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Wednesday, August 17, 2016
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Donna Hyatt (nee Kobe) posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Dear Mary Jane, It has been many many years since I have seen or spoke with you. I have, however, been kept up to date on your many successes and accomplishments. It goes without saying that I am extremely sorry to hear about your husband's passing. From all the stories I've heard and read, John sounds like he was a remarkable individual. My deepest sympathy as you struggle through this difficult time. Sincerely, Donna Hyatt (nee Kobe).
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Joe & Judy Tersigni lit a candle
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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Helen and Gord Grant posted a condolence
Sunday, November 18, 2007
To Mary Jane Esplen We were so sorry to learn of John's passing. We did not get to connect at Steward's funeral earlier this year but were touched by the sensitivity of his eulogy. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time, both having lost your Father and now your life partner. Helen and Gord Grant
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greg and debbie stuckless posted a condolence
Saturday, November 17, 2007
WE LOVE YOU JEN, YOUR DAD WAS ALWAYS GREAT TO US AS KIDS, I LOVED GOING TO HIS PLACE, AND LISTENING TO HIM PLAY FOR US. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR DAD. HE'S YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL KNOW, PROUDLY WATCHING OVER YOU. LOVE ALWAYS GREG AND DEB
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Joyce Logan / John Dawson posted a condolence
Saturday, November 17, 2007
We are saddened to learn of the death of John Arpin. Our first introduction to this incredible pianist and artist was heard by a CD playing in the lovely Ivy Tea Room in Paisley, Ontario. We had to have a CD and indeed have purchased many since. We were fortunate to be in Markdale when John performed in the Wensley Church in July a couple of years ago, when he so selflessly donated all proceeds to a new church building project. We were in awe as we sat directly over him in the upper gallery and had the most incredible view of his piano keyboard fingering. That was a remarkable performance as he explained something about each song, the artist etc. John and his family, we learned have a Cottage property East off Berkely, Ontario and ours is West off Berkely. Our deepest regards to the family ... and please know that he may be gone .... but never forgotten and certainly never quietened on piano. Our sincere condolences to the family.
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Rick and Mary Thomson posted a condolence
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Mary and Rick Thomson send there most heartfelt condolences on the passing of John. My father, Stan Thomson worked with John at the Pompeii Court many years ago. My father had great respect for John as a fellow pianist When John was about to end his set, he would start the first lines of "As Time Goes By" then my Dad would take over in the Piano Bar, and so on. When my Mom first met my Dad he was playing the same song, in the Laurentian Mountains, where they were married. When my father passed away eight years ago, John was one of the first to contact my Mom, she will never forget the kindness that John showed. I saw John at a show in Vancouver several years ago, I would consider him one of the greatest musician Canada has ever produced, he is in heaven with my Dad. BRAVO JOHN, BRAVO. Rick and Mary Thomson
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Kathryn & Bob Murphy lit a candle
Friday, November 16, 2007
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Molly { Swales} UY lit a candle
Friday, November 16, 2007
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Patrick Mernagh posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
So sorry about the loss of your Dad,we also just lost our Mom on Oct 21 and it is hard to get over but it will pass and you will be left with happy good memories,I don't know if you remember me Ed's brother on Verobeach,All the best for you and your Family. Pat
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Molly { Swales} Uy posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
First of all I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Mary Jane and family. Heaven has a new Maestro. I attended Port McNicoll school with John. He graduated a few years before me. We called him " Tickie" then and his passion was playing the piano. He travelled by bus every week to the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. I don't think there was a day when we didn't hear him playing in the auditorium. He accompanied me in both song and dance. I took two piano lessons from him--but wasn't meant to play. He has filled many halls and cathedrals with his music but the halls of Port McNicoll Continuation School, I'm sure still echo his sound. Sincerely Molly {Swales} Uy
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Kathryn Kash-Murphy & Bob Murphy posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and children, We are so saddened by John's death, but happy to have spent some time with him two weeks before he was gone. We greatly enjoyed all of our trips with you two and the time we spent together over the past ten years. We will cherish those memories and pictures of us forever. He will always be in our hearts, especially when we listen to his wonderful music. Love, Kathryn & Bob
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Maureen Mann posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
Our condolences to Lynne, Bob, and Alex, and all members of the Arpin family. Music plays on . . . May the wealth of your memories of John's great gifts and spirit provide a sweet balm to your grief. Sincerely, Bob, Maureen, and Alison Mann.
