John Jolley Pye

is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Jolley Pye, aged 88 years, on February 9 2016 after a short illness. He is now with his wife Joan and leaves his children David (Anna), Kim (Pat Hullah), Don (Joanna) and Doug (Linda) and grandchildren Matthew (Stephanie), Jennifer (Conor), Colin (Andrea), Katie, Fiona, Teague and Nathan.

John Pye was born April 17, 1927 in Halifax and grew up in the High Park area of Toronto.

Through the Anglican Young Peoples Association, John enjoyed tennis, skiing, day trips and met Joan. John joined Imperial Oil Limited in 1947.

In 1948, he bought a beachfront lot on Edmor Beach and built a small cabin.

John and Joan were married in 1950, moved to Port Credit and started their family.

In 1962, now with 3 children David, Kim and Don, John bought a second lot on the beach and built a larger cottage where the family spent many summers. Doug arrived in 1965 to complete the Pye family.

John co-founded the IOL Camera Club then and became active in the Masons. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Master of Lodge 696 until 1968. Around 1956 he and Don Sproule bought and operated a Christmas tree farm in Durham County, a bit of a misadventure. They also worked together to demolish the old baseball park at the corner of Haig Blvd and the South Service Road – this is now part of the Dixie Outlet Mall. Some of the boards are still supporting the family cottage.

John was a dedicated Maple Leafs fan, sharing season tickets at Maple Leaf Gardens for many years. He was thrilled to be at Darryl Sittler’s record setting 10 point game.

John worked at night to earn AMS Certificate in Office Administration, University of Toronto in 1966 and membership as a Certified Office Administrator with the Associated Office Administrators of Ontario later that year.

John retired 1982 after 35 years at IOL to enjoy travel with Joan to Europe, the Caribbean and winter vacations in Florida at the Kahlua Beach Club. When Joan became ill in 2009, they moved to Aurora. John later moved to Hollandview Retirement Residence where he made many new friends and led a very active life in his final months.

A reception will be held at Thompson Funeral Home in Aurora on Friday February 19 , 2:00 to 4:00 pm to share memories of John.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation are appreciated.