With profound sadness and a heavy heart, the Casey family announces the passing of John W. Casey. Born May 22, 1935 in Saint John, NB., died June 30, 2019, Collingwod, ON. Son of Norman and Muriel Casey. John was the soul mate and longtime partner of Wilda Alford. Former husband and lifelong friend of Judy. He was an incredible father to Mike (Caroline) and Kellie (Erik). He was a proud and inspirational grandfather to Chloe, Shayne, Larkin, Riley and Brodie. He loved his 5 grandchildren deeply and was forever fascinated with their lives and accomplishments. He had a very close and enduring bond with brother Ron (Angela) and sister Lorna (Tom). He was a caring uncle to Sue, Bob, Bill, Chris and Sarah. He loved all of his cats.
John lived an incredible life. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, a grandfather and a cherished friend to many. Growing up in Toronto, he was a talented young athlete at Humberside Collegiate and an all-star University of Toronto football and hockey player, earning the George M. Biggs Memorial Trophy and the Johnny Copp Trophy. John played for the Toronto Argonauts for 4 seasons. He graduated from Engineering (’58) at U of T. He was a brilliant high school math teacher for 15 years, a football coach, a math textbook author, a builder of a family cottage and many houses. John was a thinker, a business owner, a project manager (Cranberry Village and Lighthouse Point), a pilot and a skier, skiing Blue Mountain nearly every winter day and enjoyed over 40 ski trips to Aspen with Ron and close friends. He was a man of many careers spanning his 84 years. Never constrained by the conventional yardsticks of society, he forged his own way in life, following his interests, curiosities and passions, always on his own terms.
He was perpetually inquisitive as to the origins of the universe. He had the gift of taking complicated subjects like the cosmos, calculus and life’s many challenges and making them simple. He read passionately, which fed his interests on a broad range of topics. John was extremely creative in many forms. Until his final days, he quoted poetry which held true meaning for him. John led by example and taught gently. He was extremely fair. His patience, intelligence, strength and kindness touched all those who knew him.
John was a tireless advocate for the humane treatment of all animals. He was a selfless human being. And funny!!
Despite numerous health challenges during the past 7 years, John dealt with each obstacle with quiet determination, optimism and never a complaint. He always recognized that someone else had it much worse. A favourite sentiment of his was often repeated:
“Never complain…..never explain….just live your life”
John will be deeply missed by his entire family and by all whose lives he touched.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. A flower in John’s memory will be placed by the family in the Memory Lane Legacy Park on the ski hills of Blue Mountain. If interested, donations in John’s memory can be made to:
Furry Friends, 833 Hurontario St., Collingwood L9Y 0G7, or a local charitable organization of your choice.