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After both a retirement and life that were shortened by Lewy Body Dementia, John died on July 29, 2019. John is survived by his wife Barbara (nee Tait) of Cobourg, ON and two daughters: Angela of Toronto and Sarah of Nanaimo, BC. Predeceased by his mother Helen (2010) and his father John (June 23 2019), John is survived by his sister Luanne and nephews Carl and Josh Fazekas, all of Windsor. His sister Robin (Colin Williams) of Guelph was a faithful visitor until the end, providing great emotional support for our family and taking care of Grandad. John also leaves brother-in-law Robert Tait (Shel) of Alliston and Golden, their children Kathryn (partner JP Morgan) of Toronto, Melinda (partner Jon Jenkins) of Golden, BC and Stephen (partner Matt Matheson) of Calgary; sister-in-law Mary Bates (Norman) of Strathmore, Alberta; nephews Tim (Jen) and Rob Bates of Calgary and Dan Bates (partner Andrew) of Melbourne, Australia and Robin’s children Rob Voisin (Erica) of Fergus and Katelyn Voisin of Waterloo. He also leaves Nevada Jenkins, Cormac and Gwyneth Bates; Luke Tait and Bailey, Madison and Stanley Voisin: most of whom he never got the chance to meet. John also had numerous cousins in London, Windsor, Detroit and Halifax. Raised in Windsor, John attended Forster Secondary School and the University of Windsor where he earned a BHK and Bachelor of Education. He was on the Dean’s list in Teacher’s College. John moved to Elliot Lake, ON in 1977 where he taught gym, math, art and drama at Roman Ave., Westhill and Esten Public schools. While teaching for the North Shore Board of Education, John pursued his Masters in Education and Principal’s certificate through long distance education and OISE. He then accepted principals’ positions at Iron Bridge Public School, and Esten Park for the Algoma District school board. His favourite school times were actually after school when he enjoyed coaching duties in volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, track and field and for his daughter Sarah’s baseball team. John also enjoyed his time playing Minor League softball as a pitcher for the Legion Band and Farkouh Motors; trying to inject blues artists into the line up for the Elliot Lake Entertainment series, and acting in productions of the Ptarmigan Players. Upon retirement, John and Barb moved to Cobourg, ON where they supported Barb’s parents through their final challenges but where John could also listen to live blues music, swim at the Y, and participate in community service of the Parks and Recreation Board as well as explore a whole new area of the province. A life long fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and the Montreal Canadians, John answered all Barb’s sports clues for her crossword puzzles. A knowledgeable and avid music collector, John introduced his favourite artists to his sisters, his Windsor friends, his students, and was a ready resource for his fellow teachers when they needed a special song. A giving husband, generous and fun loving father, John brightened our lives every day with his pretzel logic, zany sense of humour and great laugh. Our favourite family times were our holidays to Florida, and Tadoussac in his sabbatical year; our trip west in 1995; summer afternoons at the local and Blind River beaches; camping trips throughout Ontario (usually in the rain) and the “officially sick and tired of winter” barbecues. The girls always appreciated their summer weeks in Windsor where John knew enough to let them have that time alone with their grandparents and cousins. As per John’s request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, John would like to be remembered by donations to charities of your choice, especially those catering to the educational and physical needs of children, such as the YMCA and Song in Cobourg or to the Alzheimer Society. Our family could not have made it through this ordeal without the tremendous support of Danielle and Denyse of the PKLNH Alzheimer Society and Barb’s support group; the caring staff of Hope Street Terrance in Port Hope, wonderful friends, family and neighbours. We thank you all on John’s behalf. Cremation has taken place with celebrations of his life planned for Cobourg at The Mill on Thursday, September 12 at 1p.m., in Elliott Lake at Laurentian Lodge on Thursday, September 26 and in Windsor at The DH on Saturday, October 5 at 12 noon.
My condolences to John's family. It was a pleasure getting to know John and Barbara while i was working at the Cobourg Day Program. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Amanda Kooistra
Nothing anyone can saywill ever make this time any easier. All I can say is how sorry I am for your loss.I am going through the same as Jim passed away suddenly Thanksgiving Monday 2018.Hope to see you at Laurention Lodge in Sept. Maureen
Dear Barb, we were shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing. Our sincerest and profound condolences.Marzio and Anita Apolloni
Barb, please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of John. I remember when you first married and moved to Elliot Lake to the luxurious accommodations at 75 Dieppe! John was always such a robust man, with the most captivating voice and sparkly presence. It's a travesty that he was afflicted with a dementia and was robbed of a long retirement with you. I'm so very sorry. Wishing you healing and peace, Cecilia
Barb and Family. We were very sorry to hear of John's passing. Although we never met John, we felt we knew at least something about him through Norm and Mary. We know that the last few years were not good for him and therefore hard on all of you. So perhaps it is good that he is at peace. We send our condolences to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the family. John was one of the good guys. rest in Peace...
My deepest condolences to Barb and daughters. I feel blessed to have known John throughout his time at Hope Street and witnessed his humour and great smile. Our walks and conversations when he first joined us are some of my favourite memories of John.
My condolences to your family. John was a favorite teacher of mine very early in my life and I often thought of him whenever my hometown of Elliot Lake was mentioned. I have many early, impactful memories from my time as his student.
Mr. Fazekas was a kind and compassionate teacher and principal. We will never forget his gentleness and support to our son Luke at a very difficult time. We all appreciated his spirit and love for all the kids he worked with. He made a difference and we will be forever grateful. Our prayers are with you. Alan and Vandra McQuarrie
Sending hugs thought and prayers to Barb and girls and families. May your special angel hold you close. Cherish the memories you have. So very sorry for your loss..Cathy Haley and Family
Mr. Fazekas was my teacher in 7th and 8th grade at West Hill. My happiest memories of those years were in his class. I am so sorry to hear of his illness and death. I am very grateful to have known him and carry pieces of what he taught me always.
John was one of my daughter's teachers and she affectionately referred to him as Mr. Faz. I got to know him through my time on the library board in Elliot Lake. I will remember him for his wonderful sense of humour, joyful smile and his total enjoyment of life.
I am so sorry to hear but John was always in my prayers.He will be forever thought of with found thoughts .