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Catherine Richardson posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and family- I am sorry to learn of John,s passing.My memories go back may years as far as the 40's when I visited the Arpin home to teach John in his early grades.What a bright student he was!I have followed his brilliant career throughout his life and attended many of his performances.John always greeted me as a friend-I shall greatly miss that.I had the privilege of meeting you at a concert at Brooklea. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Sincerely, Catherine Richardson
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All the folks who worked with John on The Polka Dot Door posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
On behalf of all of us who worked with John on The Polka Dot Door we extend our deepest sympathy to John's family. (sgd) Ted L.Coneybeare - Producer 1969-1984
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Dr. Louise Bordeleau posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and family, To let you know that thoughts of deepest sympathy are with you. From Louise Bordeleau and Michael Trus
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Olga and Jan Schmidt posted a condolence
Friday, November 16, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and Family, We were very saddened to hear that John has passed on. You have been very Blessed to have had him in your lives and his love and music will live on forever in your hearts until you meet again. You are in our prayers, Jan and Olga Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever, the same. Flavia Weedn.
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Thank you Adam Swanson Roma & Scott King lit a candle
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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Jackie Stokes posted a condolence
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Dear Mary Jane, My deepest sympathies are extended to you and your family with this most significant loss. I came to know John briefly during your visit for your research to Newfoundland a few years ago. He was a very kind man to me and I was struck by his devotion and fondness for you. I will be thinking about you over these next few days and pray that you will find comfort in these words as you move forward. Yours truly Jackie Stokes Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Ian Evans posted a condolence
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I feel that I have lost a friend; although, I only came to know John through his wonderful, witty lectures at BALL in Owen Sound and his concerts in the Southampton/Port Elgin area where I live. He always acknowledged my presence with a smile and a quip. He was an inspiration to an old, struggling piano student. I shall miss him deeply. Our sincerest sympathy to all the family. Ian Evans and wife Joan
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Peter Wall posted a condolence
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I was so saddened to read of John's death earlier this week. When I was a voice student at UofT, I had the great pleasure of knowing John and the honour of being accompanied by him on several occasions. What a tremendously gifted, generous, and truly 'gentle' man. I am grateful that I will be able to continue to hear him through his recordings - and I will long remember him with great affection, and thanksgiving! My deepest condolences to his family. John will be remembered in this Cathedral in our prayers. May he rest in peace! Alleluia! (The Very Rev.) Peter Wall
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Larry & Carol Gee posted a condolence
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Larry & I were very sad to hear of John's passing, our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. We will always have fond memories of the chats that we had with John out on the dock. We discussed everything from world issues, the environment and of course his beloved dogs. We will miss him as a great cottage neighbour and a most interesting and talented man. Sincerely, Larry & Carol Gee
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Sandra and Ken Harding posted a condolence
Thursday, November 15, 2007
John brought so much joy and happiness to so many people. We never missed a trip on the Island Queen when John performed. We enjoyed his recital at the new concert hall in Parry Sound as well as his performance in Uxbridge. On a visit to the McMichael Gallery one Sunday we went for lunch in the very crowded restaurant. John approached our table and asked if we minded if he joined us. He chatted with us as though he had known us for years. We felt a real connection with him. He always remembered us on the cruises even though he did not know our name. He was a fine gentleman and a true Canadian icon. It was an honour to have met him and listened to his music. He was in a class by himself. Our sympathy is extended to all of John's family. We will all miss him.
