Obituary for
John Alfred Sims
Sims, John Alfred
With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of John Alfred Sims, 87, of Oxford Mills on April 11 peacefully, at home in his favorite chair. Predeceased by his eldest son David, John leaves his loving wife of nearly 65 years, “ Marnie” Marianne ( Nixon ) and adoring children Ian ( Akielchiryu), Jennifer ( Peter Down ) and Alison ( David vanZyl), grandchildren Hayley and Michael Down, Mark, Johnathon and Erin vanZyl and Kaito Hori – Sims, three great grandchildren, nieces and a nephew in the UK and Canada. Born in London England, John excelled in both his RAF flight training in the 50’s and his MBA program, SFU, 1974. As an engaging conversationalist who could also find humour in any situation, he was a natural diplomat. Following four years of RAF, and immigrating to Canada he served as such from 1967 – 1992 taking postings in six overseas missions in trade and consular affairs. He enjoyed a year’s secondment to white colour crime, RCMP, and the 1984 – 5 NDC course in Kingston ON during his and Marnie’s distinguished diplomatic career. John could do anything; flying upside down under the Firth – of Forth bridge, restoring a “54 MGTC, building ( and flying ) his Long EZ, a boat in the basement, an expansive addition on to the home, and several classic and lasting furniture pieces. He once replaced a broken fan belt with Marnie’s stocking, and in the jungle in Ceylon “Macgyvered” breaker in a distributor of a VW bus with a stick and some tin-foil. A consummate gentleman, he was equally at ease in his workshop, with his nose in a book or sleeves rolled up with the likes of Jean Chretien. His greatest joy was his home life and greatest regrets not accepting a two-day-old-chick flying gig in Australian, and not have lived to 102- in order to collect all his pension. “You earned your wings dad. Fly.”
There will be an open reception at the residence, Thursday, April 25, 3-5 pm to celebrate a life exceptionally well lived. In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one out and make memories.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Alfred
Sims 1931 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario