Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, and with a smile on his face, John Paul (JP) passed from this world into the loving arms of the Lord at the Huron Hospice.
JP was born on April 15, 1933, and passed away on June 10, 2023, in his 91st year.
He is survived by his loving wife Barb of 66 years. Cherished Father of Gary and Barb, Terri, Denise and Roger, Cheryl and Bill, and Patti and Charlie.
Precious Papa of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved deeply.
Affectionately remembered by his siblings Sister Rose, Annette, Clarence (Jan), Maurice (Ellen), Dennis (Barb) and JoAnn. In-laws Ted & Sarah Robson, Beverly Morris and Mary and Bob Welt. Predeceased by his infant daughter Barbara, parents Charles & Madeline Rau, brothers Gerard and Louis, parents-in-law Wilfred & Beatrice Corriveau and in-laws Deloris, Doris, Bernie, and Wayne.
JP was a proud farmer, and the family lived on the farm until December 2002, when he and Barb retired to the dream home they built in Goderich. In March 2021, JP and Barb moved to their new apartment in Harbour Hill.
JP was honoured to be a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree (1965) and 4th Degree (1970).
We will miss his laughter, his teasing, competitive card games (maybe with a little subtle cheating), his welcoming heart, and how he easily made friends with everyone he met.
Thank you to Dr. Gill and the staff at the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital and the Nurses, staff and volunteers who cared for JP and his family at the Huron Hospice Residence.
If you wish, as expressions of sympathy, charitable donations can be made to the Huron Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Visitation will be held at the McCallum & Palla Funeral Home on Wednesday June 14, 2023, from 2pm to 6pm. Funeral Mass will be at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Goderich, Ontario on Thursday June 15, 2023, at 11am. Internment St. Peter’s Cemetery at later date.
Shared by Michelle Denomme
Shared by Cindy Peltier
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).
Mark Heimrich
Barb & Family, Clarence, Dennis & all the Rau Family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of John Paul. I always enjoyed my interactions and visits with J.P.. He always had a smile on his face or even his voice, over the phone. He (& Barb) were very valued and appreciated customers for many, many years.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich & Staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter.
Jeannette Jeffrey-Whilsmith
To Barb, Gary, Terri Denise, Cheryl and Patti
I’m so sorry you lost your husband and dad. John Paul was always so sweet and welcoming. He welcomed us everytime we came to the farm on the Bluwater, and for awhile it was almost every weekend. May your memories of your dad help to soothe your grief and bring a smile to your heart. May he rest in sweet peace.
Our Condolences,
Jeannette and Michael Jeffrey
Sherry Marshall
We are so very sorry to hear of John Paul’s passing. Since we moved back to Goderich, we have always enjoyed seeing J.P. and Barb (and any other family members) when they came to visit PH. His infectious laugh, always with a story about shared family members! Will miss his hugs. Much love to all of the family.
Herb and Sherry Marshall
Donna Overholt
Our sincere sympathies and prayers to all of John Paul’s family and many friends. He was a very special man – always welcoming and friendly, with an ever present smile and great laugh. He will be missed dearly, but leaves behind so many wonderful memories to cherish.
Dan and Donna Overholt
Ken and Anne Murray
Our sincere condolences to all who knew him. May the memories remain in your hearts with love and caring.
Deborah Regier
Clarence and Family, Gene and I are so sorry for your loss, your brother had a big personality. Sending hugs and prayers!
Gene and Deb Regier
Patti Hodgins
Dear Rau Family,
Congratulations an a wonderful send off to an amazing husband, dad, grandfather, brother and friend. John Paul will be so proud of each and everyone one of you. Stay blessed. ❤️
Patricia Meidinger
Dear Barb and family! Our sincere condolences in the passing of .John Paul. Steve and I have so many fond memories of our earlier years. These memories we will cherish forever! John was always a pleasure to be with. He was also a man of great faith! Rest in Peace now dear John!🙏💕
Fred and Rita Masse
So sorry to hear such sad news. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred Mommersteeg
Our condolences on John Paul’s passing. I have fond memories of his good humor and boisterous laugh. Thoughts and prayers. Fred and Pat, Rochester, MI.
