John Alfred Carruthers born July 1, 1934, youngest son of the late Norman and Gladys (Mills) Carruthers of Melbourne, Ontario passed away peacefully at St. Marys Memorial Hospital on Sunday, July 8, 2018.
John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years Emma (Stacey) Carruthers, beloved father of Jeff (Heather) Carruthers and grandchildren Cameron, Ryan and Stephanie, son-in-law Ian (Deana) Donen and grandchildren Nicholas, Sydney and Remy. He was predeceased by his precious daughter Susan Donen, brothers and sister-in-law Harry, Leonard and Donna Carruthers and his in-laws Bert and Ruby Stacey (Weir). He is survived by sister-in-law Ruth Carruthers, many in-laws, nephews, nieces and their families.
John was a successful businessman and respected community leader. He moved to Stratford in 1953, after graduating from Westervelt College in London, and worked as a sales manager for G.L. Griffith & Sons Limited. In 1975 he founded Cavalier Equestrian Supply Ltd, with his partner Ron Gray. His many business trips nurtured a love for travel, experiencing new cultures and building friendships with business colleagues around the world. After many years of growth and success at Cavalier, he retired in 1996 but continued to manage a small storage business until 2010. John was a very active member of his community. He was President of the Stratford Kinsmen Club (1966-67), Deputy Governor (1968-69), District Co-Ordinator (1969-70) and National Kinsmen Co-Ordinator (1973-74). He was also President of the K-40 Club and the Stratford Country Club (1984). In recent years he was an active member of the Rotary Club and particularly enjoyed volunteering on the Aquabox and Hockey committees. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club for his many contributions. He also delivered Meals on Wheels, drove pre-school children locally and Cancer patients to London for treatment. He was a faithful member for many years at the former St. John’s and now Avondale United Church and served for several years on the Board of Trustees. His many hobbies included travelling, golfing, curling and playing bridge with Emma and their many dear friends. He loved reading about business, politics and personal biographies.
The funeral service will be held at Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 2 p.m. with Reverend Keith Reynolds officiating. Visitation will take place from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford. 519-271-7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Perth County, the Rotary Club of Stratford Aquabox, Avondale United Church or a charity of your choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Carruthers 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario