Born on November 1, 1955 in Jaffa Israel and passed away on October 12, 2023 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Parents William and Nadia Abou-Nimer (Deceased). Survived by his brothers Henry (Eva) Abou-Nimer of Guelph, Bernie (Lisa) Nimer of Waterloo and his sister Evelyn Kuehner of Cambridge.
Sharing a little of our loving Brother John. Stubborn; Kind; Compassionate; Protector; Super Hero!
John was a self-proclaimed man’s man. A leader, a pilot, music lover and most earnestly lover and protector of the inner family circle. For those who knew him before his accident induced mental illness, he was a loyal and generous friend and loved playing the trumpet and guitar. A work tragedy stripped John of the fulsome life he was due. He last resided at Heritage House Retirement home in Guelph. John found pleasure in outings to Swiss Chalet for a quarter chicken dinner and a beer. Ice Cream was his spirit animal that brought him to his ZEN place. Other pleasures, like a solid diet of Original Coke, Chocolates and Cigarettes brought him joy!
As John’s body began to deteriorate, he became physically smaller but his presence and resolve were larger than life. John lived a hard life and along his journey, never found peace and acceptance of his condition. Nonetheless, he lived by his own rules. Most recently, John began to lose his mobility, often losing his balance and falling repeatedly. He suffered in daily pain and numerous injuries from his falls. Still, refusing care and hospital treatment.
Despite the mental and physical challenges John endured throughout his life, he remained compassionate and maintained his odd sense of humour. As colourful and warped as the joke may be, you laughed, knowing that John was laughing and happy, accepting the brief moment of laughter you got to share.
No one I know, myself included, could have withstood the brutality of our social and medical system in the early days of John’s diagnosis. Bounced between The Homewood Sanitarium and London Psychiatric Hospital. Enduring treatments and crude medications that could take down a herd of elephants. Police interactions. Public shame. All devastating in an unforgiving and the judgmental world we lived. Fear was overwhelming.
Much progress has been made since John was first labelled a “paranoid schizophrenic” 45 years ago. Treatments John endured would have you believe we lived in medieval times. Still, little is understood about this tormenting and torturous mental illness but thankfully, medications have improved. We better define the types of affective disorders and understand the chemical changes that affect the brain and improved management of the side effects of the anti-psychotic medications.
We send our love and hope for a brighter future for all who suffer from schizophrenia and the families that suffer along with them. It is not a solo journey. Only acceptance, love and understanding will heal our world and those who are impaired by mental illness.
I speak for John and for all our family, living and passed. God took mercy on our dear loving wonderful brother John. Rest in Peace Habibi Jonnie. We will miss you and think of you for rest of our lives.
A special thank you to the nurses and staff of Heritage House who took care and watched over John. Special thanks to Norma and to John’s friend Caroline, who we know will miss John. Thank you for your love and compassion.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph. Cremation has taken place. A private Graveside Service will take place at a later date where John will be laid to rest in his family's plot at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2723 Victoria Street South, Breslau. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Waterloo-Wellington would be appreciated. Donations can be made in person at the funeral home or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com
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