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From your family at Global News Toronto lit a candle
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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Adam Swanson and Roma and Scott King posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and family, Of course, there are no words to adequately express the depth of such a loss for you and your family. We were privileged to have experienced the kindness and generosity that you and John shared with our son in Hungary. I am certain that you were looking forward to a nice quiet trip in the car on the way to John's concert performance that first night in the neighboring city. Instead, you were willing to take our 14 y/o with you in the car, making him so very happy asking questions of John all the way there and back. I am certain you were wondering if he would ever run out of questions. The generosity that both you and John shared is just one more testimony to the humanitarian legacy that both of you have so graciously given. We will never forget how the audience lit up at John's concert as he knew exactly the right piece of music to play for the Hungarian crowd. We would have never guessed of his illness with the energy and vitality of his playing and you by his side. We had been so looking forward to seeing you in Sacramento this week. We would certainly be at the service but for Adam's commitment to play at the festival this weekend. We can never thank you enough for being so friendly, sharing and generous. Your friends, Adam Swanson and Roma and Scott King PO Box 439 Shenandoah, Iowa 51601 November 14, 2007
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Alma MacIsaac (Barnett) posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and family, I was so sorry to read of the passing of John. My mother Pat Westcott died on October 17th, she lived with me for the past 3 years and found great comfort and joy in listening to the many recordings John gave to her while living at Cliffcrest. She would have been very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and my heart goes out to you at this sad time. Sincerely, Alma MacIsaac
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Carolyn Nixon (nee McLean) posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Hi MaryJane - my sincere sympathy to you at this difficult time. I will never forget the beautiful music which you and John performed at my wedding 16 years ago! You were a wonderful couple and obviously shared so many interests and cared so deeply for each other. You will miss him dearly. If you are ever in London - give me a call at 649-4537. As well, if you know you will be in Burgoyne, let me know. I still return as much as possible for visits with my family. Take care, Carolyn Nixon (McLean)
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Jack Wilford posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and Family Many years ago, at our old Midland District High School, our friend John would enthrall his school mates during lunch time (when one would expect kids to be heading out of school) with his amazing piano stylings. It was obvious that he had a great future in store. My wife Bev and I were only able to see John during infrequent Toronto visits to Ports of Call and later the Chelsey Inn, but we were always greeted as welcomed and cherished friends. I recall meeting you both in Peterborough after one of John's wonderful and generous benefit concerts. What a pleasure it was for me to be able to reconnect with John by phone last spring and during our conversation find out that you are on Dr Dallinger's research team at Mt Sinai. I lost Bev to pancreatic cancer in May, 2006 but her nursing instincts during her illness ensured that she and her children would participate in that important work. I greatly miss Bev, as you do John. They will no doubt be making beautiful music together in heaven. With my sincere condolences, Jack Wilford Midland, Ont 705-526-9480 p.s. I don't know Leo, but if I can provide support for him in any way, I hope you will allow me to do so.
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John Duggan posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Jim and John Duggan and families extend our condolences and prayers for Mary Jane and family on the passing of John. He was a good neighbour at the lake and could always be counted on for a story, memory or beer. We will miss him. Please let us know if you need any help with things at the lake Mary Jane, we will be glad to help. John and Jim and families
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Midland Y's Men's Music Festival posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family. John was an amazing person, a wonderful musician and profound supporter of music within our community - he will be greatly missed!!!
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Lisa Schwartz posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dear Mary Jane, I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. I had the pleasure of hearing him play the one time, and was so impressed by his generosity and enjoyment of performance I wanted to say too, how much I admire your strength through this. My thoughts are with you. Lisa (Schwartz)
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Tom Muskett posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
John knew us just as "Tom and Martha" whenever we sat down beside him and his piano in Toronto in years gone by; we followed John from one piano lounge to another and enjoyed playing "Stump John" with piano jazz trivia questions but we never succeeded in stumping him for an answer. We recall "the bash" event and a wonderful day of listening to aspiring ragtime players who could never match John's touch and speed and style. Eubie Blake was one of John's favorites we recall, as were so many great players of ragtime and jazz music -- to know John was to gain a teacher of music -- how he loved to play ragtime tunes -- he gave us many, many wonderful evenings of memorable tunes and good, good fun. We will miss John very much and send the family our best wishes and warmest thoughts at this most difficult time in their lives. We will think of John in years to come whenever we hear the CBC play his music for all of us to enjoy again, and whenever we play his CD "Put On A Happy Face" with its 13 tracks of John at his best. Tom and Martha
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Robson Lakes Property Owners Association - Ron Becker (Treasurer) posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dear Mary Jane & Family: We are saddened to hear of the passing of John. We first got to know John and Mary Jane when they purchased the cottage on Connell Lake a number of years ago. It was always a pleasure to chat with John either at the cottage or in a meeting of fellow cottagers. His gentle nature was very evident in his concern for the natural environment. He spoke often of his music and the joy it brought him and those around him. We will surely miss him, but will be reminded of John whenever we hear his music. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. A donation on behalf of the Property Owners Assoc. will be made to the St. Michael's Choir School in memory of John. Ron Becker (Treasurer) - Robson Lakes Property Owners Association.
