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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
RICKETTS, John Frank - passed away on August 23, 2021, at the age of 83. Husband to Jane (née Voaden). Father to Paul (Jessica), and Christopher (Holly), and predeceased by son, Marc. Grandfather to Tamsin. Son of John and Mona Ricketts. Brother of James (Frances) Ricketts, Richard (Nancy) Ricketts, and predeceased by Peter (Lone) Ricketts. Born and raised in St. Thomas, Ontario, John attended St. Thomas Collegiate Institute. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In the summers he worked at the Falconbridge Nickel Mines and enrolled in the University Naval Training Divisions as a cadet, achieving the rank of Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy (Reserve). After university, he moved to Toronto and earned a Chartered Accountant designation. He later completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. John worked at Clarkson Gordon, Vickers and Benson, Westinghouse, Canada Systems Group, Air Canada, and served on the board of Rogers Wireless. His career took the family to Hamilton, Montreal, and Pittsburgh. They eventually settled back in Toronto. John also served on the boards of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind - Ontario Division and the Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation. He was honoured to be recognized with the Significant Sig Award. His involvement in the Rosedale United Church community and its volunteer programs brought him much joy. John and Jane bought a farm before they bought their first home, and it would become the hub of their family life. John loved to come up with outdoor projects, such as clearing trails in the bush, making burn piles, cross-country skiing, and creating rock sculptures. John and Jane travelled extensively and had many adventures together which, along with his physical and creative efforts at the farm and cottage, he characterized as "putting gas in the tank" for those times when he was sitting in an office chair. John loved to walk and was fortunate to be introduced to the Camino de Santiago by a friend, with whom he hiked sections in Spain and France over multiple trips. Whether it was his annual ski trip, the Dining Out group, or going to the movies, John always looked forward to spending time with friends. He was a member of the Whiff of Grape social club and enjoyed the opportunity to learn from distinguished speakers and engage them in conversation. The family is grateful that with the help of a family friend, John was able to be at the farm for most of the past year, finally moving to the Palliative Care Unit at Bridgepoint Hospital. The family would also like to thank the teams at UHN, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Bridgepoint for the wonderful care he received. John was known for his charming and larger-than-life personality. Ever the optimist, he maintained his sense of wonder and hope for the future until the end. John is remembered fondly for his genuine curiosity and caring interest in the lives of others. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a book to a child, or donating in memory of John to a charity of your choice. (The Globe and Mail 25 Sep 2021)
Ships served in: HMCS PREVOST
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