OBITUARIES
John Loring Patrick Sinclair
1940 – 2021
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Loring Patrick Sinclair, much loved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather / poppa John, brother, and uncle, on May 11, 2021.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Deborah Ann Sinclair (nee Reeve), his children, their partners, and his grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Thomas, his sister, Judith, and his daughter, Jennifer.
John was born July 11, 1940, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to Lillian Anne Sinclair, while his father, John Elmer Sinclair, was overseas serving in WWII. John grew up with four siblings, Michael (Norma nee Montgomery), Thomas (Carol Preston), Judith, and Sheila. The family moved to Winnipeg in the 1950s. John attended St. Ignatius School where he met his lifelong friends Rick Marrin (Elly Prendergast) and Dave Jandrisch (Nicky Nicolette). He attended St. Paul’s High School and College and graduated from Law School, before being called to the Bar in 1965. At age 26 John married Sharon Burnett. They had four children, Kathryn, Jacqueline (Su Yon Sohn), John, and Jennifer, as he worked to build his law practice at the new Grant Park Mall. They rented and later owned a cottage at Victoria Beach where they spent many lovely summers.
He lived on his own terms and celebrated everyone he met without judgement. John had a deep belief in non-interference. He believed people should be allowed to live their own lives and find their own ways. He loved the law, was dedicated to his clients, and usually worked 7 days a week. He had 3 cases that went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. He was involved with the return of a tapestry, which was stolen from the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the 1970s. He had endlessly interesting cases, and his law office at the Grant Park Mall continued for 45 years. He always planned on “Freedom 85” and was reluctant to stop working in January 2021. John also took great pride in mentoring young lawyers and was satisfied beyond measure to see his articling students succeed in the profession, becoming successful defense lawyers and judges.
John married Deborah Ann Grant (nee Reeve) in 1993 and they made a home together with her three daughters Candice Grant, Jaye Grant (Dwayne Grzybowski), and Noelle Chartier (Daniel Chartier). They travelled widely, to Aruba, Hong Kong, Mexico, and the Turks and Cacos. John and Deb’s love for each other was profound. John’s belief in community service was well served by his involvement with the Lions organization. John was a member of the Lions Club of Winnipeg for 52 years and held many leadership positions throughout that time, including: District Governor 1992, Chair of the Lions Eye Bank and Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, implementing their constitutions in 1984 and 1981, respectively. Lions Hearing became another area for him to Chair. John was actively involved with the Lions Telethon raising much needed funds for those in serious medical need as early as 1973. The time and dedication John put forth did not go in vain, recognized by his peers, he received many awards, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee medal in 2002. He served as president of the board for Maitland B. Steinkopf homes for 40 years. He was dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable people.
John lived fully. He seized every moment. He enjoyed many spontaneous bar-b-ques and dinner parties with friends and family. His door was always open, and he was happy to serve you, and your companions, a Tom Collins, Caesar, or a Moscow Mule always in a copper mug. He always insisted, “the ice makes the drink.” He was a wonderful raconteur, and his stories, songs, and wit will be dearly missed. His grandchildren, Matthew (Elyse Greenslade), Connor Grant-Canseco, Brooke and Andre Chartier will particularly miss their “Grandpa” / “Poppa John”.
We will miss you Dad, but we promise to keep our hearts open and the party going.
As per John’s wishes the family will be holding a celebration of John’s life when Covid restrictions allow us to do so.
Thank you to Cancer Care Manitoba and the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital for the excellent care John received. Your work is so important, and we appreciate you.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Loring Patrick Sinclair 1940 2021..
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba