John Stephen
July 3, 2026
STEPHEN, John Robert – After a lengthy illness, John passed away peacefully at the Louise Marshall Hospital on Friday, July 3, 2026 in his 84th year.
Cherished husband of Catherine Stephen (née Dunn) for 59 years. Loving father of Philip (Lindsay) of Barrie, and Jennifer (John) Strods of Etobicoke. Adored Popi of Sawyer, Isla, Madison and Jonathan. Survived by his brothers Robert (Phyllis), and David; and sister-in-law Mary (Jim) Caley. Remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Harold and Marguerite, and brother-in-law Terence Dunn.
John was first and foremost a devoted family man. A quiet man behind the scenes, whose calming presence impacted all who were privileged to know him. He set a high standard in everything he did. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Mount Forest. He took every aspect of life with the same calmness evident in all he did. Integrity and gentleness defined John.
John was born in Toronto. He attended Ryerson Polytechnical Institute where he met his wife, Catherine. He then worked for IBM for 28 years and took early retirement at 49. John and Catherine’s retirement was filled with simple pleasures and contentment. His strength was not shown in words, but in his quiet presence. He will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew him.
In recent years, John resided at Strathcona Long Term Care and made many friendships there.
The family would like to thank the exceptional staff of the Louise Marshall Hospital for their compassion and care.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Purification Church, 310 Parkside Drive, Mount Forest, on Thursday, July 9th at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following, all are invited to the church hall for refreshments and fellowship. Private inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of John are asked to consider St. Mary of the Purification Church or a charity of your choice. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Hi Kathy
Very sorry to hear about your husband. I remember him well when we were in training. I understand that he has been ill for a couple of years. That ha do be very difficult for your family and him. Please accept my condolences . Take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing you again at one of OGH reunion
Theresa Devine
Please know you have our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
— Tony and Linda MacBurnie, July 13, 2026Dear Cathy, we are so sorry to learn of John's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Cherish the many memories in the upcoming days
— Don and Gwen Cormack, July 11, 2026I’m very sorry to hear the news of John’s passing and send my condolences to the whole family. Even after such a long time, I still remember him very fondly and the time that we all spent together are happy memories. I will keep you all in my thoughts and wish you comfort during this difficult time, with my sympathy;
George Chamberlain
Dear Catherine
So very sorry for your loss. He was a true gentleman. May all the good memories fill your heart.
Sincerely
Lynn Reeves
Catherine:
I am so sorry to hear about your husband John passing. I will miss not seeing you at Strathchona and being part of Family Council.
Linda Saunders
Oh Cathy, we were so sad to hear of John’s passing and this new “normal” for you. We will be praying for you as you walk this journey. May the truths of Gods Word come to mind often to comfort and give strength. We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs…
— Whatleys, July 7, 2026Cathy & family:
Our sincere condolences as you grieve the loss of John. May you experience some comfort as you reminisce the many happy & special times you had together...
with our caring & prayers,
Gary & Gwynne
Cathy sending our deepest condolences to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Genny and Bruce
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. We will remember his quiet presence, kind smile and sense of humor during family gatherings. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathleen, Phil, Jennifer and family during this sad time, but rest knowing that John is now at peace. Blessings to you all.
— Peter and Carol Blakeley, July 6, 2026Sending you all our deepest condolences on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
— Smart Family, July 6, 2026Sending our sincerest condolences to Cathleen and family, I remember John as a quiet man but sometimes his one line jokes were hilarious, my mother always said John was patient, caring and kind. May God bless him and rest in peace now.
— David and Leesa Blakeley, July 6, 2026Our deepest condolences Cathy and family.
John was a true gentleman and we are so thankful to have known him. He is in a better place now in God’s arms. RIP John🙏🏻🙏🏻 Our thoughts and prayers
To Jennifer and family. My deepest condolences. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP.
We were very sorry to hear of John's passing and we will remember him and all his family in our thoughts and prayers.
— Carl and Colleen Dalla Costa, July 5, 2026Jennifer,
My heart goes out to you and your mom and your family.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
John
May John rest in peace amongst all those he loved and lost. God has blessed him after a life well lived. Asking God's blessings and mercy that Cath, Philip and Jennifer find contentment after loosing their beloved husband and Dad.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this journey of loss.
Sending a ton of love ❤️ and hugs 🫂
Anne and Kevin
We are in sorrow with you as you grieve the loss of a beloved husband , father and grandfather. John was a gentle soul who made the world a better place with his quiet presence. All who knew him admired his intelligence, his kindness and his deep faith that we are all tasked to be the best we can be. We will miss him every moment of every day. May he now rest in the Loving Arms of God where suffering is no more. Kathleen (Catherine) Jennifer and family and Phil and family may you find peace at this difficult time of loss. Prayers and love to you all. Jim Mary and family.
— Jim and Mary Caley, July 5, 2026John was always a true gentleman in every sense of the word.Although quiet he displayed a wry sense of humor which at times was infectious.We always enjoyed our getogethers at nursing events over the years and got to share fond memories of our times together.
John will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to call him a friend.