Please accept my heartfelt condolences on John's passing.  We worked together briefly but he left an indelible impression on me as a creative, funny, and smart man who had a big heart.  I'm so glad I had a chance to get to know him.  My thoughts are with you.

He was my friend. He was my mentor. He was the biggest man in any room in every good sense of the word. My thoughts to all his family and friends.

Darlene and I were so saddened to hear of John's passing this week.  As director of Newmarket's Old Town Hall Players in the 1970s, John taught me much about stage presence and communications.  His theatre clinics were brillantly presented and loads of fun.  The last time we met was several years ago in a small town on the shores of Lake Rousseau.  I was there to give a public talk at the local museum; and not too far away John was performing in dinner theatre at a local resort.  Prior to my talk I was strolling along the town's main street enjoying its quaintness and the beauty of the watercourse and locks, when this booming voice filled the air from a passing car: "Get out of here Phillips, this town is too small for both of us."  We laughed and hugged.  What a gentle, giving and caring person.

Our deepest sympathies to Audrey and family.

David and Darlene Phillips

Dear Audrey.Although we have not seen each other for many years I am truly sorry to hear of John's passing. I have wonderful memories of you and John and the fun times we had in Brantford. God bless you Audrey.
Maggie O'Donnell and Family

Dear Audrey  ...  We were so sorry to hear of John's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you and your family comfort.  God bless . . .

My sincerest condolences to your family. John lit up a room and brought the best out in anyone he was around. A true wit and dearly missed friend. I always looked forward to seeing him and wish I knew him longer. I was indeed honoured to work with him at McMaster. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

I had the pleasure of working with John when I was an editor at Standard Broadcast News. He taught me a lot about the news business and no matter how busy, he always had time to listen. He was a class act. Good memories.

I am thinking about you during this difficult time.  I worked with him for a number of years.  He treated me fairly and always with a sense of humour.     John Enright, Peterborough.

Dear family of John McFadyen, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. McFadyen, as I always called him, hired me at CKFM in 1984. It was an honour working for him; he was an incredible News Director with tremendous insight and patience. I will remember him fondly for his words of wisdom including the fact that he referred to his desk top as his "creative mess." That always made me laugh. Thinking of you at this sorrowful time.  Pam Clavir Chiotti

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.   Your memories will keep him close to your heart and bring you comfort. Ada (Ciaramella)

 To the McFadyen family - I only knew John through the SP.  program at McMaster but was impressed with him from the first time we met. His stories during the conversations we had were amazing and that "voice" ! May God bless and keep you all during this difficult time.   Sincerely Doug McCallum

Dear Hoop, Audrey, Mori, Greg and Liam, We send our love and hugs across the miles at this most sad time for you all.  We were so privileged to have had the chance to share a pint and laugh with John.  Love alwys from Heather, Steve, Alex and Kurtis xo xo xo xo

Thinking of you Audrey.
Gary and Carol Sloan

I had the priviledge of working with John at CFRB.  I learned from him and enjoyed being a part of his team.  I will never forget my pleasant exposure to him.  I am sorry for your loss and ours.  
Sincerely Torben Wittrup

At this time of sorrow,
may these truths sustain you...
Your loved one will always
be as close as a memory, 
and God of all comfort
will always be as
close as a prayer.

Dear Audrey and Family, I was so sad to hear of the passing of John.  He was a wonderful guy and I certainly enjoyed working and socializing with him and yourself in our theatre group in Newmarket.  My condolences to you and your Family.  HE WILL BE MISSED.

To John's family...My condolences on your loss. He was a great colleague with whom I had occasion to work from time to time when I was at CJAD and Standard Broadcast News.
Sidney Margles, Montreal

John was one of the most witty, kind, and sincere people one could ever meet. He had an ability to make the bad days better, and always put his own struggles aside only to see others smile. John has been influential in so many lives, yet was humble in accepting the impact he has had.

To me, John was a father, brother, colleague, dear friend and mentor all in one. I have never known a more supportive, caring and understanding person, and am sure there will never be another one quite like him.

