CONNOR, John Connor

He died at the ripe old age of 86 on May 7, 2026, at Chatham‐Kent Hospice in Chatham, Ontario, surrounded by loved ones — and, in true John fashion, begging for silence. Born July 20, 1939, in Saint John, New Brunswick (and he never missed the chance to correct anyone who confused it with St. John’s), John was the eldest son of the late Alice (née Burnette) Jackson, the late John Connor and the late Donald Jackson.

He was the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline Connor, who passed away in September 2025 after 50+ years of marriage. Those who knew John knew that a large part of him left when Jackie died, and it is fair to say he ultimately died of a broken heart. John was a strong‐willed, grumpy, and fiercely devoted father to Tammy West, the late Richard Luce, Drake (McArthur) Connor, John Connor, Fay (Tyler) Walsh, Paul (Gillian) Connor and Stacy (Jay) Moceri.

He was the caring and sarcastically loving brother of Toyce (Duncan) Smith, Shirley (Dennis) Schmidt, Dean Jackson, brother-in‐law to Debbie (Danny) Kunewych and Lita Luce. He was predeceased by brother‐in‐law Richard (late Jan) Luce, brother‐in‐law Ronald Luce, and parents‐in‐law Winifred (née Berry) Reitmeyer and Howard Luce.

To his grandchildren, he was a wise, heartfelt storyteller — lovably odd, persnickety, and unapologetically affectionate — dearly missed by Rebie, Haley, Kayla, Jaz, Wini, Beca, Emilee, Landon, Candace, and Dana. He shared his particularly warped sarcastic humour with his granddaughters Haley and Emilee.

John leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, great‐grandchildren, extended family, and friends. John was a hardworking man who supported his family through many years at International Harvester while taking on other jobs to get through the hard times. He loved a good road trip/adventure — even if he didn’t always end up where he was supposed to — and nobody ever got directions without John giving his own version first, usually involving trees, odd landmarks, or the number of streets to pass before turning.

He was a legendary storyteller. According to him, he grew up walking 20 kilometres uphill to school, and then another 20 kilometres uphill back home, through twelve feet of snow — so high he could touch the power lines from the snowbanks. When he proudly told this story to his granddaughter before she moved to Nova Scotia, she replied, “They had power when you were a kid?” She received a very well‐deserved swat.

Over the years John enjoyed camping and family beach days, where he enjoyed the simplicity of the food, the chaos of the family and the stories he could share. Known by family as a french fry fanatic we always tried to find some good spots for him to check out. People‐watching was his favourite free entertainment, and he could sit for hours narrating the world around him.

Being a part of the Mapleaires marching band was a point of pride in his life. He also had a lifelong love of hockey, baseball and was an avid collector of many things. He could often be found laughing endlessly at The Big Bang Theory or secretly singing along to Mamma Mia in the car.

He loved a good breakfast, adored his favourite waitresses, and loved giving them a hard time almost as much as they loved giving it right back to him. He was never intimidated by a stack of puzzles taller than he was, and no paper bag was ever allowed to go to waste because, according to him, every single one had a future purpose.

Underneath all the grumbling, sarcasm, and stubbornness was someone who loved deeply and fiercely. John showed love through teasing, storytelling, long drives, adventures, and simply always being there for the people he loved.

John will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and laughed about for generations to come — which is exactly how he would have wanted it.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. They also request that you spend time with the people you love, take the long way home once in a while, and maybe keep a paper bag or two around… just in case.

A Celebration of John’s life will take place at the McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Memories to be shared at 3:30 pm.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

Celebration of Life