It is with profound sorrow that the family of John Neelands announces his passing on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at the age of 50.
John will be lovingly remembered by his partner April; father, Hugh (wife, Carol); children, Danny and Sarah; siblings, Dennis (wife Trina), Durwin and Jody (husband Doug); nieces and nephews, Bryce, Alesha, Kurtis, Megan, Ambrin and Reynah; other family and friends that are too numerous to mention. John was predeceased by his mother Rosemary.
A private family service will be held in October in Bognor, Ontario, near Chatsworth. In the spring, April will host a rose bush planting at their home – at John’s request. John’s family had a celebration of life on his 50th birthday this past August at his home. John remarked that he was the first person ever who was able to attend his own celebration of life.
John was born in Owen Sound on August 2, 1973. He moved to Sudbury in 2007 and built a thriving construction business over the next several years. John often remarked that he loved the Owen Sound area but Northern Ontario was God’s country and he would never want to live anywhere else again. His favourite colour was green – the colour of trees. John loved to hike in the bush, kayak on the lake, sit on his point, watch the birds and sit in his hot tub overlooking the lake. John was a gifted pianist and singer, performing with his dad in his younger years, and with various others in his later years.
Many will remember John as a hard worker and business owner, but those closest to him knew him as the kindest and most generous of human beings. John had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humour. He will be remembered for the stories, tall tales, ideas and knowledge he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him – you knew it. John was truly a force of nature and made an impact on many lives. He was taken from us far too soon and will be forever missed.
Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.