In Celebration of

John Bain Stirling

May 24, 1930 -  November 19, 2021

John was born on May 24, 1930, in Lachine, Montreal, Quebec to John Stirling and Emma Ashworth who emigrated from Rochdale, England to Montreal in 1927. John passed away at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Oakville, Ontario on November 18, 2021.
John attended Lachine High School, Lower Canada College, and graduated from McGill University (Mechanical Engineering) in 1952. John developed a senior leadership career focusing on engineering and technology: Dominion Engineering (pulp and paper); Stadler Hurter (paper mill construction); Fathom Oceanology (sonar); Indescor (water jets); Spar Aerospace; and mentoring business owners (Osborne Consulting including Atlantis Trucking).
John is survived by his wife Solveig Irene Andersen and five sons: Peter Mosher (Anne), John Mosher, John Stirling (Kristy), Peter Stirling (Marissa), David Mosher (Nancy); and 11 grandchildren: Mark (Christa), Erin (Mike), Emma, Douglas, Andrew, Connelly, Theo, Hyla, Victoria, Benjamin, and Carla; and a great grandchild, Freya; and by his beloved dog, Kingsley.
John and Irene especially enjoyed their home and garden and walking their dogs in the nearby Rattray Marsh in Mississauga; BBQs with Caesars by the pool; canoeing and camping in Algonquin Park; favorite trips to India and Germany; and visiting family in England, Scotland, Norway, and the West Coast. John was a member of the squash gang at the Ontario Racquet Club (ORC) and enjoyed many Thursday nights there with friends. John was a lover of history and was actively involved for many years in the 78th Fraser Highlanders and became Lieutenant Colonel of the York Garrison.
Universally admired and respected for his kindness, intelligence, sense of humor and ‘stiff upper lip’, John will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have him in their lives. Up until the time of his brief hospitalization with pancreatic cancer, he lived independently and enjoyed an active social life. John enjoyed close relationships with special friends and the family thanks them for their love and support during John’s illness. It was much appreciated by John and all of us.
John had a rich life that was well lived as a great father, husband, and friend. He leaves a lasting legacy. A private family service will be held.

Guestbook 

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Major Sprules (Friend and fellow 78th OC.)

Entered November 25, 2021 from Port Hope

I am following John as the Officer Commanding at the 78th Fraser Highlanders, York. John and I were both Officers of the Honourable Guard, and he was under my command when I was Captain of the Guard and Field Units for 5 years. I loved John, and we spent many happy hours together. A great mentor, John never got into a flap, cool under pressure. Easy going, friendly and full of humour, we will all miss him deeply. Rest easy my friend.

Nancy Van Kessel (Daughter-in-law)

Entered November 25, 2021 from Vaughan

John was a very kind man and I will sorely miss our weekly Saturday night dinners! Although he lived a rich long life, it was still not long enough for those who loved him.

Shelagh Barrington & George Maclaren (friends)

Entered November 27, 2021 from Toronto

John was tbe gracious host with a dry sense of humour who always offered a glass of cheer, scotch or wine or a good Bloody Mary.
In our younger days we shared good tomes with John and Irene.
Our condolences to his family.
Shelagh & George

Konrad Mech (Former employee at Fathom Oceanology)

Entered November 27, 2021 from North Vancouver, BC

I am sorry to learn of John's passing. John was President of Fathom Oceanology during unprecedented growth when Inwas there from 82 to 87.. This was my first job after RMC and it was a fantastic experience. John grew the company from 80 people to 180 people in the 5 years I was there. It was a great place to learn and John led a great management team. There was also the drama of the proxy war against Fleet Aerospace which he fought while keeping the organization focused on serving the customer. I learned a lot from him. He did not hide in his office, he roamed and talked to all employees with courtesy and a smile. God Speed, John.

Jim Nicell (Friend)

Entered November 30, 2021 from Montreal

Dear Mrs. Andersen,

I am writing to express my deepest sympathies to you, and your family about the death of your husband, John B. Stirling.

While words do not provide adequate consolation for the loss of a loved one, please know that my colleagues and I at the Faculty are with you in our thoughts.

Sincerely,

Jim A. Nicell
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
McGill University

Photos 

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