With profound sadness, we announce the passing of John Pegram—beloved husband of Diana for 56 years, dearly loved father of Bruce (Nancy) and Neil, cherished “Pappa” of Leah and Hayden, sister to Ann (predeceased), brother-in-law Peter, and uncle to Susie, Martin, and Ruth and their families.
Born in Potters Bar, London, to Eric Pegram and Doris Finch, John enjoyed a happy early childhood. That changed with the outbreak of WWII, when his family was forced to move several times due to bomb damage to their home.

As a young man, John enjoyed and flourished at King Alfred School. After graduating at 17, he began working in a polymer lab at ICI. Over the next eight years, while simultaneously working, he earned his degree in Polymer Chemistry. An active young man, he was involved in Scouts, played field hockey, and took up spelunking in Somerset. He often returned late at night on his motorcycle after weekends exploring underground caves—much to his mother’s despair.

In 1959, John arrived in Montreal, Canada, with a letter of introduction to Dow Chemicals. Instead, he took a train to Shawinigan, Quebec, and joined Shawinigan Chemicals, where he worked for eight years as a plant supervisor.

John quickly integrated into French Canadian life and made lifelong friends among a group of like-minded young engineers working in the area. Together, they formed a social group known as “John’s Folly,” inviting in a lively contingent of nurses from Montreal. They shared their summers at cottages, golfing, and sailing in a 420 dinghy John imported from France, and their winters skiing across Quebec and Vermont from a chalet in the Eastern Townships. Those friendships have lasted a lifetime and continue to this day.

In 1967, John moved to Montreal to work in research and to find the love of his life, which didn’t take long. In March 1968, he met Diana at a maple sugar party, and by April 1969, they were married.
In 1970, John was transferred to Toronto with Gulf Oil, and became a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining.

He and Diana relocated to Mississauga and purchased a home in Clarkson in 1973. They moved in with Bruce, and Neil arrived shortly after. Over the next 45 years, their home became John’s lifelong project, where he proved he could DIY nearly everything—expanding the house with extensive renovations, and even building a beautiful lily pond for Diana.

John was a wonderful father and partner, and his love for his family was paramount, but his love of skiing was infectious and became the family passion. Regularly skiing throughout southern Ontario, the family also enjoyed many annual ski trips to Quebec, Vermont, and British Columbia. Both of John’s sons continue his love of skiing; Neil recently relocated to be closer to a ski hill, and Bruce built a business in the ski industry and raised his family near Whistler.

John had a successful professional career, including 23 years with Union Carbide’s Wire & Cable division. He retired at 65, and took up golf with the Mississauga SGA and enjoyed weekly rounds for 25 years. He continued skiing with Skicousi until the age of 81.

In retirement, John and Diana travelled widely, including visiting British Columbia to spend time with family and enjoy their grandchildren.

John also gave tirelessly to his community for over 45 years. He volunteered as a Scouts leader, flooded the community ice hockey rink, contributed to the Homeowners’ Association, worked to improve local air quality, and helped preserve the character of Clarkson. As a board member of the Friends of the Museums of Mississauga, he proudly played a key role in relocating the historic Log House from Port Credit to its home at the Bradley Museum site.

John’s warm smile, intelligence, sense of humour, level-headed thinking, and deep care for his family and community will be greatly missed.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Silverthorne Community Care Home for their loving support over the past three years, especially the dedicated care staff of the Heritage unit.

In memory of John donations may be made to “Friends of the Museums of Mississauga”, or the Alzheimer Society.

Celebration of Life will be held at Tuner and Porter, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St, Mississauga, on June 21 st, from 1-2 pm. For those who wish, you my join as well via the Livestream button below.

Reception to follow at the Bradly Museum, 1620 Orr Rd, Mississauga, at the Log Cabin from 2:30-4:30pm.