It is with great sadness that the family announces the unexpected death of John George Morissette on October 4th at the age of 60 years after a long battle with lung disease. John was born and raised in Haileybury Ontario, the son of George and Elaine Morissette. He attended the Haileybury School of Mines where he was the president of the student council. He went on to attend the University of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earning a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering. He met and married his wife, Lee Anne Kimberley Whetstone “Kim” in Meaford, Ontario on October 15th 1994.

Over his distinguished career, John worked for various Canadian and International companies. In 1994 John became the Director of International Business at Teledyne, a position which required his relocation to Columbus, Ohio. In his later career he worked as a senior executive in the equipment manufacturing industry, including President of American Fan Company, senior vice president of Flakt Woods Group and CEO of SEMCO Ltd. His business career took him all over the world to more than 40 different countries on five continents.

A strong family man, John always said his greatest joy and accomplishment was raising his three daughters.

He enjoyed spending time visiting his extended family in Canada and the United States. His strong family ties galvanized him to become the family genealogist.

A devoted Ohio State Football fan he travelled far and wide to cheer on his Buckeyes.

John was an avid dog lover. He and his wife owned Kimori Bouviers des Flandres, breeding and raising champion Bouviers. One of his favorite activities was training his dogs, most recently his beloved Border Collie Spitfire, in a variety of canine sports.

John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kim, his daughters Erin Harris, Lacey Curry (Brent), and Nicole Dunn (Vernon) his grandchildren Avery, Cameron, Noelle, Sophie, Brent Jr., Brenden, Maddison, Alexis and Aviri.

He is also survived by his mother Elaine Morissette, his brothers Paul (Sharon), Peter (Nancy), Tom (Brenda), his sisters Michelle Morissette (Tom Little) and Margaret Stasiuk (Dave). John was preceded in death by his father, George Morissette.

John was a wonderful, kind man with a fabulous sense of humor, a realistic outlook on life and a genuineness that can’t be bought. His smile always lit up the room and will continue to do so in our hearts. He will be greatly missed.

In accordance with his wishes, John has been cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American or Canadian Lung Association. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

THE TRAIN OF LIFE

“At birth, we board the train and meet our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side.

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life.

However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.

Others will step down over time and leave a permanent vacuum.

Some, however, will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats.

Others will step down and leave a permanent vacuum

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down.

So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.

It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you all a joyful journey.”

Rest in Peace, John Morissette