Is is with great sadness we said goodbye to JohnnyFusion on Monday, December 21, 2015 at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto. John bravely fought a battle with cancer for the past three years, never losing his sense of humour and joy d’vieve. Unfortunately it would be his last battle. He was the first son of the late Lorne and Nannette Waddell. He leaves behind his brother and life long best friend, Brian, sister Laurel and her husband Michael Byrne and predeceased by brother Peter in 2003. He will be fondly remembered by nieces and nephews Jennifer Waddell; Michael and Kelly Callaghan and their daughter Hayley; Blake and Heather Waddell and their daughter Claire; Warren Byrne; Kate and Ryan Neuhold and their daughter Charlotte. Also sadly missed by his friend Mona Roach.
John grew up in Etobicoke attending John G. Althouse, Richview Collegiate and graduated from Martingrove Collegiate. The family moved to La Hacienda on Escarpment Sideroad in Caledon and about the same time John went to the University of Guelph. Throughout John’s life he was a self taught computer programmer and usualy had to build a computer that would handle his specific demands. He held many jobs as an independent consultant to a wide range of clients and corporations throughout Canada.
John had many interests. He had a skillful aim, shooting ground hogs for farmers in Caledon with an old 22 when he was 10 and sometimes with a bow and arrow or a crossbow he built himself. He rarely missed from any distance. He was a member of The Archery Club and was one of their best archers. John was an avid reader all his life. He could read a novel in a day but preferred to read a computer manual or new science discovery paper. He could remember every detail weeks and even months later. Weekends and summers were spent at the National Yacht Club on his boat Aftica. He enjoyed sailing on Lake Ontario, scuba diving and especially enjoyed his annual trips to the British Virgin Islands in February with many of his NYC friends. John was well looked after by all the caregivers at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. We cannot thank them enough for all the care and attention they provided.
A graveside service will be held at St. Andrew’s Stone Church and Cemetery, 17621 St. Andrew’s Road (just north of Escarpment Sideroad), Caledon on Monday morning, December 28 at 11 o’clock.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Headwaters Health Care Foundation, 100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville L9W 4X9 (www.hhcfoundation.com). Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home Baxter & Giles Chapel, Orangeville (519-941-2630). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Susan Barnacal
John was always kind to my daughter, Emma, and myself, while she was learning to sail at the National Yacht Club. If I was late to pick her up after work, John would be telling her sailing adventures on AFTICA. He will be missed by all.
Susan
Dave and Mary Ellen Stiles
We did not have the good fortune to know John well. Our contact was through the National Yacht Club where John always wore a smile and was never too busy to offer a hand to anyone at anytime, including new sailors like us. He was one of the good guys. Godspeed John.
Dave and Mary Ellen Stiles
Mike & Elaine Faye
Dear Brian and Family,
Mike and I send our sincere condolences on the death of your dear brother John. May you all be comforted with treasured memories of your years together.
Sincerely,
Elaine
Nadine Thurston-Prior
I will always remember John fondly. Whether acting as the Captain of our crew, sailing across Lake Ontario to Jamestown on AFTICA, or sharing a few drinks and laughing (a lot) with other friends at the NYC. John was loved by all who met him. A larger than life personality, who was generous beyond reproach. He had a very kind and gentle soul and I am honoured to have called him a friend.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
Best,
Nadine
Shawna Rossi
John Waddell was a true gentleman and my lifeline at our yacht club – had it not been for John I probably would not have kept my boat with its problem engine for as long as I did. His countless hours spent helping me with my boat over the years were so generous and always done with a cheery hello and smile on his face – I never had to ask, he always offered. He also shared his boat ladder with me and I fondly remember how he suggested I ask for my boat to be stored in the winter beside his so “our ladder” could be easily placed between the two boats. I still have the spare key to his lock. He was a good friend to me and will be missed by everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences – I am so sad I won’t get another chance to cheers with him dockside, Shawna Rossi
Sabine Tache
My deepest condolences to family and Mona.
John was always very giving and made me laugh when visiting my best friend Mona. Mona was a large part of his life in he pas 3 years and he will be greatly missed by myself and her.
Eileen Dunsmuir
John was one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known. It was a privilege to have been his friend and I will always cherish memories of time spent with him. My sincere condolences to brother Brian and family. We’ll miss you Johnny.
Sam
Mona Roach
We are missing you greatly and happy you are at peace with your long battle. You fought a good fight.
Love you forever,
Mona (common-law), Tazz and Luci …your comfort and companions.
Teresa
Mona I commend you for being by Johnny’s side for the past 3 years while he fought his battle with the dreaded disease of cancer. My thought’s and prayers are with you at this time.
Teresa Z
Janice
It was lovely to know you, John.
Monique
It is with sadness I say goodbye to an old friend – my Captain!
I’ll miss my Captain of AFTICA – crewing across Lake Ontario… If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be fiddling with computers and software or even know how to tie a proper knot! I am grateful for his inspiration and may he rest in peace! Cheers John!
With Love and fond memories,
Momo
Robert Bray
John you will be sadly missed. We have had some good times over the past 30 years.You were a true friend I could confide in and one of the smartest people I knew. Thanks for the laughs and the good times during our run with VF.com. I will miss our yearly lunch to reminisce about the past and how we were looking forward to the future. Goodbye my friend.