Obituary for
John Blacker
Blacker, John George
Known by some as Jake, others as Jack, his given name John, Blacker, Blackie, Johnny B, Dad, Pops, Daddy-o, Grandpa and of course Babe by his devoted wife, soulmate and best friend Bev Harvey, John passed peacefully surrounded by love after a brief stay at Lisaard House on Friday October 19th in his 75th year.
Blackie was the fifth child born to Donald and Edra Blacker on May 25, 1944. John was a proud father and was heartbroken over the loss of eldest son Chris in 2010. He is survived by daughters Shannon (Shawn), Stefanie (Colin), son Jeff, step-children Jen and Travis Harvey, daughter-in-law Melissa (Charlie), grandchildren Cassandra, Nicholas, Ayden, Mckayla, Dominic and Mayson, siblings Betty Bryant of Kingston, Shirley Sayers of California, and Don (Shirley) Blacker of Mississauga as well as countless nieces, nephews, past and present in-laws, and his children’s mother Paula.
John joined the Cambridge Fire Department in 1974 where he served proudly alongside his fellow comrades until May 2004 when he retired at the age of 60; having reached the rank of Captain. In retirement, he enjoyed the simple things in life: meeting his daughters for lunch, going for coffee most mornings with good friend Chardie and the guys, spending time in the backyard or at the trailer with Bev and the kids, playing social darts and snooker with many friends at the legion, fishing with Aki, and countless adventures over his 30+ years of friendship with his best buddy Pete Sheahan. Of course he didn’t do any of these things until he had finished the daily crossword of which he was the King.
Proud Galt original, long time Hespeler resident and the most in-the-moment person you’ve ever met, Blackie was known for his unfailing positivity, being wickedly smart, passionate about his family, history, politics and the Leafs, and just generally being the guy everyone wanted to be friends with. He never held a grudge, and he was always “fantastic” … right up to the end.
John met Bev in January, 1999 and he was smitten from the start. Their love story spanned the past 20 years and was apparent to everyone who saw them together. Shannon and Stef would like to acknowledge and thank Bev for the joy she brought to his life, and the extraordinary love and support she provided to him over the years, particularly the unconditional love she demonstrated after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Per his wishes, friends and family are encouraged to join us for a Celebration of his Life on Saturday November 10th at the Hespeler Legion. A drop in will be held from 1p.m. – 6p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:00p.m. Please bring a copy of your favourite photo or a story to share on the memory wall.
Material things in life were not important to him but given the incredible care and compassion he was shown by Lisaard House for the short time he was there, the family would appreciate donations made in his honour.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John George
Blacker 1944 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Cambridge, Province: Ontario