John David Price, born December 24, 1934, to Harold and Jean Price, passed away peacefully at his home in Collingwood on December 26th, 2021, after a long, hard fought battle with Emphysema (COPD).
John got his start in retail at a young age at Prices Bargain Barn with his father. The ‘BARN’ was originally located on Huron Street across from the Collingwood Shipyards. Selling everything from suits and socks to tools and motorcycles, it didn’t take John long to focus in on the clothing side of the business. John would go on to purchase the family business from his father and move it around the corner to 33 Hurontario Street where he transformed it into ‘Price’s of Collingwood’, and it quickly became the largest independent clothing store in the area. You could always trust that if John didn’t have it in stock, he could certainly find it for you! For years, John provided uniform services/outfitting to the Collingwood Police and Fire Departments, the Town of Collingwood employees, and many other local businesses such as Blue Mountain Resorts, Canadian Mist and Kaufman Furniture.
As an active member of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce and one of the founding members of the Collingwood BIA, John worked hard on many successful downtown festivals such as the Annual Winterfest, Summerfest, and Stampede Days.
When he wasn’t in the store, you could usually find him counting strokes at Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club where he served on the Executive and helped usher in the expansion of the course from 9 to 18 holes and the installation of the water supply line from the Town of Collingwood.
After his retirement in 1987, during the spring, summer, and early fall months, you would likely find him enjoying a regular round of golf in Wasaga Beach or at Batteaux Creek Golf Club in Nottawa. For the winter months, John would change venues and enjoyed the golf courses in Florida from his ‘headquarters’ in Largo. If he wasn’t golfing, he always had a hobby to keep him busy. From artistically sealing driveways/floors to woodworking, or baking and cooking, there was always something keeping him going. His longest lasting hobby though was always being on the lookout for the next great bargain. Whether it was at a yard sale, a flea market or with double value coupons, if there was a deal to be found, John would be the one to let you know!
John is survived by his wife of over 22 years, Nancy (Tait), his children Jason (Beverly), Laura and Trent (Erin). He will be forever missed by his grandchildren Rebekah, Alexandra (Ali) and Tarrah (Jason and Beverly) and Joshua Tomkins (Trent and Erin). John will also be deeply missed by Nancy’s sons Douglas and Alister (Linda) Tait, along with Nancy’s granddaughters Aubrey and Olivia.
Memorial donations can be made to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation or to Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House
Friends may visit John’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com