John Strachan, a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, great uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket, Ontario. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on September 7, 1943, where he made his mark as the first set of triplets to survive in Hamilton Hospital alongside his brothers, Don and Tom. Growing up in Norwich, Ontario as a triplet alongside older brother Gerald was a unique and special experience for John as the brothers shared an unbreakable bond, filled with countless adventures, sporting activities, and everlasting memories.
John was a man of dedication and commitment, evident in both his personal and professional life. He attended Western Ontario Agriculture College in Ridgetown, Ontario, and subsequently devoted over 40 years of his career to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, serving as Park Superintendent. His love for nature was profound; he could often be found walking through the woods, a testament to his appreciation for the environment he strived to protect. John's passions extended to the sport of both racing pigeons and horse racing. He enjoyed many days watching and competing with family and friends by his side. Going to the Little Brown Jug horse race in Delaware, Ohio each year was an event he looked forward to attending with his brothers and friends. John was also an avid hockey and baseball fan he travelled many miles to watch games and had a particular interest in supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage, as well as his son, Gregory. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Pauline), sister-in-law Stella Strachan, Donna Strachan, Laura (Rick) Puhakka, Nancy (Lloyd) Michie, Janet (Rick) Iler and brother-in-law Howard (Eileen) Arthur. The legacy of John will continue through his many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews who he was very proud of.
He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Irene Strachan, brother Don, brother Gerald, and brother-in-law Murray Arthur.
The family would like to thank the staff of Chartwell Park Place in Aurora and York Region Respite care PSW team for all their care and support of John.
A Celebration of Life for John will be held on December 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with words of rememberence at 3:00 pm at Brock & Visser Funeral Home Burial and Cremation Services Ltd. Woodstock Chapel, located at 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson's Society or the Alzheimer's Society.
John Strachan will be remembered fondly for his kindness, dedication to family, and love for the natural world. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Strachan, please visit our flower store.
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