John died at his Kemptville home, as was his wish, on 8 November 2019. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Chantal Matheson, son-in-law Robert, and grandchildren Rory and Scarlett, as well as daughter Christina and family. John battled very rare cutaneous angio sarcoma for 15 months. The family would like to thank all of the medical teams for their compassionate care and support.
John lived and wished to be remembered for his fervent belief in “Duty to Country.” He served honourably in the military from 1963 until his retirement in 1998. He was a proud member of the RCR and the Canadian Airborne Regiment from 1966 to 1979, before reclassifying to the CF Security Branch (Intelligence). In 1996, his dedication was recognized when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit. After leaving the military, John joined the Public Service and was recognized as a leader and visionary for his work with the Five Eyes intelligence community. He retired from the Public Service in 2014.
Although John travelled the country and the world, his favourite place was his pastoral backyard.
Family and friends are invited to a Tribute to be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremations Services (280 Beechwood Ave.) on Friday, November 29th, 2019 from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
Donations can be made to the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada or RCR Association care of the RCR Trust fund, PO 1954, 120 Clarence St. Kingston ON. K7L 5J7.
Digital Guestbook
Gilbert Cote
Herb Weber
Well, John, it wasn't nice of you to steal away before we had the chance to review our joint years in The Regiment (no, not the CAR, The Regiment you thought you had to leave), and to discuss our diverging views of the "triumphs" of Intelligence. You didn't even mention that you were sick in our last engagement on Facebook earlier in the year. I now regret the beer we didn't have, but certainly not the memories. Mary, we only met once, in the halls of NDHQ in the late 1980's when you introduced yourself as John's wife. I'm sorry that our next meeting will be at his tribute, but the sympathies are sincere.
Hansjoerg Schlueter
I feel deeply sorry for your loss.
I knew John since my childhood when he served in Germany.
Years later I enjoyed his hospitality at his house twice when I visited Canada.
It is hard to believe.
Requiescat in Pace
Cdr Ted Parkinson
It was so sad to hear of John's passing after such a long and successful career, both in and out of uniform. Sincere condolences to Mary and all the family at a very hard time. It was a pleasure to have known John.
Anita Walden
I learned of your passing John, from Herb Weber who was one of your dear friends. We were all stationed together at Fort York, Germany so many years ago. Life deals us cards that none of us expect - our family is no exception. I add my sincere condolences to you Mary and your
family...it is never the right time to lose a loved one. My husband Jim was a fellow officer. Jim is unfortunately at the Perley Rideau - quite incapacitated. He would have been sad to hear of John's death. May he rest in peace and hopefully I will be able to attend on Friday.
Bill Yee
Mary, my deepest condolences on your loss. As a former Army Engineer (Geospatial), it is very humbling to admit that that I enjoyed working for John, and that I was very amazed by his expertise. I now regret that I did not take the opportunity to tell him personally. You can take some comfort that John made a very significant contribution to the international Defence and Security community.
Bill Yee, LCol (retd), Engineers
May he rest in peace. Having had the pleasure of serving alongside of John for the better part of three years I can attest of his dedication to his country and service.