Speers, John Cowan "Barbwire Johnny"; of Palmerston passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with cancer on December 25, 2008 in his 76th year. He is survived by his beloved wife and friend (54 years) Verna Jean (Arthurs). His children Jo-Anne and Warren Caughill of Palmerston, Kevin and Tiona Speers of Clifford and daughter-in-law Janna Dodds of Drew. His grandchildren Cora-Lee Crouse of Clifford, Brent and Ang Caughill and Carla Caughill all of Palmerston, Rachael Speers of London, Eliza Dodds of Drew and Rhiannon and Kaitlyn Speers of Clifford. His great grandchildren Jacob Crouse, Catana Sicilia, Ben and John Caughill. Also fondly remembered by Warren Jr. and Jodi Caughill and children Nathan, Autumn and Meghan of Cambridge and Tim and Sue Caughill and children Molly and Sarah of Guelph. Brother of Frank and Dorothy Speers of Elora, Gordon and Brunhilde Speers of Neustadt, June Speers of Burford and Eleanor Taylor of Kincardine, step-brother of Jean and Herb Hoffmann of Heidelberg. Brother-in-law of Lloyd and Merle Arthurs of Harriston and Roger and Pat Simmons of Ingersoll. Predeceased by sons Paul (1991) and Kirk (1960) and brothers Alex and Jim Speers and sister-in-law Karen (Arthurs) Simmons. Son of the late Wesley and Clarissa (Cowan) Speers, Step-son of the late Margaret (Connell) Hill. John farmed in Wallace Township until his retirement. His retirement years were spent on his boat in Meaford in the summer and enjoying the company of family and friends the rest of the year. The family received friends at the Heritage Funeral Home Palmerston. Rev. Robert Hockley conducted the Funeral Service in the Palmerston United Church on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 2 pm. The pallbearers were Bill Holzworth, Jim Campbell, Bill Tout, Kevin Speers, Warren Caughill and Brent Caughill. The flower bearers were Cora -Lee Crouse, Carla Caughill, Ang Sicilia-Caughill, Rhiannon Speers, Katie Speers, Eliza Dodds and Cantana Sicilia. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Norgan Theatre, The Greenway Trail or the Charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
