He was 92 years old. Born on February 19, 1934, John passed away at the Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on March 12, 2026.
John originally came from Rouyn Noranda but spent most of his young adult years living in Serpent River. He kept trying until he got a job at the Uranium mines in Elliot Lake and ended up working there for over three decades. Rising to shift foreman, he shared a strong bond with his coworkers and fellow travelers. His crew respected him just as much as he respected them. He earned several safety awards along the way and because of his size got nicknamed “2 by 2.”
When retirement age came around, Dad gave it a shot but kept busy looking after rental apartments since he had experience owning and renting out houses earlier on. He did this while living in Elliot Lake and Blind River before finally settling down in the Soo. He really cared about the people living in those apartments-and they cared about him too.
John faced many challenges during his life and was incredibly hardworking. He didn’t say much but held strong beliefs inside. Quietly faithful, he knew His Lord and Saviour Jesus well and prayed every day for those he loved. Then later in life he met Linda Melcher who became very dear to him over their 24 years together. Dad needed someone to trust completely-and she was that person-she became the love of his life. Soon enough, his love grew to include Linda’s sons Jamie and Michael along with their partners and kids, all of whom he adored.
He was married before to Margaret Mary Larochelle with whom he had four children that meant everything to him. John was a devoted father to Peter (his son who passed away), David who he cared for deeply all his life, Brian who made him proud, plus Darlene and her husband Yves Benoit who always brought laughter into his days. There wasn’t anything John wouldn’t do for his kids. He also took pride in being Grandpa to Joshua Ducharme-Baribeau and step-grandpa to Johnathon Ducharme-they both will miss him greatly.
As a dad, John went above what you’d expect making sure none of his kids ever lacked anything important. We’ll remember all those family trips and rollercoaster rides where Dad stuck it out just so we could have fun memories together. Hunting partridge or fishing trips were some things he enjoyed sharing with us kids too-like that one time taking us partridge hunting! From the moment Yves asked permission to marry Darlene, Dad accepted him fully as family.
Besides family, John will be fondly remembered by siblings as well as many nieces, nephews, friends-all those lucky enough to know him.
Following John’s wishes cremation will be done privately without any formal service.
If you’d like to honor him with donations instead of flowers please consider giving to the Kidney Foundation of Canada – Sault Unit (cheques accepted).
You can visit www. osullivanfuneralhome. com if you want to leave condolences for the family or learn more about arrangements through O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie ON P6A 1P7; phone: 705-759-8456).
