John Richard Oakley

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of our father. Peacefully, with his children by his side, John passed on November 10 at the age of 92.5. Survived by his daughter Beth, son Mark and their families. Pre-deceased by his loving wife Barbara in 2015.

Born and raised in England, John came to Canada in his twenties and made a life with Barbara in Oakville, where they raised their family. An electrical engineer by profession, John worked as a marketing consultant for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Technology after obtaining his MBA from McMaster University.

John was a quiet introvert who loved to spend time with family, tend to his vegetable garden, play badminton and scratch the ears of his beloved standard poodles. He was an incurable DIY-er much to the chagrin of his wife. An avid lover of music, John loved nothing more than to tinkle the ivories or listen to anything Chopin. He devoted his life to Barbara and enjoyed their circle of friends from the early days of the Young People’s group in Toronto where he met Barbara, to the long-time Oakville gang. We will miss his happy-go-lucky nature, his kindness, his quiet sense of humour and his interesting culinary creations.

John’s ashes will be scattered in the beautiful gardens of Knox Presbyterian Church (Oakville) where he will forever remain with his love, Barbara. See you on the other side Dad. We love you.

We invite you to make a donation in John’s memory, to your local Humane Society or to an animal rescue group of your choice to honour John’s love of dogs.