To Audrey, thank you. I thank you for being such an integral part of who John was. You are a woman to be admired. To Heather and Morag, your father was a great man - larger than life, some would say. He will live on in many memories, of that you can be sure.

And to John, a personal note, "Turn around, I think I found it". XO

Dear Audrey, Heather and Morag and family: Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of dear John.  You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Jessica and Michael Banks, Louth, Lincolnshire, England.

Dear Audrey, Heather & Morag:
As neighbours back in the 70's to being directed by John at OTHP, to receiving yours/his wonderful Xmas letters, I can't tell you how much I cherish having known John. He's left an incredible legacy of wonderful memories for so many.  I, and Bob, are saddened by his loss and we send our deepest sympathies to you and the family.

In the mid '70s, I was pleased to accept an opportunity to join Standard Broadcasting where I became a member of the CKFM production team. As one senior colleague put it, "Welcome to Yankee Stadium." It was quite a thrill to be in those Yonge & St. Clair studios - pin striped legends & stars everywhere you turned, with heavy hitters like John McFadyen making it look easy everytime he delivered his insightful news & well crafted editorial comments, all with genuine authority. Daily. He was the real deal - a smart, consistent performer - a rising star who looked like a young Robertson Davies. However, this serious journalist could play and play he did, for many seasons in the Toronto Press League on our CKFM 99-9ers softball team. Who knew? I'll always remember the day I discovered his hidden talent as a ball player - just goofing around, pitching fastballs behind his back with pretty decent accuracy, too. Sign him up! (Hey, you can never have too many pitchers, right?) Happily, John stayed with 9ers for many seasons in the '80s where we got to know the fun side of this warm & friendly gentleman. There was nothing like shooting the breeze under a shady tree with a cold brew following one of our many double-headers on those hot summer weekends. Gone, but not forgotten. To the McFadyen family, I'm sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing John with us all those years ago. Well played, Fadge.

A mentor and friend who hired me; twice, and then pushed me up the corporate ladder. Kicking and screaming I might add. But he was right. He changed my life, and I shall never forget him.
PETER COLEMAN
CKPC/CKFM/CJFM/680NEWS

Dear Audrey and Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Kay Lumsden

Dear Audrey,  I never met John but from hearing you speak about him, I know he was your soulmate and a wonderful father and grandfather.  May you find strength in the love of family and the warm embrace of friends.
Sincerely,  Bev Martin

Dear Audrey and Family:  My heartfelt sympathies over the loss of John.
When I was with CFRB, I worked very closely with John as he took on the challenging role of News Director.   One of his ffavourite expressions in accumulating as many stories as possible was "increase that tonnage".
He was a great tease, motivator and all round solid guy. He was a Canadian news man full of fire, brimstone, energy and ideas.  He will be a living moment in my mind, always.
David M. Craig, Port Hope

My dear friend Heather, Mrs McFadyen, Morag, Greg and Liam, so very, very, sorry to hear about the death of your dad, husband, and grandfather. Please accept mine and my husband Peter's condolences.
I have heard many fabulous stories from you Heather about your father, and how you loved him so very much, I know you all will miss him. We wish you all lots of love and blessings during this sad time. With love, respect and friendship to all of your family. Maria and Peter Duncalf-Barber xxxxx

Dear Audrey and Family- I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. He gave me my first job at CKFM and was truly a Mentor to me. He was a passionate broadcaster and a good newsman who took the time to listen to a young newscaster and help her set her sights higher. I learned so much from him as our paths crossed many times over the years. I will miss his quick wit and smile.  My Deepest Sympathies   Marlane Oliver

Dear Audrey and Family...
Tracey and I are sad to hear of John's passing. You were goood neighbours and friends to us.John always made us laugh when we needed it.

                                                          Phil and Tracey Gater ~~Binbrook,Ont.

My condolences to John's family. He was an excellent broadcaster, great colleague in the CFRB/CKFM newsroom and a true friend. Others posting here have noted his countless fine qualities. Simply put - John had class in every respect. It was a privilege to know him.

