John Gordon Truscott
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful father, John G. Truscott, in his 98th year. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, John was the son of the late Gordon Truscott and Winifred Truscott (Martin) and brother to Kaye Peden and the late Ruth Truscott and Dona Braden. He married his true love Betty Stockford in 1953 with whom he shared three children, Kathryn (Gary), Susan (Roy), Patty (Warren). John was a devoted and loving grandfather to Timmy, Devin, Melanie (Jeff), Brett (Alex), Daryl, Nicholas (Chanelle), and great grandchildren Oliver, Sloane and Henry.
John attended Hillfield School in Hamilton and participated in the Cadet program, then was enrolled at Lakefield College, where he continued exploring his interest in boating and sailing. Upon high school graduation, John volunteered for the Royal Canadian Navy rather than awaiting WW2 conscription. He served as a telegrapher and then a sick bay attendant. Upon release, he entered University to study architecture, until the illness of his father compelled him to take over the family business, Truscott Bros. Funeral Home.
John's lifelong passion was boating, sailing and sailboat racing which began at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club at the age of 9. The rental and eventual purchase of a family cottage at Norway Point led to summers of sailing and boating on Lake of Bays with family and friends. He was one of the founding fathers of the Lake of Bays Sailing Club to provide a youth sailing program on the Lake, now into its 59th year. He served as the Club's first secretary, as well as Director and Commodore. When the club needed to relocate from Bigwin Island, John negotiated the transfer of the Glenmount Catholic Church to the Sailing Club. A lifelong volunteer for the club, John was a regular at "boats in or out", a chaperone and driver for CORK in Kingston, and other regatta's and was the Lake of Bays official tester for boating licenses.
He shared his passion of sailing and racing with his daughters and grandchildren. The grandchildren anxiously awaited their turns for their overnight sailing trips with their Grandpa to what seemed like faraway reaches of the lake. He routinely sailed his orange hulled Shark at 2pm most days, taking family, friends or someone new to the lake, but also enjoying solo sailing. He sailed until his early 90's.
His love of sports was also expressed with his many years of golfing and curling at the Burlington Golf & Country Club. He was a Rotarian who attended weekly meetings wherever he happened to be. He served as a volunteer in many organizations.
He considered his love of family, friends and neighbours and his home on Whiskey Bay, Lake of Bays, the true blessings of his life. His sense of humour was legendary, and he seldom let an opportunity pass for a witty remark or remembrance, even at 97! He loved to share his history of the lake and stories of growing up at the cottage or on Ravenscliffe Ave in Hamilton.
John was a loving husband and, with Betty, enjoyed hosting relatives and friends. He never met a stranger and was always looking to assist anyone in need.
Our family would like to express special appreciation to the caring and expert medical professionals and wonderful care workers that assisted our Dad.
Fair winds and following seas, Dad.
In memory, the family would appreciate donations to the Lake of Bays Sailing Club (receipt available if designated to the sailing club through the Lake of Bays Heritage Association) or St. Ambrose Anglican Church in Baysville.
A private family graveside service will be held in summer, with a separate celebration of his life at his home, the cottage.
