Book of Memories for John Sidney Acheson

Condolence From Paula McDermott

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:49:51 EST

From my family to yours, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy. John, to my knowledge never new us, but I wonder if the paths of John and my father, Lewis Mac Afee may have crossed many years ago at Stalag Luft III. My father passed away December 26, 2010 and it was during his visitation at the Wallace Funeral Home, in Sussex NB, that a friend brought in Johns death notice to us. He thought how similar the lives of John and my father had been. Like John, my father was in the RCAF, the only survivor of his plane, and spent most of the war in Stalag Luft III and was married 63 years. Like John, my father was a great man, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed by a lot of people. Our heartfelt sympathies to all of you at this difficult time....the Family of Lewis Mac Afee

Condolence From Jared McClelland

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:10:04 EST

I am one of the 'fortunates' to have spent the majority of my career at Dominion Life, beginning in 1966. During most of those years, John (affectionately known as 'JSA' to his hardy crew) steered the ship on a steady course. And a good ship it was. It exuded all of the finer values and disciplines of a well run military operation. Fairness, clear chains of command, integrity of the highest order, 'spit and polish' respect for all, pride of achievement generosity and much humour to name a few. We were respected and well treated and did our best to respond in kind. In looking back, there was probably not a finer place to spend one's working life. And that was due, in great measure to the culture and attitude which came from 'The Chief', John, and was absorbed by all of us throughout the organization. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to have known him and to have worked with him and for him, and cherish the memories of those wonderful years. It was a special time in a special place, with a very special man. He will be missed and long remembered by myself and many others. Thank you John, for everything.

Condolence From Anna Latino

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:31:04 EST

Dear Gail, Irving, Jessica, Marjorie and families. We are very sorry to hear of John's passing. You and your families have been blessed by this wonderful man's very existence in your lives. His legacy lives on through all of you. You are all truly wonderful people and our thoughts are with you at this time of great sorrow. Love to all, from Anna, Chris, Cory and Leah

Condolence From Ken and Janet Ritz

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:28:52 EST

Dear Scott, Maggie and family: We were saddened to hear about your Dad's passing. Regrettably, we cannot be with you at the service, but our thoughts have been, and will be there. He was a good man and will be missed - that is a wonderful legacy in itself. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Condolence From Suzanne & David Thwaites

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 02:14:42 EST

Dear Marjorie and family. We have wonderful memories of times since 1978 both in Canada and Australia - markets, food, plays, the Haliburton Walk and great company. A special time for David in the early 1990's was hearing the war memories. Thanks for adding to our lives. Love Suzanne & David Thwaites

Condolence From Janet and Graham Baker

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:14:03 EST

Dear Marjorie, Kathleen, Gail, Scott and families At this time of your and our loss, please accept Janet and my most sincere sympathies. The reality of John's passing is still hard to believe, even though we have known of his state of health for some time. Our fondest memories go back to the mid 70’s when I was fortunate to report to John at Dominion Life for almost a decade. We worked very closely together, especially planning for and running the quarterly Directors’ Meetings and of course the Annual General Meeting. John was a perfectionist and a hard taskmaster. However, he taught me much which would prove to be of great help when we opened our own business. Janet will miss his hugs which she always enjoyed when we saw each other and our daughter Cinnamon still remembers his grandfather-like attitude towards her when she was a little girl. Last Thursday, we experienced some wide spread power surges, the cause of which we could not understand. We now realize that it must have been a result of all the energy coming from above the clouds as John, Jim and Derek were getting caught up on things. While our presence in Florida prevents us from being with you January 9th, please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Fond memories and love, Janet and Graham

Condolence From Gerald and irene Devlin

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:52:43 EST

Our deepest sympathy to Marjorie and all the Acheson family on the loss of a husband and father. John was a fine and decent man, with whom I enjoyed a very rewarding association during the time that he served on the board of the Canadian Life and Health Association. Irene and I have fond memories of many pleasant encounters with John and Marjorie. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely. Gerry and Irene Devlin