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Angie Lister (Mernagh) posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dear Arpin Family, I was deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. My mother (Olga) just died from cancer October 21st, 2007. The loss of a family member is the most difficult to deal with. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Angie
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Tom and Penny Szirtes posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2007
Dear Mary Jane, We have enjoyed many of John's performances over the years, both public and private, and they were all infused with his impish charm and wit, and musical knowledge. We have lost a musical landmark.
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Hans & Helga Gerhardt posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2007
Dear Mary and family; I don't know if you remember me from the Hyatt Regency Hotel years. John was the first to play up in the roof top lounge Odyssey [1972] and we stayed in touch throughout the years. he was always the friendly and so talented man many of us knew. I am so sorry for your loss but we will always remember him. unfortunately I will be out of the country but our thoughts are with you. sincerely, Hans Gerhardt
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Louise China posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2007
I was privileged to have known John through my work at the University of Toronto. For several years he played a concert for the alumni of the University at our annual Spring Reunion. He certainly was an outstanding musician, but above all, he was wonderful individual, his smile and great sense of humour was what I will remember most.. Although I did not know him for long, I will always remember him. My deepest condolences to all the family during this most difficult time. Louise China formerly with Alumni Affairs at he University of Toronto)
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Joy McNamara and daughter Val McDougall posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2007
We are so sorry for your family's loss, remembering a wonderful friend and musician from the old days of St. Judes Parish in Weston. Our deepest condolences to you all. We will remember John's laughter and talent always. Joy McNamara and Val McDougall.
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Tom & Kathy Magner posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2007
Dear Mary Jane and family, We join you in grief at the passing of a wonderful man and a world-class musician. We were not aware of your blog-spot Mary Jane until a telephone conversation with Hal Isbitz yesterday composer of the beautiful music on the Blue Gardenia CD that John performed so magnificently Our previous conversation with Ruthie & Zel Connell mearly indicated that John was having problems with the stairs. You can be assured that Kathy & I will be offering up our prayers for John every day at Mass, with the hope that all of us will some day meet again in Heaven. As an aside Mary Jane, I cannot vision Heaven being Heaven with out John playing the piano for us all! We met John at a Canadian Ragtime Society Bash, shortly after the picture "The Sting" made us aware of the music of Scott Jo;lin. That was some thirty years ago, when Ruthie was age 16. Both Kathy and I attended that Ragtime Bash every year thereafter until the Ragtime Society dissolved Kathy and I also met you Mary Jane in those last years. We Yanks were warmly welcomed by John and many of our Canadian friends such as Pel and Betty. Bill, Ruthie and Zel and numerous others. Each Fall we looked forward to being with our Ragtime Family and celebrating our mutual love of msuic. Our fellow Yanks, Pat[Lamb]Conn and Bill Conn were our fellow Mass attenders on Sunday during the Bash. John always strongly encouraged young musicians and supported his fellow artists with help. You are not alone Mary Jane, our love and are prayers are with you always. Tom & Kathy Magner
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Jim Doris & Wendy Sommerville posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2007
How sad to think we'll never again bump into John somewhere; along the street, in the lobby of a concert hall, in the dark confines of a piano bar. Now it will be just in our memories which go all the way back to the early 1960s. As song-writers as well as friends, we were always surprised and appreciative of the fact that John never forgot the names of our songs, and if a piano was at hand could easily recall the melodies, some from as far back as the 1959 St. Mike's musical. He never stopped encouraging us to keep writing. We especially remember many happy evenings dancing to John's music at the Chelsea Inn and at the old Waldorf Astoria on Charles Street - and of course his ragtime concerts were never to be missed. He will always be remembered with great fondness. Jim Doris and Wendy Sommerville
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John and Carol Ender and Family lit a candle
Sunday, November 11, 2007
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Joanne and Jim Bull posted a condolence
Sunday, November 11, 2007
We were so sad to hear of John's passing. We had the pleasure of hearing him play on several occasions, including as recently as earlier this fall. We so enjoyed his beautiful music and his charming ways! Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Jane and the family.
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janet maloney posted a condolence
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Dear Mary - Today I read of the passing of your husband. It brought back a flood of memories. I never knew your husband, but you and I met briefly on a flight from St. John's, Nfld., on June 21, 2006. You had been at a conference and I had just been visiting the area with a friend. We had a wonderful conversation for a portion of the flight. Do you recall - I shared with you a paragraph from a book I was reading - "But why did one person ever want another? Because I smile with you, because I laugh at your banter, which you and I both know very well is designed just for that ... to make me laugh. And the why of that is that you understand have done from the first. who I am, what I am, what haunts me most and how to banish it. That's why, (Mary). We talked about the similarity in our lives, how I had been married to a man much older than myself, and what a wonderful time it was. Our situations where so very similar. I recall that your parents lived near Port Elgin. I spent time this past summer at Southampton with my granddaughter. Mary, I trust that you will find comfort with your wonderful memories. Few of us have this privilege. If we have been loved unconditionally that is the ultimate. I know I was. When I returned home from my Nfld. trip, I was telling my mother about meeting you, and could'nt remember John's last name, but explained to her that he was a pianist, etc., She never missed a beat and said "Arpin". My mother passed away in March of this year. She was a devout CBC listener.!! This will be a difficult time for you Mary, but wallow in your grief and memories. The pain will subside, but it will always be with you. I still struggle after 6 years of being without my best friend and husband. My deepest sympathy to you and your extended family. Sincerely, Janet Maloney
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Corinne Moreau-Green posted a condolence
Sunday, November 11, 2007
My sincere condolences on the passing of a dear friend. We competed in the Kiwanis' Music Festival in the Midland area in our younger years. His music, I will enjoy forever. Prayer for family, Corinne Moreau-Green
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East York Skating Club posted a condolence
Sunday, November 11, 2007
On behalf of the East York Skating Club, we extend to the family our deepest sympathies. Bob and his son Alexander have been long time members of the club and have dedicated many hours to the club. East York Skating Club
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Joan Bottorff posted a condolence
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Mary Jane My heart goes out to you all. John's music touched so many and with his warm and outgoing personality he became friends with everyone he met. I have very fond memories of the night we went out to dinner and he entertained us at the piano. How lucky we were that the regular pianist was not able to be there that night. I know the weeks and months ahead will be difficult. May all the wonderful memories of your times together help ease your sorrow and be close to your heart forever. Thinking of you. My heartfelt sympathy Joan Bottorff
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Doris Leung and Ricky Lie Ken Jie posted a condolence
Saturday, November 10, 2007
I am so sad to hear about John's death. As Mary Jane's friend and student, I was priviledged to be in John's company more than a few times and also had the honour of hearing him play in concert. I can't help but smile when I remember a night in Montreal after the CAPO conference. John made dinner reservations for several of us with Mary Jane at a restaurant where a pianist entertained. As it turns out, the pianist was ill. So, John played the piano and even sang for us! I couldn't believe our luck. I am so grateful for having been there. I will truly miss his jovial company. My sincere condolences to Mary Jane and to all of John's family.
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Eddie Mernagh posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Dear Arpin Family As a childhood friend I have been involved with the Arpin family for many years. Bobby and I (Eddie) spent a lot of time together as best friends, from playing in the back yard, to bike riding all over the place and getting in trouble for not telling our parents where we were all day, playing pool in the basement, camping, playing hockey, and all kinds of other stuff that kids do when their parents are not around (like teasing and bugging his sister Jennifer, ha ha, but it was all in good fun) The funny thing is that I even had to baby sit her a few times when no one else was around, all in all Jennifer was a great kid. A few days ago I was listening to music on the radio, I could always tell when John's music was playing, and I was deeply saddened by the news that followed when they mentioned that was from the late John Arpin, I was shocked to hear he had passed away. I had just lost my mom last month and I know how hard it is for you to loose a family member, but great memories and a loving family will help you get through these tough time When I herd the sad news my thoughts went back to some of the fun times and fond memories I have of John, here are just a few things that we did way back then. John would challenge Bobby and I to a game of pool and of course he would always win, he would come out in the winter and play hockey with us in the drive way, he would take us on day trips, and when he would be practicing his music Bobby and I would be playing and making all kinds of noise, we would get in trouble and told to be quiet and listen, and that people had to pay money to hear this and you guys are getting it for free (ha ha) being kids we had other things to do, and a lot of other ways of getting in trouble. A lot of great childhood memories I will cherish forever. I want to offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Arpin family for their loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you in these sad times. Your friend, Eddie Mernagh
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Frances St. Germain & Son Frank St. Germain posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Arpin family for the loss of a wonderful, incredible, extraordinary man, John. We have known John since he was a little boy, and have kept in touch whenever we could. He will be sorely missed and his music will live on in our hearts forever.
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Dennis and Pam MacGillivray posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you from Chicago. Dennis, Pam, Selby Rose & Liam MacGillivray
