He was born March 28, 1939, passed away on December 16, 2025, leaving behind a life well lived and a road full of memories.
John dedicated over 30 years of service to Air Canada, where his strong work ethic and reliability defined his career until retirement. Beyond his professional life, John was a man of freedom, sound, and motion. He was a true Harley-Davidson enthusiast, happiest with the roar of the engine beneath him and the open road stretching ahead. For John, riding was not just a pastime. It was a way of being On The Road Again, exactly where he felt most alive.
Music and movies filled his quieter moments. He loved classic films and had a deep affection for country music, with Elvis Presley holding a special place in his heart. Above all, Willie Nelson was his favorite, an artist whose spirit of independence, storytelling, and love for the road mirrored John’s own outlook on life. One lyric from Willie Nelson, “Just let me roll on living till I’m done,” perfectly captured John’s playful rebellion, reckless abandon, and joy for life lived freely.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Marta Isabel de Paz; his children Randy Allan Upton, Catherine Hamby, and Jim Upton; Marta’s children Betty de Paz Ureña, Patty Borg, Frida Vella, Armando de Paz, and Alex de Paz; and his sister, Fae Hickerson. He leaves behind a wide circle of family and friends who will remember his presence, his passions, and his unmistakable love for life lived on his own terms.
John’s legacy rides on in every stretch of open highway, every classic country song, and every engine that roars to life in his memory. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He rode through life on his own terms, with a grin, a roar, and a spirit that refused to be tamed.