Al and Paula Dunn
Sending our deepest sympathy to all the Rau families. JP was a great friend and neighbour when we lived behind him. I remember him helping me out when I was stuck in the snow, always willing to lend a helping hand! Rest peacefully John Paul.
Liz Campbell
My deepest sympathy to you all. Great memories to keep sharing for the years to come.
Thinking of you all.
Sincereley Liz Campbell & Ron Kennedy
Jack, Shirley and Kari Johnson
Dear Barb and family, just heard this evening of JP’s passing.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
It was great having JP as our neighbour for a number of years.
JP always loved to chat with Jack especially about the Montreal Canadien hockey team. JP was so willing to lend a helping hand wherever he saw a need.
He will be missed!!
Sorry we missed the visitation and cannot attend the funeral because of day surgery.
Hugs🤗🤗🤗
June & Ron Corriveau
Our condolences to the Rau Family on the new John Paul had passed away. He very friendly man who always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to have known him.
Cindy Peltier
A wonderful, kind and gentle soul who always made me feel welcome. My deepest sympathy to all members of the Rau family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gerald and Truce Ten Hag
Our deepest sympathy to the Rau family.
We remember JeanPaul as a charming man ,always a gentleman. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with you
in these difficult days.
Sincerely Gerald and Truce Ten Hag.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Barb and Family – you are close in our hearts – John Paul’s love for each of you – will always be with you.
He was special to know and he will always – be remembered and missed – His faith was a strength to all whose lives he touched.
❤️Cecelia and Don
Evelyn Vincent
Barb and each of the family
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. J.P. was a great man and his legacy will live on in his family. May God grant peace and comfort to each of you. Praying the “good” memories help bring peace
Janet Bettles
Brad and I send our sincere sympathies to Dean and Shawn and the Rau family. JP was a good friend of my dad’s, Jack Coleman, and I enjoyed our visits at Hensall Co-op. He was a wonderful man!
Janet and Brad Bettles
Mary Jane (Rau) Armstrong
So sorry to hear of John Paul’s passing. My sympathy to Barb and family. Also to all his siblings.
Danielle Wilson (Durand)
Dear Barb and family,
I have always had such a soft spot for Papa Rau. He was a wonderful and kind man with a fantastic laugh! I remember spending many Sunday’s after church with Julie, Jill, and Pam playing at the family farm when we were kids. He was such a gem. My deepest condolences with such a loss. He will be missed.
Gerard and Rosemary Ducharme
Barb and Family
Our condolences to your family on the passing of John Paul. He was such a kind and cheerful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kim and John Kelly
Patti and family, please accept our condolences for the loss of your father. We are thinking of you and wishing you all peace during this time.
Love the Kelly’s
Kim John and Courtney
Danny & Karen Masse
Our deepest sympathies to Barb, Cheryl and the Rau family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Thinking of you all. John Paul will be truly missed by so many people.
Randy and Vicki Geoffrey
Our sincere sympathy Barb and Families, JP was one of those guys that always left a memorable impression on everyone heart. His sense of humour, that smile and most of all his laughter which will remain in so many hearts. Rest easy JP.
Mike & Leanne Restemayer
Our sincere condolences. May the love of those around you help you all in the days ahead.
Janisse Zimmerman
Dearest Terri – Jim and I send our deepest condolences to you and all the members of your family for the passing of your Dad. We did not know your Dad personally but knew he must be wonderful from the way you spoke about him as your Dad. Also, there wasn’t many stories about parties or conferences where you did not hear your Dad’s name and uproarious laughter from everyone. Sending our hugs and prayers for comfort. ❤️ Janisse & Jim
Bernadette and Jeff Lockhart
With deepest sympathy to the Rau and Extended families.
I know you have a lifetime of memories to hold on too.
Doug & Brenda Tiffin
Denise,Roger and family.
We would like to offer our condolences on the passing of your father and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Catherine Masse
Thinking of you during this difficult time .
Cindy Rau
My deepest sympathies to Barb and the whole Rau family. I will always remember Uncle John’s kindness, sense of humor and how welcoming he was to everyone. Thank you for including my parents in all the Rau family events over the years. You will be missed by so many. With love to the Rau family at this sad time.
