One comes across some people in life who really are 'worth their weight in gold' - and John was one such individual. I dealt with him in a professional capacity as Alumni Relations Manager, offering assistance in advertising his forthcoming reunions. Whenever an email from John popped up in my in-box, I was always happy to read it - I knew the tone would be positive and the correspondence fruitful. We exchanged a great deal of emails in the run-up to the centenary reunion that he organised in Guelph in 2009. The planning was seamless (even down to organising transport from the airport and hotel rooms for the University party). That weekend was the only one where I felt I could relax a little, knowing that the organisation was in great hands! My last phone call with John at the end of March was typically positive. He told me of his recent travels with Mary, and we discussed the future of alumni activity while he was undergoing treatment. He had been checking out some clips of me singing Don Giovanni on Youtube, and he was complimentary in his remarks. It was always nice to have something other to talk about than work. I shall miss John's unerring support and his ready smile. At the same time, I am grateful to have known such a kind man. Declan Hamilton, Alumni Relations, University of Bristol

My first encounter with John was somewhat humorous and not to be forgotten. One evening after my brother Robert had met Sarah and I had recently returned from England, I received an entirely unexpected telephone call at home. Upon answering I was greeted by man's quizzical voice asked on the other end for my father 'Hello, Harry? Harry?'. After a short awkward silence we realized that - using my brother's address book - John had reached the wrong Carter number, and shared a good laugh. Although we had not yet met, we introduced ourselves to one another over the telephone, and enjoyed a good chat. While we saw each other only occasionally in the years that followed (usually at birthday parties for Rowan or Evan), we invariably had much to talk about - particularly a shared interest in family history. He will be greatly missed.

I had the pleasure of knowing John, as a fellow engineer, for over 20 years. I always admired John's easy going demeanor. I inherited some of John's duties after his retirement from the City of Guelph and appreciated the legacy he created. I must admit that my favourite memories of John were his Kent origins and accent which reminded me so much of my own mother and uncle. I don't know what it is about Kent, but the three of them must have sipped from the same fountain of youth. God bless you John!

I had the amazing pleasure of working with John in the Engineering Department at Guelph City Hall for many years. John was never without a smile on his face and that devilish grin...!! He made the days at the the City a pleasure to go to work. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all the family in the loss of one so dear. The good memoires John has provided to all will help carry you thru these hard times and we shall miss him dearly. Keep your memories of him and all the good times you shared together close to your heart and may you find comfort knowing that others are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Dianne Bennett

Although not part of the family in the legal sense, through his son-in-law Robert ,John welcomed me warmly and acceptingly into his family. A gift I will always charish. That welcoming went so far as he telling me how proud he was of me when i moved to Toronto.

Rowan's favourite memory: playing ball with Grandpa Evan's favourite memory: going for tractor rides with Grandpa

It was my privilege to meet John at my very best friend's 50th birthday. Rachel celebrated at a wonderful party at her home in Summerville, South Carolina on January 3, 2010. She wore a tiara and was surrounded by her family and friends who came from far and wide (far = Ontario and wide = British Columbia). I know that Rachel will always treasure this last time with John, and I feel privileged to be able to share at least part of that memory with her.

For formal dinners, like at Christmas, John would carve the bird at the table and ask each person what they wanted. Light meat? Dark meat? A leg? Chestnut stuffing or bread stuffing or both? He also served the dessert. If we had egg custard or a tart, everything was fine, and everyone got what they wanted. But if we had trifle, that was a different matter! Our trifle bowl had a shallow depression in the bottom, and that part was full of the most delicious sherry saturated ladies fingers. Somehow we all managed to get a lot of 'tops' (whipped cream, fruit in jello, and custard) with only a little bit of 'bottoms' (the sherry saturated cake). And somehow John, in an effort to even it all up, managed to end up with a very small amount of 'tops' and an extra big serving of 'bottoms'! Lucky guy!

I remember meeting John while visiting my friend Rachel and her family. John and Mary would come to spend time with their family at different times throughout the year and I was fortunate enough to be included on several occasions. I remember John as warm and friendly, with a lovely smile. He was easy to converse with and I enjoyed the time I spent with him. I also enjoyed the sauce he made for the Christmas pudding! I am sorry for this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.