Obituary of John Soutar

SOUTAR, John Born June 20, 1936, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2011 in his 76th year, after a three year battle with cancer in which he held the upper hand until the very end. John is survived by his loving wife Joan Slater, daughters Linda and Kristina, grandsons Maksims (Max) and Arturs (Archie), sister Edith Bell and brother Don Soutar. John was born in Toronto, Ontario to his Scottish-born parents Edith (nee Crighton) and John Reid Soutar (natives of Dundee, Scotland). John (Jack to many of his friends) was a proud and active alumnus of Queen's University, where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering (1960). Most of his professional career he spent with Ontario Hydro. John was an avid outdoorsman and an enthusiastic walker; it was a rare day that he didn't cover several kilometers whatever the weather and wherever he was. Most of all, John loved the water; he was a keen sailor, canoeist and recreational boater, and he was a strong swimmer that in true Canadian form was not daunted by a cold lake in the spring. He loved spending time at the cottage on Lake Muskoka by Gravenhurst that he shared with Joan, and for many years he was a strong advocate for and leader in the Muskoka Bay residents' association. Indoors, John was an avid reader and had an interest in a wide range of subjects. John was also musical - he loved to sing, play the guitar and go to the symphony, and for many years he was a member of choirs in North York (he sang bass). John's great sense of humour and dry wit, his ability to solve problems and dispense advice with maximum efficiency and minimum fuss, and his quiet strength and easy company were so cherished by his family and friends and will be much missed but dearly remembered. John believed in giving back to his community in many ways. If desired, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, 55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto M4V 2Y7 would be appreciated. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, December 28 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.