Suddenly at South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Friday, August 21, 2020 at the age of 76. Loving father of Catherine Norris and Kent Sweetman of Mississauga. Adored “grandpa” of Megan and Grace. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Harry and Barb Norris, and Joyce and Bob Hume all of Mitchell, and Bill Egan of London. John will be sadly missed by his high school sweetheart Dianne Josling of Mitchell. Predeceased by his parents Hugh and Annie (MacDougald) Norris and his sister Mary Egan.
He will be remembered for his over 50 years working as an accountant for multiple generations of Exeter area farmers, businesses, and families. John was one of the very first in the area to own a computer and remained on the cutting edge of technology but was always a country boy at heart. Often generous to a fault, giving freely of both his money and his time. He was a contributing board/committee member to many different worthy causes including the Ontario Bean Producers’ Marketing Board and the Agricultural Credit Corporation. John believed in the betterment of farming despite the reality that he did most of his “farming” from his BlackBerry. Exeter is a better place because of John’s contributions alongside his fellow Lions in the Exeter Lion’s Club. In more recent years he has enjoyed the chance to travel to various parts of the world with family and friends. Moving into a slower pace for John meant fishing trips, cruises and the most difficult decision of the day was which of his many vehicles to drive.
Visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP with a time to attend the visitation. Please click “Register Now” below to register. A private funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28 at 1 PM. Though the service is private, the family invites you to join them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. A Lion’s memorial service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday evening. Interment at Roy’s Cemetery, West Perth.
Donations to the Exeter Lions Club, South Huron Hospital Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation 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).
karen thompson
rip john norris rest in peace sorry to see u go
Alec and Valeri Scott
Our deepest sympathy to all of the family and close friends. Our thoughts are with you in these difficult times.
Jeff and Yvonne Van Soest
Our sincere condolences to the Norris family and Dianne with John’s sudden passing.
Lynda Wilkey
Sorry to hear of John’s sudden passing. I have many fond memories at the curling club. He will be missed.
Lynda Wilkey
Wayne and Hazel MacLeod and daughter Samantha
Our Deepest Sympathy!
John did all of our personal and business tax accounting for 46 years. He was always generous with his time and advice. We often made time to chat and reminisce about family and friends. Although we first met when John started doing our taxes, we will remember him as a dear friend.
JOHN A LAMONT
Cathy & Kent, Joyce & Bob, Harry & Barb:
So sorry hear about John. His obituary proves that his, was a life well-lived. He made a difference and he will be missed.
Kathie and John, Jay & Neil Lamont
Ron and Karen Simpson
We were very saddened to hear of John Passing , so sorry for your loss are condolences
Brenda Dayman
I was shocked to see of John’s passing. Always enjoyed my chats with him. He was a smart man!
Deepest sympathy to all his family & friends!
Bill and Joyce Eidt
Dear Norris Family and Dianne: We would like to extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Marian and Will
Catherine, Kent, Dianne, Harry, Barb and family – Our hearts are with you.
It was such an honour to know John and we’re so very sorry he flew west so suddenly.
Tailwinds to him and peace to you.
Heather (McPhail) Burrow
My condolences to the Norris family. My father lived across the road from the Norris family and John was my father and mother’s trusted accountant for many years. May your memories give you comfort during this time.
Keith Dianne
Cathy & Family The Norris Family and Dianne: So very sorry for your loss,
Deepest Sympathy to all. Rest in Peace John
Hugs Ernie & Dianne Ahrens
Pete & Teresa Rowntree & family
we were very saddened to here of John’s passing . Our sincere condolences to all of your family
Shahin and Mathieu Allard
To Cathy and Family, Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Sending all of you our deepest condolences and prayers for strength. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Susie Elliott
So sorry to all the Norris family on the loss of John . He will always be remembered by the Elliott family as a caring , loyal accountant who became our friend also . He will be deeply missed . Remember all the wonderful memories and thinking of you at this difficult time .