Condolence From Jen Thwaites

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:29:11 EST

Dear Marj, Kathleen, Scott and Gail an families It was with great sadness that I learnt yesterday of the death of John, my Canadian Dad. How blessed I have been to have had his friendship and yours, since 1972 in that year of my student exchange from Australia. Though the great distance has kept us apart, the warmth and love has remained deep. I have many loving memories of my friend, "Dad", John. I so enjoyed our unexpected trip down south in '92 as well as in '08 when John drove me past the old Dominion Life building, Huntley Crescent and his beloved Westmount Golf Club. My house is full of shared joys of my Canadian visits. I found in each Christmas card and letter, sometimes written by him, such warmth and enquiry as to my development and that of my family. Each card brought exhortation and encouragement, care and a protective parental concern for my well being and future direction. David, Suzanne, Marg, Alan and the rest of my family also enjoy happy memories. David and Suzanne also sharing time with you in Canada. They pass on their condolescences to you. I long to be with you in your celebration of John's life on Sunday. I ache that I will not be there. I share in your grief at his passing and rejoice with you in the wonderful legacy that he has left his family and the community. He lived an amazing life of courage, with a determination, and of excellence, generosity, compassion and humour. He loved life, despite all that he had endured. An extrodinary man who will be sadly missed. A special couple who have given so much. My love, thoughts and prayers are with joy now and always Blessings and love Jen

Condolence From Florence Marino

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:14:29 EST

Sympathy and love, Marge! John was such a kind, considerate friend/neighbor to me here at Casarina. Rest in peace, John!. May your happy memories comfort you, Marge!

Condolence From Mark,Frances,Jaclyn

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:22:10 EST

We were so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Please accept our heart felt sympathies for you and your family. May he rest in peace.

Condolence From Ronald and Marie Downie

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:29:48 EST

Dear Marjorie and Family, We extend our sincere condolences to all of you. We have fond memories of our Siesta Key connection with John and you. He was a gentleman but certainly no pushover. He had a great sense of humour and knew how to tell a story. One had to admire John for his subsequent successes, notwithstanding the great stress of his wartime experineces. Hold on to the memories of the many good times you have all enjoyed over the years. Sincerely, Ron and Marie

Condolence From Patricia (Aberhardt) Eade

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:24:33 EST

To the Acheson Family-Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. I started my career in the insurance industry at Dominion Life under Mr. Acheson's guidance and am proud to say, I am still there. I also had the pleasure of going to school with Kathleen at WCI and have had the pleasure of meeting your family many years ago. My thoughts are with you all during this sad time.

Condolence From Gray Eakins

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:23:42 EST

Dear Marjorie, Kathleen, Scott, and Gail Reading about John's passing comes with sadness. As Peter and Elsa's son, I have many happy memories of growing up in Waterloo that included walking up Stanley Road to Empire school past your home, and then back home after school past Dominion Life. I will always remember how tall all the Achesons were. Scott, I remember you being a good basketball player. More importantly, I remember thinking what kind, fun, and hard working parents Scott, Kathleen and Gail had. Your participated in church, business, golf, and community. Dad and mom really enjoyed being around you. I am sure you all felt that during the past decades together. I know my mom and dad, looked to you, Marjorie and John as a friends and people that gave back to the community socially, spiritually, and wished to leave the world a better place. My wife Alana (who pointed out the obituary in the G&M), our sons, and I (from Victoria) send our thoughts and wishes at this time. I also send thoughts from my mom and brother John (in Lethbridge) and sister Elizabeth and her family in Creemore, Ontario. Sadly, I am not able to pass on my brother Jamie's condolences, as he left us suddenly last March. I will end by saying that growing up in Waterloo, with your family and many others, has grounded me and helped me understand that life isn't lived for just ourselves, but also for those around us and in other lands. Love and peace Gray Eakins

Photo shared: Birthday Dance

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:50:44 EST

Photo shared: Wedding photo

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:50:11 EST

Photo shared: Wartime photo

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:48:34 EST

Condolence From Fran & Sheldon Kosky

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:19:00 EST

Dear Marj and Family We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. We have such great memories of him from the time we first became neighbours on Huntley, through your very many anniversaries and celebrations which you were always kind enough to share with us. Shelly loves to tell the story of his golf games with John in Sarasota at Oak Ford, when the buzzards were circling the course, and John would shake his club at them, yelling "go away !I'm not ready yet!" He would love to end the golf game by winning a US dollar or two, especially when our dollar was worth 65 cents. In like manner, he was very resentful when he lost that same dollar He was a real competitor and a joy to be with on the golf course. We miss you both here this year. We hope that your many fond memories of this amazing man will help you through this difficult time. Fondly, Fran & Sheldon Kosky

Photo shared: Acheson_John_Sidney.jpg

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:24:01 EST