John Charby
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of “Papa John”. He passed on Oct 2nd, 2022 at the age of 72 with the love of his life Linda by his side.
Loving husband of Linda (nee Godfrey) of 27 years.
Step-father of Tammy & Howard, Jay & Vennessa and Dave & Jamie.
Proud grandfather of Jessica (Nelson), Wes (Grace ), Nate (Jordyn), Faith, Cassidy, Peyton and DJ. Great-grandfather of Jesse, Grace, Zeke and Adilyn.
Survived by sisters Vera (Gilbert) and Betty (William) and brother Roger. He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews through both his and Linda’s family. Fondly remembered by Linda’s sisters.
Pre-deceased by sisters Marianne, Pearl and Shirley and brothers Earl, George, Raymond and Ernie.
John was born in Sawyerville, Quebec and was the youngest of the family of William and Beatrice Charby (nee Fuller).
John spent time in his earlier years working on cars doing mechanics and body work. He also spent many years working in the bush doing firewood. Howard recalls running the skidder, helping load the truck and driving the “Big White” from Barrie to Huntsville. Howard always knew where to take his chains to get sharpened! John would light up when Linda’s car pulled into the bush lot to deliver coffee or lunch but even more so when she opened the back door and one of the grandkids climbed out.
At some point, he stopped dealing with the firewood and turned to the “open road” as a truck driver. He loved trucking. During some of his trucking adventures, Linda joined him and off they went to see the country. When Jess, Wes & Nate were old enough Gma & Papa would let them have turns going on the road with them. One adventure included all 3 of them!
John told us many stories of his life over the years and some of his favourite things including being on the road trucking, hunting, travelling, George Jones, Golden labs or any dog in general but his most loved thing was the family he gained when he married the love of his life Linda, aka “Bubba”. We all remember no matter where we met he would patiently stand until he received all our hugs first and then the visit could begin. Bentley and Coconut will miss the special attention he gave them as well.
John treated us as his own and he had a heart of gold. He would do anything for us. Memories of the hunt camp, times in the bush, mini-putt, truck rides, Big Curve Acres Farm, playing “31” and many family get-togethers will stay with us forever.
Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Palliative team, Home Care team, Huntsville Hospital staff and the staff/volunteers at Algonquin Grace Hospice as they helped care for John. Special thanks to Kayla, Jamie, Norma, Lee-Ann, Dr. Kent, Way and Sharon. It is through your kindness and compassion that we were able to get through these tough days.
As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville.
