Folkes, John
Dr. John Courtney Knollys Folkes passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 29, 2022 at his home in Oshawa, Ontario, at the age of 80 years old. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Vilma Yvonne Folkes (nee Reid); his children Shawn, Angel and Paula (David); his brothers Mico and Junior; and his grandchildren Liam and Felix. John was first and foremost a deeply religious man who loved Jesus and enjoyed scholarly discussions about the Bible. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, John and his wife Vilma immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1967, following the completion of his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the West Indies. Holder of a doctorate degree in English literature from the University of Toronto, which he earned with high distinction, John was an educator who taught Toronto area high school students for over 22 years in the subjects of English, English as a Second Language (ESL), and dramatic arts. John also holds a Master’s degree in English and Economics, as well as a Bachelors of Education. John loved music and composed over 350 original songs, with his composition “Oh Carolina” recorded in 1957 often cited by historians as the origin of Reggae music. John was both a lover of poetry and a poet, an avid reader and author, and a playwright who sometimes created original scripts for his students to perform for the school play. He was a true academic in all respects.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 10-11 a.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King St. E. Oshawa, ON, L1H 1B6. A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 11 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at Union Cemetery, 760 King St. W, Oshawa, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations to Jim Whittington Ministries would be appreciated. Online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dr John Courtney Knollys Folkes Monday August 29th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Oshawa, Province: Ontario