John Eli Julie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of John Eli Julie at his home in Huntsville on Monday, September 7, 2020. 

John will be greatly missed by his surviving family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mona (nee Whistle), his son John (Janice), daughter Trisha (Rick), and his two grandchildren: Spencer and Esme. He will be missed by his brothers George (Gail) of Pelham and Rick (Brenda) of Toronto, and his sister Jane (Frank) of Penetanguishene. 

John was always quick with a story, and to share his positive outlook on life. His life was filled by love for his family, hockey, Scouting, farming, business, and life’s challenges. John grew up in Niagara Falls on his family farm, with his parents and eight siblings, and later lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Sundridge, and Huntsville.

When John was 17 years old, he drove truck from Niagara Falls to Pittsburgh 3-4 times a week, after finding out that he could make more money driving than in an office as a clerk. 

John met the love of his life, Mona, at a dance hall. Upon his initial offer to dance, she said ‘no’, but signature of John’s tenacity he responded with ‘do you not even want to turn around and look at me?’. After which, she turned around and agreed to have a dance — they would go on to have two loving children and lived the rest of their lives together. 

Once John made up his mind, he wasted no time. In 1967, he decided to buy a farm, signed the papers, and then went home to tell Mona (in that order). It was a done deal. In 1985, John sold the farm and moved 400km north to Sundridge, ON, purchasing the ‘Smokey Kettle’ on Highway 11 and renaming it the ‘Maple Sugar House’. John had an enterprising spirit, expanding the business and connecting with clientele from all over the world. After more than 25 years, they retired to their home in Huntsville on Fairy Lake. 

John passed away at home after a few months of turbulent heart issues. The family will share details about a celebration of life at a later date, when gathering restrictions have been relaxed.