John was born in England at Broadstairs in Kent, the eldest son of Richard and Martha Pantony. After service in the RAF, John spent his early working years in the chemical industry with ICI in England, where he married Wendy and together had two sons, Philip and Rodney. He was an avid sportsman who played soccer, cricket, tennis, golf, and curling.

John and Wendy moved to Canada in the mid-1950s, where John was employed by DuPont. They moved between Kingston, Whitby, where their daughter Kaye-Lee was born, and to Montreal. Their final move was to Brockville on the Maitland site. Here he loved the St. Lawrence and Thousand Islands and felt particularly blessed that he could be a part of it.

He took early retirement in 1982 to enjoy the St. Lawrence and the many friends he made here. He had many hobbies like working with stained glass, exploring genealogy, and playing bridge. He was an active member of Sussex Masonic Lodge #5. He also loved spending time with his several grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Philip and Andrée of Brockville, Rodney and Angela of Edmonton, and Kaye-Lee of Kingston, who have given him eight grandchildren, Derek, Josh, Colin, Katrina, Brianne, Sage, Benjamin, and Bodhi, as well as five great grandchildren, all of whom he loved for themselves. He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.

A celebration of John’s life for family and friends will take place Friday, February 12, 2016 at 46 Country Club Place in Brockville from 2-4pm.

Donations to the Brockville and District Hospital, Palliative Care Service will be gratefully acknowledged.

Arrangements entrusted to the Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James St., E., Brockville. Send condolences online at www.irvinememorial.com.