Heather,
Your Dad was very helpful and generous to me when You and I were teens in Newmarket. He encouraged my interest in Radio, and he took me in to CKFM a couple of times to see how it all worked in the Big Smoke. Later, when I went to Ryerson to study broadcasting, he was again somebody I could always call for advice or help with a project. Nothing is as helpful as encouragement and mentorship, and even though I went on to the music biz and touring the world with Barenaked Ladies, John's early belief and friendship always stayed with me.  I'm sorry for your loss, Heather, I hope you find peace and comfort with your Mom and Morag over the next while.

Dear Audrey, We would like to send our condolences to you and your family on the death of your husband. With sincerest sympathies, Dorothy and John Paruzel

Morag, Greg and Liam, We are so sorry to hear about your father and grandfather.  Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you and your family.

Eilleen and I are shocked and saddened by John's passing.  His effervescence and humor will be missed and certainly remembered.  John and I were colleagues in radio and on television, and my memories of our  collaboration in broadcasting will always remain.
Our deepest condolences to Audrey, Heather and Morag.
May God bless.

Eilleen & Alex Tudoroff, 
Hamilton

At CKFM we called him 'Fadge --- he swore that I was the one who named him but I'm no sure.  What a great guy and a Super News Director!  We worked hard and it was a marvelous time.  John and I had many wonderful, far reaching discussions.  In later years I'd run into John when I walked by a movie set in Toronto and there he was gripping.  That always felt like a young person's gig but he seemed to be thriving.  His death saddens me even though we hadn't seen each other in years --- my thoughts are with you.

(And I LOVE the picture!!)

Dear Audrey, Heather and Morag;
 We were so sorry to hear of John's death.  He was a wonderful man and we have so many memories of him while Heather and Morag were at Huron Heights, particularly his speech on behalf of the parents at Commencement.  We are thinking of you.

Lockie and Jane MacPherson

Dear Audrey and family,  We are sorry to hear about John's passing. We enjoyed Sorority fun times with you and John when you were in Kingston. Diane and Marcel Gilbert

Our condolences to Audrey and family.  John was a good neighbour and friend. Helen, Bev and I will miss his visits to our front porch before he rode off into the sunset.  Bev and Mel Strugnell and Helen

I was saddened to hear of John's death and remember him with fondness for the excellent coaching and help he offered to me and many other broadcast students during his lifetime. Since condolences to John's family on their loss.

Dear Audrey, Heather & Morag,

We are so Sorry for the loss of a dear Husband & Father.   We have fond memories of him at Sorority functions in Kingston. We will keep all of you in our prayers during this difficult time.

I worked with John in the last year of the CKO radio network. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. His humour and intelligence were rampant; his sense of honour and integrity unimpeachable; his wise, energetic, supportive leadership much appreciated.   My condolences to his family.

Audrey, with our deepest sympathy, our prayers are with you and your family.
Now, who is going to tease me about my fake grass???
We have been so blessed to have John and you in our lives for the past 15 years.

To John's Family,

My sincere condolences from one of the many friends he made while in Kingston. A true gentleman.

Terry Shea and Family
Kingston, Ontario

Dear Audrey,Heather and Morag.  Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father.  Although John and I lost touch after we both left CKFM I will always remember him fondly. He was a great broadcaster and a dear friend.  Cherish your memories. I will mine. Brenda Burns

I worked with John for a short time at CKO.  I remember he had a great passion for news and was happy and willing to teach everyone in the newsroom.

I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. I recall John's noon news editorials when I did middays at CKPC, they were quite the works. My prayers are with the family.

Audrey, I was so saddened when I read in the Globe and Mail of John's passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Although we have not had contact for a number of years, I would hear of your activities through Brian Reid.  Your wedding picture brought back memories of Town of Mt. Royal United Church Young People's and the comraderie that we enjoyed during those years.  Also, I will never forget that airplane ride to put on that theatre production "The Man Who Came to Dinner".  I was always grateful when you helped out my daughter when her car broke down in Kingston and you provided a place for her and her friends to stay.  I had no idea that John had been ill, so I just hope he didn't suffer.  I will be thinking of you during these difficult days.  I am sorry that I am unable to attend John's celebration of life, but I am in downtown Toronto at a Convention.  Roslyn Ahara

Dear Audrey and family,

I did not know John but from his emails during times of Audrey's illnesses, I realized that he was an interesting fellow who lived life!  I regret I didn't know him better.

