John passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026 at the age of 88 after a lengthy illness. He was predeceased by his wife Nadine (1942-1985) and his son Kevin (1963-1995).

He will be missed by his son Kyle, daughter-in-law Janet, grandchildren Hannah and Milo and his partner for the last 40 years Bernadette O’Connor as well as countless friends. John was born January 9, 1938, in Moragy, a small village of German speaking people in Southern Hungary. Later living in Stuttgart, Germany and in 1949 immigrated to Canada settling in Medicine Hat, Alberta. There John became a Constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. His duties brought him to Regina, Ottawa and Toronto where he settled to raise his family.

John was a dedicated family man raising his two sons, devoted to his grandchildren and extending that affection to the O’Connor family.

After long years of service, John eventually retired from the Ontario Public Service where his retirement allowed him to devote more time to his bonsai trees. John was regarded as a bonsai expert and taught throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. His articles and trees appeared in publications all around the world and won numerous awards.

John loved his family and friends and will be forever in our hearts.

A special thank you to Dr. Erroll Sequeria, Dr. Vincent Ki and the caring staff at Wellbrook Place, Mississauga.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., (Hwy. 10, N of the QEW) on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10 a.m., for the one-hour prior to the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the funeral home, and interment at Prospect Cemetery.

In memory of John and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada https://alzheimer.ca/en/ways-to-give

PLEASE NOTE: The family does not endorse any 3rd party donation sites and encourages only donations to accredited online charities.