Ellen Hodgins (Simpson)
Joyce and your family…so sorry to hear of John ‘s passing. May he rest in peace.
John Beimers
To Dianne and Norris family;
It was a shock to hear of John’s passing. John was a great friend ,had many good times with John both socially and in business where he was my advisor and always ready to help. He will be missed. May God grant comfort and peace in the coming days
Bill and Pamela Reid
So sorry for your loss.Bill and Pamela Reid (Inner Urban Home)
Joyce Doupe
My sincere sympathy to the Norris Family and Dianne.
I remember John as a hard-working and generous boss, who cared deeply for his entire family.
I hope the memories you have of him will comfort you in the weeks ahead.
Bill& Pat Noakes
to the Norris family
So sorry to hear of John`s passing. Both Dennis and Laura learned to curl thru the junior program he helped to support and Laura still helps with junior curling. John always had time to talk with you. He was a amazing man.
Brenda Dow Mason
To all of John’s family, friends and business associates -our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
Bill and Louise Pincombe
Cathy and family
So sorry to learn of John’s passing. What a shock! We have great memories of our trip to South America with him. Lot s of laughs and that hat he is wearing on the Ondrejicka website was a special moment in a huge produce market. Keep you memories dear and know we’ll be thinking of you.
steve goettler
John was an immense help to our family, and to our companies over the years. He was a “top-shelf” chap. Our condolences to his family and Diane. Stephen and Vivi Goettler, Dublin, Ont.
Bill & Barb Worden
So saddened to hear of John’s passing. Sending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Rest in peace John.
Joyce Black, Shari and Shelly
Cathy and family, Norris family and Dianne
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of John and he will be missed by his family, friends and neighbors. We have known John for many years and he always had time for a chat. Sincere sympathy to each of you at this sad time and take care of each other.
Trevor & Christina Johns
Our condolences to the Norris family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Lawrence and Karen (Norris) Bergsma & Family
Sending you our deepest sympathy on the passing of John.
Betty Lou Norris
My sincere condolences on John’s passing.
Janice ( Christie) Middleton
My condolences to John’s Family. I trust that a life time of happy memories will sustain and comfort you.
I am a former neighbour and fellow student at SS# 5 Hibbert School.
Janice (Christie) Middleton
Dan Sceli
The Norris Family and Dianne
My sincere condolences. I am fortunate to have known John as a friend and a professional. John shared with me wisdom he earned from his 50 years as an accountant and he introduced me to curling. John will be missed at the office.
My thoughts are with you.
Wayne Becker & Carolyn Rose
Cathy, Kent and girls & Dianne
There is no words to ease the pain of loosing such a wonderful man. John was the kindest soul anyone could as for as a friend. After being introduced by a special, mutual friend 20 yrs ago, John often mentioned I was the son he never had. Most recently I had the pleasure of working with John at the family farm cleaning up the shed. I never knew what he vehicle was going to show up in. We shared many stories, some of laughter some on a serious note. John you will always hold that special place in our hearts RIP my friend/ “Dad”
Marilyn Wallace-Day
My sincere condolences to John’s family and friends. Rest in peace, John!!!
Marilyn Wallace-Day
Marie & Garry Kechnie
We have known John for many years and will truly miss his great smile and knowledge. Our condolences to all of the family.
Walter and Ssndra McKenzie
The Norris family and Diane
Very sorry to learn of John’s passing. John was well respected and great decision maker. John was a great asset on the bean board and will certainly miss the discussions we had when our paths would cross. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Walter and Sandra McKenzie
Hugh & Jan Scott
Please accept our sympathy to all of the family. John will be missed by all who knew him.
Christopher Keller
Thoughts and prayers to John’s family. I will personally miss him at Lions meetings and looked up to him as a senior member and how he carried himself. I will never forget the night he had a meeting at his house and he challenged us to try a little sample from each one of his bottles stocked in his bar. For those who knew his inventory, you can imagine how that night turned out!