Dear Audrey - i remember inviting John to my house for dinner a couple of times when he first came to Kingston. I thought he could use some home cooking as you hadn't moved there yet. After the second invitation, he asked whether we served anything other than spaghetti! LOL! Guess I wasn't so good at menus. 
John's impact on the professionalism of our newsroom was significant. Under John's leadership, many staff went on to much bigger stations having developed so quickly under his tutelage. 
We all know John is very much missed. 
I am so sorry that my schedule does not permit me to attend Wednesday.
My sincere condolances to you and the family.
John Tucker

Audrey, 
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. My memories of John are from your time in Kingston and our time together in Beta Sigma Phi. There is one more shining star in the night sky.

Hello Audrey and girls,
So very sad to hear of John's passing. Here was truly a wonderful man whom I was proud to call friend. I had the pleasure of working closely with John when he was managing at CKWS-TV and affiliated radio stations in Kingston during the 1990s. I considered him a loyal friend and mentor during this time, and we shared many spirited discussions, meals, drinks, and most of all, laughs. We stayed in e-mail touch following his relocation back to Hamilton, and never did his notes fail to prompt many chuckles. I shall never forget a voice mail message which he was good enough to leave for me on my office phone back in 2008 during the worst days of the stock market crash. In it, he chided me mercilessly for not doing enough to "rescue the financial world" (I now work with Investors Group), and that it was high time I "got out from under my desk and answered the phone". I laughed until I cried. He was a wordsmith beyond compare. To suggest that I am glad to have known him would be a tremendous understatement. He was - quite simply - one of a kind, and I will miss him tremendously. 
With sincerest sympathies,

Audrey
I was terribly saddened at the news of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers go with you at this time of sorrow.
Stew Bayley

Thinking of you all.  Sending condolences, hugs and peace to you.

Dear Audrey and family,
My heartfelt smpathy to all of the family.
John will be missed by all of you, his many friends and also colleagues from his career in broadcasting and his days on the stage.
John is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
With sympathy and many fond memories over many years.

Dear Audrey,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing. I remember him as a kind and supportive brother to Rod, especially through Rod's final days. Please accept my deepest sympathy, to you and the family. Take good care of yourself.

John has been a vibrant part of Chedoke Presbyterian Church from the day he first crossed our threshold.  He has blessed us with many laughs and memories that we will cherish for a lifetime!  Absent from the body, present with our Lord, and forever living in our hearts and memories, Cathey Tweedle (Chedoke)

Dear Audrey and family.  I remember him well and how much he helped me early in my career at CKFM.  His support, knowledge, and sense of humour saw us all through some momentous times.  My most sincere sympathy to you all.
Judy Webb Root

Dear Audrey and family, 
I wish to give to you my deepest sympathy.  I had the pleasue of working with John in Brantford at CKPC Radio when he was the news director there.  He was a pleasure to work with , it was a pleasure to have know him, and although we lose track of the people in our lives, I just wanted to tell you how very sorry I was to hear of his passing from Pete. He was a remarkable man and I know your sorrow is great.  Again my deepest sympathies... 
Sandi Carrier....

A great father makes all the difference in his children's lives. He's a pillar of strength, support and discipline. His work is endless and often times, thankless. But in the end, it shows in the sound, well-adjusted children he raises. I didn't know John well but have known his daughter Morag for years...John will be missed but did an amazing job as a father based on the character of his daughter Morag!

I am deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. My heartfelt sympathy to Audrey and all of John's family. He will be greatly missed.
Wishing peace and comfort to you all,
Sarah Whiteman and family

My deepest condolences on John's passing. He was one of the iconic leaders in Canadian broadcast journalism when I started my career in the mid 1970's. 
Sincerely,

John Best

Dear Audrey, I would like to send my condolences to you and your family on the death of your husband. With sincerest sympathies, Lise LaRose

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

OBITUARY

John Edgar Thomson McFadyen

October 3, 1939 – March 17, 2013

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

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