MaryKay Bedard
Dear Barb and family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of John Paul. He was such a good man and I remember his big hugs
Whenever we met. May your happy memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Christine Greaves
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Rau family. To: Barb, Terri, Denise, Patti, Cheryl and Gary – Tony and I send our thoughts and prayers in this most difficult time. You have all gained an Angel 😇 He was a great man. I have such fond memories of staying at the farm where I was always welcomed with open arms and treated like family 🙏❤️❤️❤️
Cathy Harman(Jacques)
To Barb and all of JP Rau’s family. My sincere condolences to you all on the loss of a great man. Such great memories of him. I knew JP thru my parents (Gaetan and Pauline Jacques) for many years.
He was a great friend to them with a big ❤️. He regularly visited my parents when they were ill. Heaven gained another wonderful Angel. Rest in Peace John Paul. 🙏 you will be missed!
Mary Ducharme
Dear Barb. & family!
So sorry to hear of John Paul’s passing.
Another one of Gerard’s class mates.
John Paul had a kind & loving heart.
Remembering you in my thoughts & Prayers.
Sandra Shaw
Dearest Rau Family, what a lucky man JP is to have such a wonderful and close family for all his years. Such a beautiful pictorial remembrance. May God bless each of you as you remember and grieve such a fine man.
Love Sandra and Rick
Jim Oesch
Barb , Gary , Terri , Denise, Cheryl and Patti and family
Our deepest condolences on dad passing
Jim and Krista
Terisa Ducharme
It has been many years since I have seen John Paul and family. I will always remember how he took the time to stop in to see my grandma Irene when we were visiting. My condolences to the family.
Doug & Audrey Meidinger
Deepest & Sincere Sympathies to Barb and all the family. JP will always be remembered for his kind and loving personality. Audrey especially cherished the big hugs at K of C bingos. The memories he left you, the family and anyone that was lucky enough to know him are filled with love and a life well lived.
RIP John Paul
Michelle & David Smith
Our condolences to the whole Rau family. JP was a great guy. He always had time to chat and loved to tease. We’re going to miss the Mayor of Brimicombe.
Erich W. Freiter
Cheryl and I want to express our sincere condolences and sadness to Barb and her family and JP’s siblings in his passing. We always enjoyed an entertaining visit when JP would deliver eggs weekly for pickup. He was an outstanding farmer who took pride in everything in his life ..RIP JP…
Chuck & Tanya Erb
To Barb and all the Rau Family,
We extend our sincere sympathy to each one of you. John Paul was a Special guy, and always greeted you with a smile and great laughter whenever you met him.
Keeping you in our Thoughts & Prayers
Patti Fuhr
My deepest sympathy Terri to you and your family Your in my thoughts and prayers Treasure those precious memories you have of him Hugs ❤️❤️
Shelli Barlow
My condolences to all the family. JP was a lovely man. Always kind and quick to laugh. When you are with him he makes you feel like your the most important person in the room. He will be missed.
Ruby Eimer
My heartfelt condolences to the Rau family. We lost touch over the years but the memories are always with me. 🙏
Tom Rau
I’ll always remember the family reunions at your home, your hospitality and warmth, always smiling and always welcoming. A big brother to my dad, and my dad’s best friend. I’ll miss you JP. You’ve left a great family legacy for the rest of us.
Pat & Bob Desjardins
To Terri and the Rau family
Our thoughts are with you and know that all your good memories will help you through this most difficult time and remember your Dad is at peace now.
Patti Fuhr
My deepest sympathy Terri to you snd your and family Your in my thoughts and prayers Treasure those precious memories you have of your dad and poppa Hugs ❤️❤️
Jim Oesch
Barb ,
Gary ,Terri ,Denise , Cheryl and Patti and families ,
We’re sending or thoughts and prayers for all. Memories last forever ,Peace be with JP
Jim and Krista
Mike and Liz Corriveau
Barb and Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may John Paul R.I.P.