Sincere Sympathy to all,
Chris Keller, Shelly Campbell & Family.
Kate Sparrow
Cathy, Kent, Megan and Grace,
Our family and friends of Streetsville United Church are thinking of you during this time. With our love and sympathy,
Kate and Bruce Sparrow
Bob and Sally Johns
We extend our deepest sympathy. Not only did we have the pleasure of farming with John for many years, he was our accountant, neighbour and friend. He will truly be missed.
George & Joyce Vivian
All of John’s Family, and Loved Ones: We were sadden and shocked at the passing of John. Our sympathy to you at this time. Treasure your memories.
Eric and Elizabeth Campbell
To the Norris family, and Dianne,
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the shocking passing of John… We will miss him as a friend, our longtime
accountant, and an outstanding customer…It was always a pleasure having our chats about business and life in general. Along with some laughs!
Rest In Peace John…. Hope you are riding in a convertible with the top down, sunglasses on and enjoying the breeze!
Eric and Elizabeth Campbell
Tracy McLennan
To the Norris family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your father/grandfather. Mr. Norris was a supporter of South Huron District High School’s curling team and, in the past, helped sponsor the students’ team jackets. We appreciated his extreme generosity and I know his presence within the Exeter community will be sincerely missed.
Jack and Nancy Storey
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing . Our condolences to John’s family, friends and loved ones.
Shawn McFalls and Carrah Templeman
We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing…He was a long-time supporter of the Exeter Curling Club and it was always an enjoyable game when we faced him and the rest of the Thames Road Crew. Our condolences…
Doug and Eunice Taylor
We are sorry to hear about John’s passing. We have known him for many years. When Cathy was young we spent a lot of time with her parents. They were good friends and close neighbours. Cathy spent about four years growing up at our house playing with our two sons. At an early age we knew Cathy had inherited her dad’s skill with Math and were not surprised that she followed in his footsteps as an accountant! We have relied on John to take care of accounting and doing the Canada Revenue work for years. He was very good at advising us and we appreciated his help. He will be missed!
Don& Edith Lewis and family
To John’s family and friends,
We are very sorry that John’s Journey has ended.
John was great guy, always a smile and a wave.
He will be missed at A&W if things ever get better again.
He was one of the morning gang.
R.I. P. John
Jeannie ( Johns) Elliott
So many fond memories flood my mind of this kind , wonderful man. I can honestly say I have known this wonderful guy my entire life. A true professional but most of all a true friend and neighbour to the Johns family. My heart goes out to all of you. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
Dennis & Joan Duncan
Catherine & family, Harry & Barb, Joyce and Bob, and Dianne, our deepest sympathy to all of you. John’s friendly nature and goodwill will be missed by family and friends. It was always a pleasure to visit John at his office with Dad and then just Joan and I. We shared some good laughs over the years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Eric & Bonnie (Barker) Norris
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Way back in the day, John and I would get together after the annual Norris Reunion and head out for the evening looking for trouble. Never found much but enjoyed ourselves trying. Over the years we haven’t kept in touch but all these messages say that John has had a full and satisfying life. My condolences – from distant cousin Eric
Rita Christie
I will miss John’s wave as he and Dianne drove by in his convertible while I was out scouting for bobolinks and other birds.
I wish this gentle man a peaceful rest..
Reiny Freiter
Dianne and Norris Family
Deepest sympathies on John’s passing. A great individual. His presence will definitely be missed.
Fred Miller
To the Norris family & Diane
Our deepest sympathy on hearing the news of John’s death.
We where fortunate to have John as our account for many years,
and always enjoyed our office visits.
Fred Miller & Elaine Stephen-Miller
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
So sorry to hear about John.He will be missed at the coffee shop.Had many laughs with him
Doug and Judy
Wendy Johnson
Catherine, Kent, Megan and Grace, so sorry to hear of your dad’s sudden passing. Many blessings and love to you.
Carolyn and Gerald Johns
He was a wise business man and respected by many. He was also a great supporter of the Exeter Curling Club.
