Who enjoyed, shared and taught the northern pleasures of hunting and fishing for all of his 80 years, passed away peacefully at the Blind River District Health Centre, September 29, 2005 with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Colette (Forest) for 52 years. Dear father of Lucienne Bilton (Vic), Ron (Judy), Larry (Marcelle), Donna Lediett (late David), Ann Thomas (John), Joyce Maitland (Terry) and Linda Makela (Raymond). Loving grandfather of Lori Howson (Dave), John Lediett (Tiffany), late Robbie Dunbar, Christine Hagger (Ryan), Catherine Lediett, Jo-Ann Lichty (James), Amy Maitland, Keir Thomas, Lisa Maitland, late Celeste Bilton, Kayla Bilton, Ryan Bilton, Kimberly Bilton, Sara Maitland, Stacie Bilton, Matthew Makela and Victoria Makela. Great grandfather of Alyssa Gosselin, Ryan Lediett, Joshua Howson and Abigail Hagger. Brother of 11 siblings. John will be missed by many nieces and nephews. John's experiences from his beginnings in Iron Bridge, his life's stories that ring of the charm of the pioneer campfire, driving teams of horses in the bush camps, trapping, guiding, including staking claims, his tales of farms grown over, of times changed from snowshoeing and hiking over trails that are now driven, will be repeated in his memory for generations to come. Friends may call at the Menard Funeral Home, Blind River, Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral service to be held Monday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. from St. Andrew's United Church in Blind River with Rev. Norine St. Jean officiating. Cremation to follow. A very special thanks to Dr. Chris Barnes and the nursing staff from the Acute Care Unit for the compassion provided during John's illness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
