Hall, John Gardner, P.Eng., passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 9, 2016 at the age of 88.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, on February 4, 1928 to John and Miron Hall, John is survived by his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy) of 65 years, his three children Kathy, Susan and John (Heather) and his cherished granddaughter Meg. He is also mourned by his two brothers Douglas (Betty) and Donald (Leona, deceased), his brother-in-law Jack Woolfrey (Joyce) and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
In 1942, John and his family moved to Toronto where he graduated from North Toronto Collegiate. After briefly serving in the Canadian Armed Forces during WWII, John studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto. During this time, he met his wife-to-be Peggy, a Toronto General Hospital nursing student. After they both graduated in 1950, they married and moved to Hamilton where John began his career with Stelco and Peggy worked at the Hamilton General Hospital. Together they built a life; John working for various companies relating to the steel industry and Peggy bringing up their three children. John loved to play and watch sports, in particular hockey, and he played goalie twice a week well into his 50’s. Despite living in Ontario, John remained a dedicated and fierce fan of the Montreal Canadiens and took every opportunity to attend games or watch them on television. John and Peggy were ardent cottagers and spent most of their summers and leisure time at their cottage on Lake of Bays.
In 1990, John took early retirement and they moved to Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. John became actively involved with the establishment of the Eagle Park nursing home in Qualicum Beach and rediscovered his love of curling while Peggy pursued her passion for gardening. John was also active in several bridge clubs, the Probus club and the various social activities at the Curling Club. He enjoyed a vibrant circle of friends.
John took great pleasure in spending time with family. Every summer, he welcomed his only granddaughter Meg for an extended stay at their lovely home in Qualicum Beach. Visits from other family were cause for celebration. He took great pride in the achievements of his family and was always ready to support them when needed. He was a gentle, generous, and caring man, loved by all who knew him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate and dedicated support from Dr. David Woodley and the Victoria Hospice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
14 Responses
My heartfelt sympathy at the loss of dear John. My kindest thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Your friend always, Joan Freeman
Dear Peggy,
George and I were saddened to learn of John’s passing last week-end. He was always a gracious man and I have very fond memories of our get-togethers. I am pleased to have been able to see you both last June.
We are thinking of you at this difficult time and send you big hugs.
Hélène and George
Dear Peg, Kathy and Meg, Susan, John and Heather:
Joyce and I were saddened to hear of John’s passing and wish to express to you our deep sympathy. We pray that you will find some solace ahead in recalling the many happy days behind. We think of the summer days our families spent together at Sauble and Lake of Bays and Christmases shared when our children were young and our own parents still with us. These times so many years past seem in our memories really to have happened only yesterday. We remember them and of all of you so fondly.
Love,
Joyce and Jack Woolfrey
Dear Peggy, We received the news of John’s passing with true sorrow.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. You are in our thoughts
and prayers. Bill& Kathleen Watson
Dear Peggy,
We received the news of John’s passing with true sorrow.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. You are in our thoughts
and prayers. Bill & Kathleen Watson
Peg and family
Very sorry to hear of John’s passing! We really enjoyed your visit to Newfoundland. May the thoughts of sympathy from your friends help to ease your pain at this difficult time and in the days to come.
Love Jean and Doug and family
Dear Aunt Peg, Kathy, Meg, John and Heather,Sue
We send our deepest condolences to you in the passing of Uncle John.
I have a few favourite memories of Uncle John. One was when my family was visiting at your home in Burlington. After one of your delicious roast beef dinners, Dad and Uncle John gathered all 6 cousins together for a picture and Uncle John brought out a movie camera and a set of very bright lights so everyone could be well illuminated. As a young girl I was very impressed by his “high tech” equipment and his ability to use it!
The other memory was when he took me out for my first time water skiing. I worked as a waitress at a resort the summer of ’69. On my day off Mom and Dad came up for a visit and we drove over to your cottage. Uncle John skilfully manned the boat and after a few tries I made it up on the water skis. It was a big thrill for me!
Lots of love,
Lois and Ian
Dear Peg and family
Just heard the news of John’s passing so sorry to hear. Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
God Bless
John and Shery Butler
April 11 2016
Mary Jaggard
Dear Peg & Family, My thoughts & prayers and deepest condolences go out to you all at this very difficult time. I treasure the memories of the great times You & John & Jim & I had at our cottages & our homes, & of course John’s love for the bagpipes. He was a good Husband, Father, Grandfather & Friend. God Bless you all with Peace & Love..YOUR Friend Mary xoxo
Dear Peg-My deepest sympathy to you and the family in the recent passing of John, Senior. May it comfort you to know that your relatives and friends are thinking of you all in this difficult time of loss and grief. I pray that happy memories of husband, father, and grandfather will strengthen and sustain each of you now and in the days to come. Love, Jean Clayton