He will be missed.
Bert Vorstenbosch Audrey.
Our Condolences to the Family and Dianne Josling.
Jon & Chelsey
Sending condolences to John’s loved ones. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jon and Chelsey Passmore
Larry Ballantyne
So sorry for your unexpected loss.
John and I had some great office visits and good times together. He will be missed.
Michael & Judy Skochinski
I’ll miss the beers on the patio and our many phone conversations. I’ll remember the awesome convertible Mustang while John wore shades. He was a cool dude! Our sincere condolences to the family.
Fran Lachance
May Deepest Sympathy to the Norris family and Diane.
He was a great boss, very caring and patient. He will be missed.
Fran and Dan Lachance
Ethan and Joanna Wallace
Our condolences to Dianne and all of John’s family. Be it in the field, the office or at OBG, John was always willing to talk and offer advice, he will be missed.
Ethan and Joanna Wallace
Betty Dale
My condolences to John’s family
He will be missed
Anita Compston
Dear Catherine, Kent, Megan, Grace, and Norris Family
Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dennis, Anita & Alison
Rob and Kim Dearing
Our deepest condolences to the Norris family.
Anne & Ted Kernick
To the Norris family & Diane,
We were shocked & sad to hear John had passed away. He will be missed in the community.
He was a superb accountant & a great curling teammate on the Thursday Night challenge team.
Thinking of you all.
Rick & Marilyn Vandenbussche
To the Norris family and friends: our deepest sympathy on John’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. The pictures are great memories of days gone by!
Mary ( Merryfield ) Burton
From high school years in Mitchell to events in Exeter, we have known John in many roles.
To the Norris family and to Diane, we send sympathy.
John L. Cox
My sincere condolences to John,s family, and all of his friends. I worked with John at Davies, Grant, Patterson, CA,s in London, in the period of late 60,s. He was always helpful and with a chucke, smile. God Bless. John L. Cox, Sandra Cox.
Mary ( Merryfield ) Burton
To Cathy and family, the Norris family and to Diane
I remember John from back in the day at Mitchell District High School, along with many of the folks mentioned!
John was devoted to his profession, to community service and to being a good friend.
May he rest in peace
Paul & Beth Anstett
Catherine, Dianne & Norris family,
Our sympathies to you on the painful loss of John. He will be remembered fondly as a great businessman, mentor and friend. We will cherish the times that we have been in his company, whether discussing business or sharing service in Lions. John was a great humanitarian who served the community for 48 years as a Lion.
May he rest in peace.
Paul & Beth Anstett
Dan & Julie Turkheim
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing, he was a good friend and I always enjoyed chatting with him at Lions, he will be missed.
Pat & Laverne Wallace
Cathy & Family,The Norris Family and Dianne,our deepest sympathy to all of you.We are thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Pat & Laverne Wallace
Allan McIntosh
Our condolences to the Norris family
Al & Carole Preece
Dear Cathy and Norris family,
Sincere condolences at this most difficult time.He will be missed.
We were able to enjoy the “fun” side of John.He was always up for an adventure and we shared some memorable
times.
We will miss you John….Rest in Peace.
Cathy Cade
So very very sorry. Thinking fondly of all of you.
Evelyn Vincent
Catherine, Kent and family
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Exeter and area will miss John. May God grant peace and comfort during htis difficult time.
Esther Hillman
My deepest sympathy!
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Catherine and family:
We were very shocked by John’s sudden passing. His obituary was right on.
Glad to have known him. He will be missed.
Alex & Gail Glanville
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to the family. He will certainly be missed.
Susan Pushelberg
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a great guy I will miss seeing him around. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Glenn Phillips
Norris Family
Sorry to hear of Johns passing.Going to miss the fishing trips John sure loved them.
Wendy (Meidinger) Coleman
Thoughts and prayers are with John’s families and friends.
May your memories and pictures help with your grief.
Sincere sympathy to all.