Ruth (Rousseaux) Herman
I met John Paul and the family in 1964 when my parents built our cottage behind John Paul’s and Clarence’s farms. My Dad Gord always enjoyed going to have a chat with JP and bringing a special gift from duty free. I loved going to the farm over the years and playing with the Rau clan and in later years playing ball with the girls on the Bayfield Babes Team. Went with the family to the Bean Festival and other events in Zurich. Even enjoyed my sleepovers on the farm. JP was so nice and always welcoming to the Detroit city girl. I will always cherish my memories on John Paul’s farm. My thoughts and prayers are with family. RIP JP
Pat&Susan Flanagan Wildfong
Dear Barb and family. Our sincere condolences to your whole family. There have been many great memories through the years of knowing John Paul and whole family. Many laughs and hundreds of stories could be told. One of the nicest guys we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Enjoy all the great memories you all have had with a great man. Thoughts and prayers with you all.
Joe Rau
Dear Barb and your entire family, please accept. My deepest condolences on the passing of one of the best man that I have ever known he was a great man. everybody is going to miss him unbelievably
George Watson
Gary and Barb and all family related,sorry to hear of John Pauls passing. RIP JP
Scott & Lisa Loft
Sending hugs and prayers to Uncle Gary and Aunt B during this difficult time. I met JP only a few times but what a wonderful person and it is certain from all the great pictures he will be missed. Gary…you seem just like him.
Michelle Sereda
To the entire Rau clan. What a special man surrounded by equally special people. I am truly saddened to hear this but what a beautiful life. I will remember the fun times had in your farm and his gruff kind voice saying grace. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers xo
Jacqueline and Craig Clausius
Our heartfelt condolences to the Rau Family. We all have fond memories of JP and he was truly one of a kind. Sending love to all of you during this difficult time.
David Cann
I have fond memories of JP welcoming me into the fold of the Knights. Always personable, he would go out of his way to share his huge smile and warm greeting. JP was a staunch supporter of the Knights of Columbus and he practiced his faith fervently. He was a blessed example of the Catholic gentleman. Although he will be missed by family and friends alike, we can all take comfort knowing he is in the hands of our Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rau family.
David Cann & Mary Ann Hogan
Paul & Marylou Gunning
Dear Barb, Gary, Terri, Denise, Cheryl & Patti and Families..
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.. He lit up a room with his incredible smile and has left many with the best memories. I will always treasure my visit to the hospice to say goodbye, we shared stories, good laughs and tears, but best of all was his big hug & a wave.. I will keep all of you in my thoughts & prayers. 🙏❤️🙏
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Denise and Roger and Family
We extend our sincere condolences on your loss of your dear father.
Hold your memories close.
Sincerely
Gayle and Barney
Marilyn Jeffrey
Barb and family , our sympathy to all of you. No one could put a smile on your face like John Paul. Always teasing and smiling. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Jeffrey and Deb Shewfelt
Sharon Brokenshire
Denise and Roger and the whole Rau family we send you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, grandfather and husband he will surely be missed. Cherish your loving memories
Sharon, Jodi, Natalie and family
George and Elaine Keller
Barb and family. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Ruby and Merv Kumm
Barb and Families- Farewell to this terrific man with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold.
Our granddaughters, Mackinley and Reagan O’Brien enjoyed spending time with great grandfather “Pa Rau” and we know that he held a special place in his heart for them.
May his many wonderful memories live on and bring smiles to all your faces. RIP JP
Ruby and Merv Kumm
Michelle Denomme
Sending my condolences to everyone during this sad time. I will always remember JP teasing us as little kids and when you came to Victoria to visit Julie and let me tag along as an adopted member of the family. Sending you all love and hugs and remembering a wonderful man today and always. xxoo
Terry & Sharon Romphf
Our heart goes out to the Rau family for the loss of your “Pop JP” He was a pillar of strength and filled with such love for his family. He loved life and the people around him. Memories are the greatest gift that are with you forever.
Hugs to all.
Terry and Sharon Romphf
Murray ARMSTRONG
Our condolences to the Rau Families.
Lori & Murray Armstrong
Jim & Shelagh McDade
JP was a kind person who gave his time and energy to the Knights of Columbus. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Shirley Erb
To all of John Pauls Family He was a super great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marilyn and Joe Kenda
Dear Barb and Family
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your family in your loss of such a wonderful man. John Paul was one in a million with there was never a time where he didn’t have a smile on his face or a teasing word. He has had such a difficult battle the last couple of years but not once did he ever give up. Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hugs to you all. 💕💕
Deb & Ken Regier
Barb know that we are sending Love Thoughts & Prayers to you and your whole family. There are many cherished memories that you will keep close to your heart! We are very thankful that we also have many memories to cherish of JP with Denise & Rog! RIP JP ❤️🌹🙏
Doug & Deb Masse
Barb and the entire Rau family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of John Paul. He was a big man with an even bigger heart. May your memories give you comfort during this difficult time. R.I.P. JP.
