At South Huron Hospital on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 of Hensall in his 80th year. Predeceased by his wife Marilyn (Sargent) Winterton. Dear brother of Cheryl Ryan of Manitoba.
Cremation with private family arrangements.
Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Scott Struzik
Best wishes to the family of a man who was respected by so many that never had the chance to meet him.
John Bottomley
As a ten year veteran of Simtropolis, this man was the stalwart anchor in the tumultuous sea of conflict that was current affairs discussion. He was insightful, candid and even-handed in all of his communications. I did not know him personally, but I do feel sadness in his passing. He will be fondly remembered across the world.
I wish you all the best in this troubling time.
John Bottomley, UK
Mightygoose
e.d.
thanks for your help buddy …you always were there for simtropolians ……
RIP
Bruce Burke
I am a newer member of the Simtropolis community and “know” few of its members but John (aka “A Nonny Mouse”) is a name I instantly recognize and not just because it was so clever. I was drawn to his posts for the reasons so many others sited here: his wit and friendly nature, willingness to help, and knowledge. I accidentally discovered a link to this condolences page and can only tell you that, even though I never met John, I was taken aback and saddened to learn of your loss.
God Bless You and May John Rest in Peace.
Bruce
Dave Bruno
My sincere condolences to all of John’s family and friends. I just learned of his passing and although I only knew of him through his activity in the simtropolis community, I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a pillar of a small online community that will never be the same without his presence.
I’m frankly shocked to learn that he was 80 years old. I never knew anything about his personal life beyond his dedication to our shared hobby. I think it speaks to the kind of man he was to think that I and many others assumed he was much younger due to his vibrant presence in our lives.
His wit, knowledge, and thought-provoking commentary will be sorely missed and certainly never replaced.
Rest in peace, John.
Ian Fox
John was the first to welcome me to Canada and the first to call me “Canadian,” even before I got my citizenship. I will surely miss him deeply.
Robert
There is no estimable way to measure what John’s contributions to the online Simtropolis community did, both for the site itself as well as for many of its members. His words, though little pixels shared across our screens, touched so many of our lives. His warmth, enthusiastic acceptance, and earnest interest and concern in the love that we all shared at Simtropolis were all boundless. He will be greatly missed.
Markus, Heidelberg, Germany
The leaves are falling, falling as from far,
As if gardens in the skies were wilting;
They fall with a gesture of deny.
And in the night the earth is falling
Away from stars and through the space.
We all are falling.
Just look: This hand here’s falling.
And look at other ones. It’s in them all.
And yet there is one
Who in his palms in
Endless gentleness
Cradles all this falling.
(Rainer Maria Rilke, Autumn)
Thomas
Nobody of you – John’s family and friends – will know me, so allow me to introduce myself briefly: I’m a long-time member of the Simtropolis online community, where John used to spend much of his time.
Although we never met in person (I live on the other side of the pond, in Germany), he eventually became something that felt like a neighbour, with whom you’d occasionally have a pleasant chat over the fence. He was always there, always around, always ready to help.
When I went through a rough stretch, he was the first who not only noticed, but also contacted me in private and asked if everything was OK. I haven’t forgotten that.
I’m sure many other members of that online community felt a similar connection and feel the way I’m feeling right now.
Through his active participation in our little online community, John has left an impression on many persons all over the world, and I hope the sense that many people all over the world feel with you (even though you can’t see us and don’t know us) may help you come to terms with this loss.
Simtropolis Community
We are deeply sorry to learn of John’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
John has been a true blessing to our community. For more than a decade, he not only shared his knowledge and wisdom, but through his presence, was a friend and inspiration to many.
John, you will be profoundly missed by us all. Rest in peace.
Cathy
My deepest sympathies to the family he will be greatly missed on the community websites that he regularly visited, he was always willing to talk and pass on his knowledge to others, I shall miss him.
Bob & Wanda Reynolds
To John’s family.
I cut John’s nails and enjoyed our many discussions. I will miss him. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Wanda Reynolds
Alvin/Marilyn Taylor
Dear Cheryl Sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a very interesting man who had a wealth of knowledge on many, many topics. May happy memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Alvin/Marilyn (John’s neighbours at Northcrest.
Linda Millar
Dear Cheryl
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your brother John.
May he rest in peace….
Sincerely
Linda Millar
(Toni’s daughter)
Hensall Senior Citizens' Homes Inc.
Please accept the sympathies of the Northcrest Board of Directors on the loss of your brother, John.