Surrounded by love, John David Beattie passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on June 29 after a long and happy life. Predeceased by his wife Madeline (nee Rose, 1981), and later Josephine (nee Hoffman, 2005). Loving father of Jane and Robert, step-father to Mary Beth Moses (Stuart Large) and Lee Anne Moses (Micheal Leeson). Cherished grandfather of Johnny, Tie, Tiffany (Evan), and Darcy. Predeceased by Curtis (2020). Proud great-grandfather to Calla Josephine and Hudson John.
John was born on May 12, 1927 in the village of Gillygooly in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. At the age of 3, he boarded a ship and immigrated to Canada with his parents Elizabeth (nee Todd) and Henry Irwin Beattie, and his older sister Anne. His brother Bill was born in Toronto five months later. The family settled in Mono Mills where they established the family farm. John was hired by the Toronto Transit Commission in 1958, and held many positions over his 38-year career, retiring as a supervisor with Gray Coach Lines in Guelph in 1985.
He never stopped being a country boy and loved working in his garden. Summer visitors to Ariss were guaranteed a basket of fresh vegetables - the most extraordinary tomatoes, zucchini, beans and of course, potatoes. There was always a family dog, and a series of stray cats that made their way into his home and heart. John will be remembered as a devoted Blue Jays fan, and the most generous of men, kind and congenial to the end.
He is survived by his brother George and sister-in-law Margaret, and his nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Bill, and sisters Henrietta Hooke and Anne Beattie.
Resting at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St N., Guelph on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 10 – 11 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the chapel at 11 a.m. Interment in Marymount Cemetery, Guelph.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Wellington in John’s memory would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers there for the compassionate care John received in his last days.