Doug and Deb Masse
Christine McWhinney
Terri & Families, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Never easy losing a parent and Dad’s hold a special place in our hearts. I will miss looking over and seeing JP at Church on Saturday nights. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Riley
It was always a pleasure chatting with JP !
Thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Joe and Joanne Bengough
My deepest sympathies to the family, relatives and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing John Paul.
A great memory we have is every year he would call my Mom, Betty Grenier on her birthday and wish her a very happy birthday and share a few laughs, something she looked forward to as much as he did doing it. We had the pleasure on April 15 to give him a call for his 90th birthday and share some laughs with him. He will be missed my many, thankful for memories.
Sending prayers 🙏
Anne Teal
I’m sure that JP will be missed by the Harbour Hill Community.
He was a pleasant, kind and jovial man.
It was a pleasure for both my husband and I to know him.
I will pray for you Barb and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Lovingly, Anne
Judy and Paul Kelly (Bedard)
Dear Barb and family
John Paul was a very dear friend to my mom and dad (Toots and Gord). They shared many laughs and card games. He always had a smile and a kind word.
God bless you and your family and watch over you during this difficult time.
Hold your memories close to your heart.
RIP JP
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
Dear Barb and Family
We were saddened to hear of John Pauls passing
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you
at this very sad time
Audrey Skinner
Dear Barb and Family
My deepest condolences to you and your family from “one of the three musketeers” that JP so lovingly called us girls! I have many memories growing up with all of you and hearing the laughter after JP would tease and play jokes on us. He had a smile that lite up every room and he will be missed dearly! Sending you all our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
Audrey & Steve Skinner
Marlene & Roy Burton
Annette & family – so sorry for your loss. He lived a good long life. Remember all the good times you had with him. RIP
From Roy & Marlene Burton
Lakeside in Fountain Hills AZ
Susan Rau
A very special man. A very special family. Love to you all. RIP John Paul.
Deb & Steve Overholt
Our dear JP…so many smiles come to mind when we think of such a wonderful caring family man. He had many friends…he is now with dad “Jimmy” playing games and teasing dad..at peace they will be together with those gone before him. Love you JP…you are one of a kind…thanks for bringing the smile to our face when we seen you!
Hugs to all of the family members …we will always remember as our hearts are there for you to share his memories with all who knew him!
Hugs and prayers
Steve & Deb
Rose Marie Overholt
Dearest Rau Family,
We were so sad to hear of a very bright light of our world here has left us. JP was one-in-a-million and so loved by so many!!!! Always smiling. Always laughing. Always kind and accepting! Any memory of him is filled with fondness and admiration.
We send our deepest love to all of you and will keep him in all of our prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Rosie Ovetholt
Sharon (Sweeney) Sims
Joe and Jan Overholt
Doug and Betty Lynn Eckel
Terri, Denise, Gary, Cheryl, Patti and families – We are so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Cherish all of your wonderful memories and hold them close. Know that we are thinking of you all during this sad time. Sending hugs. ♥
Maryann Mommersteeg
Sending our condolences to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Natasha Cutler
JP was always such a pleasure to be around, his smile warmed the hearts of so many. It truly is a blessing to have known him and Barb. I will never forget the many conversations we had and the happiness he brought to so many. To Barb and the family I am sending the deepest condolences to you with much love.
Elaine Ducharme
Our sincere sympathy to Barb & family on the loss of your husband, father & grandfather.
George and Elaine Ducharme
Shelley Merner
Our condolences to the families. You will always have beautiful memories to cherish in this difficult time and forever.
Shelley and Dan Merner
Janet McKinnon
Dear Barb & family
So many wonderful memories of John Paul as I grew up. He was one of the kindest most thoughtful person I will ever know. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Keep the memories close. They will help you through the next few days & weeks to come.