, dedicated to his community. As a Mayor, he never failed to answer the phone or return a text message. We will miss his smile and hearty hello. He always asked after the family and had a genuine interest in what was happening in our lives. Our deepest condolences to John’s family.
Ron & Carol Horton
Extending deepest sympathy to John’s family, co-workers, friends and and all whose lives were touched by John.
George and Brenda Vanderburgh
Our condolences to Wendy and your family. John will be greatly missed , he was such a big part of our town.
Maureen Penn
My sincere condolences to Wendy and family for this very sad loss. John will be sorely missed by the Goderich community. He has given so much of his time supporting all aspects of the community, going well beyond his work as Mayor. He didn’t just show up every time, he showed up and dug in. He was always ready to listen and you knew he heard and acted. His love for the town of Goderich was palpable and it became a better place because of it.
My thoughts are with you .
Brenda and Jim Ginn
Brenda and I would like to extend our condolences to Wendy and family on John’s passing. As a fellow Mayor I throughly enjoyed working with John and always appreciated his dedicated service to his town and the County at large. We always enjoyed John’s jovial sense of humour at events we attended with John and Wendy and we will miss him dearly
Jim & Shelagh McDade
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Grace family during this most difficult time.John’s untimely passing has caused us to reflect on his leadership that has made Goderich a better place. Rest In Peace John, your legacy is clearly visible for all to see.
Matt Shurrie
John will forever be known as a community-minded person who didn’t just talk the talk; he took action and made it happen.
His legacy will forever be seen in both the Maitland Recreation Centre and the numerous projects related to health care. John loved his community — and it showed in his actions.
It was an honour getting to see him in action as a councillor; I was never surprised when he turned his passion into a successful mayoral run.
My condolences to Wendy and his entire family. Thank you for sharing him with the entire community. Rest In peace — and thank you, John.
Matt Shurrie
Kimberley Payne Wayne Smith
More than a Mayor. John was so much to so many different people. Everyone has a personal story and that is part of his legacy. He was someone to everyone he knew, he gave you all of himself when he was with you. He gave so much of himself to our town. We can still hear his laughter and feel his desire to get things done. A master at getting the right people to the table, connecting the right people to move big ideas forward. I hope we can live up to all he aspired to be for us.
Thank you John.
And thank you Wendy and Family for sharing him with us for so long and not long enough. xo Kimberley and Wayne
Bruce and Betty Thomasson
A deep tragic loss to his family, friends and community. John touched so many aspects of our community’s vitality and well being it is beyond calculation. So many advances, recovery efforts and progressive plans in our town had, if not John’s direct involvement, had his deft hand behind the scenes opening the doors to opportunity. We encourage everyone to keep his soul close to your hearts and minds as we mourn his loss while keeping his spirit alive. Rest easy John, your work is done but you have left a legacy of community service that challenges us all to follow.
Jason & Sarah Rylaarsdam
Our sympathies to the Grace family. John was always great to work with and we appreciate what he has done for our community.
Florence Witherspoon
John connected with so many people, in so many ways; his heart was always on his sleeve. His big personality shined so brightly – it radiated throughout this community. Wendy, Jon, Becca, Jordan and Joel – my heart goes out to you. Sending you our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences. Florence, Nathan, Clara & Gus Witherspoon.
Pauline and Peter Kirk
We were so shocked and saddened to here of the sudden passing of John. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be sorely miss as Mayor of Goderich. Goodbye to a friend and neighbour. RIP John.
Marlowe & Debbie Austin
Thank- you for all you did for our town and community. Our whole town mourns with your family.
Kathy Olson
Thank you John for Making Goderich a Very Successful and Healthy Town!!
Without Your Leadership and Drivability the Town would be a in dyer need.
My Condolences goes out to Your Family , Friends and All who knew You!!
You ALWAYS had a Big SMILE who ever You meet!! You Will be Missed Very Much!!!
Bev Whetstone
Thank you John and rest in peace.
Becky and Dave McIvor
Condolences to all his Family Friends and colleagues. John always had a smile and a sense of humour . He was a good leader and will be missed by the community. May he RIP.
Ken & Sylvia McGee
To all of Johns family.
Words simply cannot express our feelings on the tremendous loss of John and in such a tragic way. Not just our Mayor, he was a friend who lent his ear to everyone and loved this community so much. His easy smile, his wit and his leadership will be so sorely missed. The Council people who will carry on will all remember John, his work style and commitment and this will prove to be his wonderful legacy for many years to come.