It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Capes. Loving husband of 64 and a half years of Margaret (nee Holroyd); proud father of Carolyn and David (and his wife Jill); joyful grandfather of Jacob, Erin and Jason. Brother of Maxine Hoven and the late Howard Capes.
John began his career in 1943 with the Bank of Toronto (since merged) in Petrolia, Ontario. He spent much of 1944 in the RCAF as an air crew trainee. After the war, he returned to his banking career. He moved to various branch locations during the next 12 years and it was during this time that he met the lovely and vivacious Margaret at Port Severn in 1952. They were married the following year in Midland, Ontario, taking up residence in Toronto where Margaret had accepted a teaching position and John was a Branch Accountant.
In 1957 John was selected to design, organize and manage the Toronto Dominion Bank`s new Training Centre where he remained until his retirement in 1985. After retirement he served for ten years as Secretary Treasurer of the Bank`s Retirement Association.
Throughout his career John was actively involved in many business and community activities. He was elected president of the Ontario Society for Training and Development in 1965 and received their highest award for his contribution to industrial training. He served in a curriculum advisory capacity for two newly approved community colleges` banking syllabus and conducted a training workshop for the U of T Extension Program in the 1960s. He was actively involved in Toronto`s United Way Campaign with four years as Vice Chairman, Employees Division.
John was an active member of the Institute of Canadian Bankers during its highest enrolment period in the 1970s, a member of its directors advisory committee and was author of their basic teaching text, ``Orientation to Banking`. It was during this period he earned his FICB, Fellows Diploma and attended the University of Western Ontario`s Summer Management Course.
John and Marg were great outdoor enthusiasts. The bought Crown land on Kapikog Lake (near Parry Sound) and built a summer home there, without benefit of a road or hydro. Always active and involved he served as the lake`s first two-term president of the local cottagers` association. Other outdoor activities included golf (four aces), snowmobiling waterskiing and downhill skiing. He loved riding horseback and made a point of riding on the many trips and cruises he and Marg enjoyed throughout the world.
Apart for his constant love for Marg, John had a strong devotion to his Christian faith and was deeply involved at Kingsway Lambton United Church. His 50-plus years of membership saw him in many roles: first with the committee of stewards, then as an elder. His contributions toward anniversary celebrations, student ministry and the flea market are well documented. His final public role was as a vice chairman for the Humber Heights Retirement Council where he enjoyed the residents and activities. John believed each day was a blessing filled with gifts from his Creator, to be shared and enjoyed with others.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Michael`s Hospital, particularly Natalie Elvie, for their care and compassion over the years and through his last days. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, Kingsway-Lambton United Church or St. Michael`s Hospital.