It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss that we share the passing of John N. McCullough on October 27th. John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Ryan; and his children, John Jr. (Colleen O'Neil), Julia Evans (Dr. Kirby Evans), Jeff (Scott Crawford), Tim (Brenda McCullough) and Robyn (Michael Campbell). Fondly remembered by Janet McCullough. Cherished Poppa John to David, Rebecca, Robert, Patricia, Alex, Michael, Victoria, Andrew, Liam, and Camryn; as well as great-grandsons, Emmett and William. Predeceased by his parents, John C. McCullough and Mary Frances Norcott; and his late wife, Patricia (nee Switzer).

John grew up in the Kingsway in Toronto's west end, where many of his lifelong friendships started. From Our Lady of Sorrows to St. Michael's College School and on to St. Michael's College at U of T, John developed a sophisticated and keen interest in arts and letters that led him to Osgoode Hall and a career in law. As a lawyer he was in his element, an astute negotiator, and a trusted advocate and adviser. Out of law school, John spent his early years in private practice until he was recruited by Loblaws Companies, where he spent the balance of his career in corporate law and retired as General Counsel.

As a young man, many days were spent sailing at the island at QCYC, fueling a passion for the water that he never lost. Many a wonderful summer day was spent with family and friends at Balm Beach, and later at winters at Madeira Beach in Florida. John was a skier, an artist, a writer, a public speaker, a golfer, and a gardener to mention only a few of his many talents, but above all, his family and his faith were the most important things in his life by far. For over 60 years, John has been a member of St. Gregory's parish, and a devout and dedicated member of the Catholic community. His kindness and selfless devotion to many of the charitable initiatives he supported has shaped many of the good works the church has achieved in Toronto and beyond.

As a father and a patriarch, John would always put his family first, always there with kind and encouraging support, and always delighted to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Our hearts are all broken knowing he's no longer there, in his lawn chair and Tilley hat, listening and gently guiding us whenever we needed a word of kindness or support.

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter - Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke, from 2-5 p.m. on Thursday, October 31st. Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1st, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church, 122 Rathburn Rd., Etobicoke.

For those who wish, donations may be made to: St. Francis Table (www.capuchin outreach.org) or Poverello Charities Ontario (www.poverello.ca).