April 22, 1928 - November 27, 2022
The Sinclair family is saddened to announce that John has passed away at the age of 94 at Stratford Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Marjorie (nee Elligsen). John was a beloved father to Bill Sinclair (Joyce), Janet Lawry (Clive) and late son Rob Sinclair (Sharon), grandfather to Brad Sinclair, Tammy Sinclair, James Sinclair (Kate), Jackie Sinclair (Chris), Jennifer Jantzi (Justin), Katie Lawry and Laura Lawry, and great-grandfather to Charlie, Harry and Jonas. He is predeceased by his very close cousin Peg Smith (nee Mitchell) (Jack) and survived by Peg's son Tim Averill (Edna).
John was born in Stratford to William and Ina Sinclair. He went to Stratford Central High School, where he and Marjorie became high school sweethearts and enthusiastic members of the badminton club. Marjorie and John were married on October 6, 1951 at Zion Lutheran Church, and raised their family in Stratford. He graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1951 and began his career at Harwood Drugs after apprenticing there throughout his training. On March 17, 1960, John opened Sinclair Pharmacy, and expanded into Tavistock a bit later with Tavistock Pharmacy. He continued to work at both locations at various times until he retired in 1988, after a very successful career. He was also a board member of the Drug Trading Company from 1973 to 1994.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, family, and friends. He and Marjorie traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa and South America with Horner groups. He regularly visited his aunts and uncles in Inverness, Scotland, and took family trips with his children to Florida and South Carolina. There were also many memorable cruises over the years, including those with his grandchildren. John spent as much time as possible throughout his life at the family cottage on Ril Lake, which was built by his father and is now being enjoyed by the fourth generation. His family remembers his many hours driving the boat for children and grandchildren and sitting on the dock or by the campfire. We will also remember his love of gardening and watching the birds at his backyard feeders, and ongoing battles with the squirrels and rabbits to protect the vegetables and bird feeders.
John was a longtime member and volunteer at Knox Presbyterian Church and Zion Lutheran Church. He was also active in other service clubs in Stratford, and a highly respected member of the community. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, commitment, as well as his wonderful sense of humor and as an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at W.G. Young Funeral Home on Saturday, December 10 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stratford General Hospital Foundation, Zion Lutheran Church, or to a charity of choice through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
