Obituary of John Walter Maletich

John Walter Maletich September 21, 1932 – February 29, 2020 Our dearest John passed away on Saturday at age 87 after battling cancer for a year, with family at his side. He was a great gift and blessing to us all. Beloved husband of 51 years to the love of his life, Alice (nee Barker d.2013). John will be profoundly missed by his daughter Michelle (Mickey) McCarthy, son-in-law, Mario Gozzi, second dad to Mary-Lou, and step-grandpa to Simon Gozzi. John had an extra special place in his heart and thoughts for his grandchildren, Brendan and Evan Brown, and they for him. We are all forever grateful for having him in our lives. John was born in Schumacher, ON. Son of the late Janko and Ana Maletich, survived by his sister, Zora (Rollie) Chenier and brother, George (Norma deceased) and family, and brother Stanley (Olga), both predeceased. Uncle to Mark (Sue), Jeff (Sonia) and Dan (Debbie) Chenier and families. Step-uncle to the many McCarthy & Barker clan nieces and nephews he loved. We will forever carry grateful memories of life and laughter shared with this incredible man. He was also blessed with having many good friends over the years with whom he shared many laughs and great companionship. John achieved much through his career. Following graduation from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, he joined Metropolitan Toronto Planning Board (13 years), then Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in management focusing on Flood Control and Water Conservation Programs (26 years), represented the Authority on the Humber Arboretum Management Committee (8 years), and completed a BA-Geography at York in the evenings. After retirement, appointed by the City of North York as a Citizen Member of the North York Environment Committee (3 years), North York Planning Advisory Committee (2 years), and Community Facilitator for Ward 8 (3 years). The City of Toronto appointed him a Citizen Member of the Storm Water Group, later a Municipal Representative to the Canadian National Exhibition Association. He was appointed a Director on the Board of the Toronto Parking Authority (2008 - 4 years). A proud member of Rameses Shriners since 1975. Many thanks to the highly professional palliative care team at K1E Sunnybrook. He felt safe and cared for by you all and enjoyed the many laughs and time taken in conversation. Thanks to Drs. Coish and Wortzman, a special shout to his RNs and RPNs: Sarah, Helen, Magda, Madeline, Iva, Sodoya, Julie, Marco, Bayoush, Angelina, Erica, Liz, Joyce, Shandi; to Rec, Physio, & SW staff, Trish, Melissa and Galina; to his PSPs and ESPs: Ruth, Islam, Ines, Yvonne, Chris and Sylvia; and to his special team: LuLu and Annie. Everyone treated him with skill, humour, gentleness, respect, and held a keen interest in his comfort and wellbeing. It is said that the measure of a man is in how he is remembered. John will be fondly remembered as an intelligent, honorable, ethical, friendly, humorous, loving, dependable and generous human being who loved to dance, greeted everyone with a smile, and touched the hearts and souls of so many. He and Alice are finally waltzing around the dance floor again. An on-line Book of Condolences is available at www.humphreymiles.com and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Please check the Humphrey Funeral Home website for further details. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name to The Scott Mission, Covenant House or Sunnybrook Foundation (Prostate Cancer Research or Palliative Care) would be appreciated.