Obituary
John F. Kerr
1940 – 2022
It is with great sadness the Kerr family announces the death of John Fraser Kerr, husband of Margaret (Arsenault) Kerr, of Miramichi, NB, on August 20, 2022, at the age of 82. John was the son of the late J. Fraser Kerr and the late Genevieve (Fitzgerald) Kerr.
With a few exceptions in his younger years, John lived and worked in Miramichi. He was a life-long employee of Canada Cement Lafarge, an entrepreneur and a dedicated member of the community.
As a young adult John played hockey and football for St.Thomas High School, was active in the Catholic Youth Organization at St. Michaels’ Church, was a base drummer with the Air Cadet’s Marching Band and was considered ‘quite the singer’ and participated in many public performances. After graduation, he attended St. Michael’s Commercial Department, Chatham, NB.
John lived his life in faith and service. He was past-chairman of St. Andrew’s Church Parish Council, he enjoyed singing in the choir and was a member of the 3rd degree Father Bernard M. Broderick Knights of Columbus #1219 and a member of the 4th degree Bishop James M. Hill Assembly #617.
Wanting to make a difference in the community, John was an elected school board trustee and past vice-chairman. He was particularly proud of his contributions in the naming of Dr. Losier Middle and James M. Hill Memorial High schools and for helping to bring the French immersion program to the local school district. He was also very proud to have been a charter member and past-president of the Board of Directors of Victorian Order of Nurses, Chatham. John was honored to have served on the Transitional Committee which amalgamated the former towns, villages and local service districts into the City of Miramichi.
John’s hobby was working and he was a successful businessman. He entertained himself with his entrepreneurial spirit. Before the age of 30, he began to develop land for housing and he developed two trailer parks and four subdivisions. Some of this development was instrumental in creating the residential area known as T’aintville. His other businesses included owning the local Skiroule Skidoo and Marcan Homes dealerships.
Throughout his life John’s first and most important priority was his family and friends. Before and after retirement, John’s happiest times were during gatherings. The only things John enjoyed more than travelling with his wife was the company of family and friends, good food, good music, dancing and laughter. For more than 20 years he and Margaret made the annual drive to Florida and he could not contain his excitement when it was time to pick up family and friends at the airport, take them ‘on the tour’ and hear about their adventures at the end of the day.
As he approached retirement John and Margaret took ballroom dancing lessons and they danced together as much as they could. He also enjoyed performing with the Miramichi Men of Harmony Barbershop Chorus and meeting new people when he volunteered with Meals On Wheels.
The love of his life was his wife Margaret and his proudest accomplishment and greatest joy was seeing the love, happiness and zest for life in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John is survived by Margaret, his wife of 60 years, and their four children. Daughters: Geralyn Freeze (John), Ann Morrissy (William), and Jacqueline Noseworthy (Keith), all of Miramichi, and son, Daryl Kerr (Natalie) of Calgary; grandchildren: John Morrissy (Catherine LeFort) of Saint John, NB, William Morrissy (Maryline Bedard) of Gatineau, QC, Emma Freeze of South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA, Samuel Freeze of St. John’s, NL, Rachel Freeze of Halifax, NS, Benjamin Freeze of Saint John, NB, Kennedy and Kaelan Kerr of Calgary, AB, and Maggie McCarthy (Nick), Jack Forrest and Andrew Noseworthy, all of Miramichi; great-grandchildren: Xavier Morrissy and Grace McCarthy; sisters: Julie Richard (Bernard), Frances Kerr, Mary Jane Kerr, Irene Christie (Jack); sister-in-law, Giselle Kerr; and his like-a-brother cousin, Richard (Phyllis) Kerr, all of Miramichi. John also leaves behind many loving and loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends. John is predeceased by his brother William (Billy) Kerr and nephew Michael Richard.
For the past six years John suffered the effects of two progressive diseases – a rare disease called Myasthenia Gravis and Parkinson’s Disease.
A public visitation will take place on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Adam’s Funeral Home, 140 King Street, Miramichi, from 3 PM to 8 PM.
A public Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at St Michael’s Basilica, 10 Howard Street, Miramichi, at 11 AM, with a reception to follow in the Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in John’s memory to the Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada – mgcanada.org/donate; Parkinson Canada – parkinson.ca/getinvolved/waystogive; St. Andrew’s RC Church Cemetery Fund (Loggieville), or to the charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Gerard Losier for the excellent care John received for many years and in particular from the time of on-set of symptoms to admittance to the nursing home. As well, the family extends heart-felt thanks to Carolyn McKinnon, Marilyn MacDonald, Anjello Villanera and the Extra-Mural program who all tenderly assisted with John’s care at home. More recently the family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff and Dr. Kris Wierzchoslawski of Bridgeview Hall for the supportive, warm and compassionate care they all provided to John and the family during his time there and especially during his final days.
Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, NB, telephone (506) 773-3492, or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John F Kerr 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
Our sincere condolences to John’s family. He was always a bright light in every aspect of his business and community life and service. Music and enthusiasm made every encounter with him and Margaret remembered with smiles.