John E. Tofflemire Obituary
TOFFLEMIRE, John Ernest - Died peacefully with his daughter by his side on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021.
He wanted us to tell you that his ancestors drove 12 snow white horses for Abraham Lincoln’s carriage at his Inaugural Parade. We are happy to share that for him. But we also very much want to share that John himself was an exceptional man, ahead of his time, full of curiosity, kindness, and love.
He worked as a farmer in Amherstburg for 10 years, growing tomatoes for Heinz. He was a highly valued member of the computer analyst team at the University of Guelph for 29 years. He was a hobby pilot, rode motorcycles, and had a sailboat. He was a quiet man but had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh.
He was a dog lover all his life and was so faithful to them all, and they loved him so much. He liked a few cats, too.
He had a huge vegetable garden that would keep his family fed all year round. He planted over 200 trees on his little city property, making it a haven for wildlife even to this day.
His greatest joy in life was his family. An extremely loving, exceptionally generous, helpful, patient, giving and loyal husband, father and grandpa.
He will be sorely missed by his wife of 51 years, Mary (nee Grant), daughters Joanne Tofflemire and Janice Meszaros, son-in-law Brad, and precious grandchildren, Dylan and Kaitlyn. Though he was predeceased by his parents, Lottie and John, and siblings Francis, Grace, Joseph, Mildred, Murray, and beloved nephew Ross, he is still cherished by many nieces, nephews and family in Renfrew, Windsor, London, Kitchener and Mexico, including his cousin Norm Imeson, who was raised with John’s family.
The family will be having a private service. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051. We invite you to leave memories, condolences and donations via the funeral home website (http://www.wallcustance.com).
Memorial contributions to the Guelph Humane Society, Guelph Drop-In Centre, or other organization that cares directly for the well-being of animals or humans in need would be most appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of John E. Tofflemire in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.
