RAKOS, John Rakos

After a life well lived, John died peacefully at the age of 79. Predeceased by his parents, Janos and Zsuzsi Rakos, he is survived by his wife Marie, son Chris (Shumin), daughter Michelle (Tom), grandsons Darren and Kyle, brothers-in-law Bernie (Gretta) and Pat, nieces Alexandra (Steve) and Cynthia, and cousins Erika, Bea (Sati), Peter (Susan), Panni and Veronica.

Having escaped the 1956 Russian invasion of Budapest, John’s family settled in Montreal where John later graduated from McGill University with a degree in nuclear physics. But John decided that computers were much more interesting so he obtained a masters degree in computer science from the University of Waterloo. Many years of grappling with computer systems followed as John worked for the federal Computer Services Bureau, Nortel, and Digital Corporation. John then focussed on training and project management forming his own project management consulting company, teaching for the Project Management Institute and at the University of Ottawa. He travelled to many countries, both for work and for vacations with Marie.

John enthusiastically restored all manner of vehicles including motorcycles, vintage cars and bicycles. He loved tinkering with electronic components and random gadgetry purchased from garage sales and thrift stores. Known to his friends as the ‘Energizer Bunny’, he canoed, swam, hiked and sailed with his buddies at the Nepean Sailing Club. In winter he enjoyed skating, skiing and snowshoeing.

Many thanks to the staff of the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, the Queensway Carleton Hospital, staff from Carefor, and Bayshore Home Care, and to the May Court Hospice for dedicated and compassionate care. The family invites friends to join them for a service of remembrance on Friday February 20 at 11am at Cole Funeral Services, 2500 Baseline Rd. A reception will follow.

Memorial Service
11:00 am
Friday, February 20, 2026
Cole Funeral Services & Pinecrest Remembrance Services
2500 Baseline Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Reception
12:00 pm
Friday, February 20, 2026
Pinecrest Reception Centre
2500 Baseline Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada