John Aubrey Riddell on Thursday November 2, 2023, peacefully at home. Jack was born in Toronto on October 31, 1927. Son of John Aubrey Riddell Sr. and Ida Catherine MacLeod, brother to Gloria (Trow), predeceased. Predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Maureen Riddell (nee Hagarty). Devoted father of children John Geoffrey (Bradley), Catherine Mary (Jonathan Knowles, Sarah, Jonathan), Lisanne (John, James).
Jack grew up in an environment that encouraged leadership, sport and independence. At the young age of 3, little Jackie was off to summer camp with his trusty dog Rusty, and he never looked back. Eager to play team sports, Jack will forever be known as an individual who was able to make his life work feel like a sport that he loved to play. Although not an academic at heart, Upper Canada College and Western University were places where Jack felt deeply connected and made life-long friendships. The halls of U.C.C. will forever be filled with team photos of Jack, his friends, and the sports that encouraged his leadership and camaraderie skills. At Western University he met the love of his life, Jackie. They were married on May 15, 1954 and were sadly separated in 2019 by her death. Geoff, Cathy and Lisa are their three children.
As a family they made their cottage in Algonquin Park, farm in King, and their love of all animals a shared passion. Horses, both racehorses and show horses, formed a long chapter in their lives together.
Jack’s independent streak fostered a strong entrepreneurial spirit and early in his career he founded Sun Pac Foods Limited where he pioneered the early citrus juice business in Canada. Always open to new opportunities, Jack broke into the pet food business with Derby Pet Foods and became a leading manufacturer of Purrr cat food with the cartoon cat, Garfield as it’s mascot. From there he branched into Tortilla chips and other Mexican products, with McDowell Ovens. He didn’t stop there as he acquired control of an oil and gas company, Canadex Resources and later a school bus division, Parkview Transit. All the while Jack was proud to be known in the business world as ‘honest Jack’ whose handshake was pure gold. Jack had a very strong moral compass and he let it guide him throughout his life. In his world, deeds spoke volumes. He treated those around him with a great deal of autonomy just like he would want to be treated himself and trusted that this would bring out the best in everyone.
Jack will be remembered as optimistic, patient and generous by nature. He was always there to quietly lend a helping hand to friends and those who were struggling. He knew what was right and without judgement of others he anonymously helped countless people. Always the strong leader, making decisions easily and working tirelessly to make them work out. Jack created a pension plan that is still looking after many of the people that meant so much to him. He was truly one of those ‘good men’, steadfast in his loyalty, strong and kind. For those whose lives he touched may we try and follow in his shadow. Show unconditional love to those around us and embrace the game of life with confidence, kindness and internal fortitude.
The family would especially like to thank Stephanie and her group of compassionate care workers from Headwaters Home Care who helped make Jack’s final days as comfortable as possible.
Memorial Service to be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home, Bolton (905-857-2213).
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Elaine Willard
Dear Geoff, Cathy, and Lisa,
I am deeply sorry about your dad’s passing. I used to see him often in the morning at Foodland in Schomberg. Your parents were our wonderful neighbours when we lived right across the road for 30 years. Your dad always asked about our Christopher and our girls. He was a very generous and kind man and will be missed by everyone. My thoughts are with you at this time. Elaine Willard
Louise Laurier
Sincere condolences to all the Riddell clan. Jack will be missed up in Algonquin Park .
He was one of my parent’s favourite friends .
Bill Lafferre
I am deeply sadden to hear about Mr. Jack Riddell. My condolences to the family. I was an employee at SunPac for 35 years.
Mary Truemner
Dear Cathy,
My mom (still alive and well at 92) showed me your Dad’s obit in the Globe yesterday. So many Owen Boulevard memories came flooding back as I gazed upon your Dad’s photo. He was a lovely man, and I am sure you will miss him, no matter that his ripe old age and declined health no doubt justified his passing. I just wanted to say hello, send my condolences, and let you know that it was great fun to be your childhood friend. Sending you a hug from your past, and a hello to Geoff and Lisa (if they remember me)! Easy bake ovens forever! Mary
Stephen Mess
It was a privilege to have known Jack as he always expressed an interest in other people’s lives, including mine. He has always had my deepest appreciation and respect. To Cathy and the family, I wish to express my deepest condolences.
Marilyn Oneschuk
Dear Lisa, Jack, Jamie, Geoff & Bradley, Cathy, Jon & family,
Very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing.
He will be sorely missed.
Sending our sincere condolences.
Marilyn Oneschuk Jim Oneschuk
Cynthia MacLachlan
Dear Cathy
I have just heard about your dad’s passing, and send my condolences. My mom now 90, is doing quite well, and is with us on the farm. Sending a hello and big hug from me to you and Geoff, and Lisa too. It would be nice to reconnect.
Dr. Garry Lee Willard
Geoff, Cathy and Lisa
Your dad was, as you well know, a very remarkable and personable man with amazing business acumen. He was kind and generous with his time. There are many stories of his quiet generosity to those who had their personal struggles and needed a hand up. He took a personal interest in his employees and this in part was one of the reasons for his success. As neighbours, across the road, for many years, Jack and I had many conversations on the state of the nation. Your mom and dad certainly were so helpful when my girls, Rebecca and Lisa, started riding and had the opportunity of using your arena, not to mention gifting Lisa with one of your horses. Jack was a true Canadian. Semper Fi.
Ken Graham
To Jack’s family.
What a remarkable man and the well written obituary highlights the many facets of Jack’s 96 year old life. He exemplified tributes that we all admire- hard working, honesty and kindness. Jack was a serial entrepreneur with eternal optimism always looking for the next challenge. Think not of his last few difficult years, but of his dynamic life in business , sports, and especially family.
Lori Labatt
My condolences to the family on the passing of a very special man.
I have many fond memories of the entire Riddell family at Smoke Lake over the years, and am grateful for the support of Sun Pac as a Sponsor of my book “Islands of Hope” that celebrated the centenary of Ontario’s Provincial Parks.
Laura Spracklin
What a beautiful tribute of a very special person. Please accept my belated condolences to the family. May your memories of dad and grandfather remain everlasting.