Peacefully on Friday October 27, 2017 in his 80th year, John passed away in the care of his loving wife and son. Beloved husband of Barbara (Ross) for 58 years. Proud, devoted father and father-in-law to John Campbell (Cam) and Martha. Special Grandpa to Kyle Matthew, Corey Alexandra and Maya Mai Anh Tyers. Caring brother-in-law of Garnet and Irene Ross. Dear Uncle of Leslie and Bruno Zambri of Brampton and Rob and Heather Ross of Kanata. Great Uncle of Jacob, Charlotte and Cooper.
Dearly loved son of the late Harold and Dorothy Tyers, John spent his childhood living in the Village of Islington. As a young lad he enjoyed the freedom to roam with his pals in a country setting exploring the creek, playing baseball, football and eventually golf, his true passion. John received his education at Islington Public School, Upper Canada College and Etobicoke Collegiate. Venturing out into the working world he joined Robert Simpson Company as a salesman in 1962 and spent 32 fulfilling years in their Contract Division. John thrived at his job as it combined his love for meeting people and problem solving. In 1993 he took early retirement and started his own small business at home.
John loved to play golf and he was very good at it. He was Club Champion at Islington Golf Club in four different decades (60’s – 90’s). In retirement he continued to feed his passion by playing every day. His skill increased and he enjoyed joining other senior golfers in tournaments around the country. He truly loved Islington Golf Club, his home away from home for 68 years. Affectionately known as “J.T.” John headed numerous committees, became a board member and eventually became president in 1995. It was a year that he loved and was so satisfied with all he had accomplished during that time. In later years he continued to help out with junior golfers and became the driving force behind the history committee.
John’s other great passion was baseball. When news came in the 1970’s that Toronto was going to have a major league team he signed up immediately to get the best seats possible and considered himself so fortunate to be sitting right at 3rd base. For years he attended many of the games always enjoying himself and making lasting friendships with those sitting nearby. John, not shy about his views, was usually in the middle of interesting conversations as to how the team could improve!
In 2008, with his friend the late Bob Tebbutt, he co-founded the Islington Community Golf Association (ICGA). Using golf as a tool the ICGA mentors youth and guides them on their way to adulthood. John always loved to work with children and even when Cam played sports as a youngster there was always a coach or manager named “Tyers” on a team. In the past several years his energies had been directed to the ICGA and it was with great satisfaction that he watched the youngsters thrive. John was recognized for his volunteerism with several awards, including the Urban Hero Award, the Diamond Jubilee Medal and to mark Canada’s 150th birthday, the Exceptional Service Award.
John was a caring, intuitive, fun loving person who always put his family first. He and Barb traveled often and looked forward to family gatherings and wonderful adventures with their friends. His was a life well lived.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., (between Kipling & Islington Aves.) on Thursday, November 9 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 11 o’clock. In memory of John, donations made to Dorothy Ley Hospice or Sleeping Children Around the World would be appreciated.
“You are no longer where you used to be, but you are everywhere I go”
-Victor Hugo