CAWKER, John Alan -
MARCH 6, 1932 – MARCH 18, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Father and Grandfather J. Alan Cawker of Oshawa who passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2023 just shortly into his 91st year.
Born on March 6th, 1932 along with his fraternal twin Arthur to Samuel and Mabel Cawker in Millbrook, Ontario.
Alan became a loving older brother and friend to Grant and Ralph Cawker.
As a young boy and right until his passing he was fiery (to match his hair), spirited, athletic, mischievous, passionate and an avid sports enthusiast. He had a particular passion for playing baseball unmatched by anything else until he won the heart of Eleanor V. Sweetman who agreed to become his wife and best friend.
Their remarkable union produced six healthy children Andy, Mike, Lea (Dan Kitchen), Scott (Jo-Anne), Mark (Cindy) and Christie. He instilled in all of us the importance of family and traditions, an appreciation of sports/coaching, a strong work ethic, a no quit attitude, pride, integrity, a love for being outdoors, gardening, and all things living most especially many beloved family dogs.
He didn’t believe in luck but rather hard work getting you to any goal you wanted to achieve. Alan never wanted to fit in, he always wanted to stand out. As a young man he played many sports and despite his small stature excelled at everything he undertook with sheer determination and drive to be his best.
He won many trophies’, awards and was inducted into the Port Perry Sports Hall of Fame. As a young Father at just 20, he often worked tirelessly holding multiple jobs at one time, just to ensure his family was provided for.
Despite having very little formal education, he eventually landed a job at General Motors Oshawa and rose through the ranks to become a highly regarded and hardworking Supervisor in the Stamping Plant. His antics at work both legendary and controversial but respected and revered overall.
Outside of work you might find him tending to his roses grown with care only for his lady love, reading, enjoying many of his favorite jazz musicians, enjoying a round of golf, attending a Toronto Blue Jays game or simply spending time with his family.
Alan never gave way to shyness, if he was in the room everyone knew it and at times he quite appreciated being the center of attention and was an engaging and comical speaker for many events over his lifetime. He was a talented writer his entire life with some of his work published in the Port Perry Star but his best saved for his family cards and letters.
He had a very ribald sense of humour and understood the importance of laughter and enjoyed telling a funny story or joke, being extremely silly despite his surroundings, teasing all of us endlessly, dancing his famous little jigs, practicing practical jokes, singing little ditty’s whenever the mood struck him and adlibbing to the most traditional birthday song, “You Dirty Rat!”, legendary!
The proudest of Canadians you would always find him belting out the national anthem at any event that called for it. Alan became a very involved, supportive and present Grandfather to his 16 grandchildren, Valerie, Andrea, Klane, Sara, Aaron, Ashleigh, Martina, Jessica, Whitney, Bronwyn, Madison, Samuel, Bethany, Hillary, Chelsea and Samantha who will forever miss his unique presence, treasure his thoughtfully tailored poems and cards, an unmatched robust laugh, zest for life, whiskery hugs, rascally spirit and genuine interest and expressions of concern and care for each one of them.
Their home was an unforgettable destination for all of our yearly special family gatherings and always a safe and soft spot to land. For so many he became an advisor, mentor, trusted confidant, teacher, date, builder of school projects, coach, motivator, singer, dancer, comedian, audience, chauffeur and all-around proud Grandpa.
When needed he certainly had a sensitive and serious side for those that required his strength and reliable presence. He always treasured Grandchildren visits and hugs! He was mindful of World Affairs and changes in climate and economy; ever so concerned for this next generation of his offspring and the newest treasured family members his 10 Great Grandchildren, Paisley, Chevy, Avonlea, Galilee, Maple, Holland, Hendrix, Leland, North and Story.
They have all received birthday cards from their Great Grandpa and the spirit of Great Grandma. Alan made constant connections wherever he went simply by taking the time to chat away, saying something to make you smile or just make your day a little brighter.
He was extremely sensitive to those less fortunate or anyone who struggled and supported an impressive list of charities that each meant something different to him right until his passing. Alan stayed independent, vibrant, engaged, curious and unapologetically himself throughout his impressive 91 years and continued to amaze all of us with his admirable determination and ability to always find humour in any situation.
All are comforted in knowing Alan is reunited with his beloved Eleanor and finally at peace. We will miss you terribly, love you forever and keep your spirit alive in all of us going forward. What a legacy you have left behind and Dad you certainly left your mark and made such a difference in this world.
Top of the day to you Dad in heaven, “So long, it’s been good to know you.” This is one time where Alan’s preference was not to have any kind of traditional ceremony, just remember him with a smile or story and remember to make someone else’s day a little brighter even if that means being just a little silly.
If you do wish to honour his memory, a donation may be made to any charity of your choosing.
Our sincere and heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the PSW’s, nurses and doctors who assisted our Father/Grandpa with his final needs over the past couple of months.
Online condolences may be made at oshawafuneralhome.com .
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