LUSSIER, John (Jean Marc) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved John (Jean Marc) at Groves Memorial Community Hospital on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at the age of 81. Loving husband of the late Margaret (nee Blackham), devoted father to daughters Karen (Rob) MacKenzie of Fergus, Cheryl Ross of Edmonton, and son Peter of Fergus. Proud Grandfather aka “Papa John” to DJ (Chey), Travis and Monty MacKenzie of Fergus, Stefan and Collin O’Halloran of Edmonton, Meridean and Karlee Lussier of Brampton. Great Grandfather to DJ Jr (Doodle), Bella and Bobby. Pre deceased by eight brothers and three sisters, sadly missed by last remaining sibling, sister Denise Nanke of Markham. He inspired and was loved by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by long time devoted best friends Marlene and Willie and Eileen and Priscilla of Belwood. John was born in Marcelin, Saskatchewan on November 27, 1935, the thirteenth child to Raymond Lussier and Leah Marie (nee Regnier). He was afflicted with Polio at 1 1/2 years of age and he accepted without complaint all trials and hardships with great courage and determination. Polio had met its match with John as he lived his life with incredible perseverance, resilience and a Joie de Vivre unmatched by many. John’s compassion and engaging personality served him well during the more than thirty years he worked at Sick Kid’s Hospital in Toronto, in the Orthopedic Division as the Chief-in-Orthodist, coincidentally, where he too was a patient throughout most of his early childhood overcoming his many challenges with Polio. He was dedicated to finding ways to improve medical aids for the physically challenged. He was instrumental in developing devices for wheelchairs and body braces that were capable of meeting the various needs of many patients and which gave him much happiness and great satisfaction in being able to help others, especially children enduring the same challenges he had as a child. He was highly regarded by Dr’s and Staff alike and received two Awards of Recognition and was the focus of a PBS Documentary on his work. He was a strong and passionate supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Variety Village. During his life, John enjoyed History, Old Classic Country Music, was an enthusiastic fisherman, an avid Euchre player and loved spending time outdoors and with his family and friends. Always engaging, kind and sincere, a handsome, genteel and compassionate man, true to his word and loved by many. His great wit and charm was known to all. John was retired and thoroughly enjoyed living out his golden years in his humorous role as the prestigious, self appointed “Mayor of Belwood”. To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place, internment will be at Belsyde Cemetery, Friday, October 20, 2017 at 1:00pm. Private reception to follow. Donations in John’s memory may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society and are appreciated as expressions of sympathy by the family. Those who’ve never believed in Angels, never met our Father. Love you forever Dad, Karen, Cheryl and Peter.
