Remembering John Dean Cathers

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Dean (JD) Cathers, aged 89. A  devoted partner, father, son, brother, and friend. John left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.

John is survived by his loving partner of 30 years,  Delia McLeod, his children - Peter, Bill (Sue), Margaret (Ian) and Jane (Walter)., his stepchildren - Hugo (Deanna), Sascha (Guy) and Fiona. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan( (Meagan), Holly, Sarah, Luke, Paige, Ryan,  Abby, Hunter, Hudson, Ryder, Jake and Dylan and great-grandfather to Scarlett.

John was predeceased by his parents, Cecil ('Tiny') and Katherine ('Kaye')., his siblings - Sue (Michael), Elizabeth (known as Byse), Dave (Connie) and granddaughter, Courtney.

John attended St. Andrew’s College and the University of Toronto. His closest friends were those that he met through SAC, the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, the Granite Club and Rosedale Golf Club.

He pursued a 47 year long career in the investment business. Starting as an investment broker with McLeod, Young Weir, he was still devoted to his clientele years later, when the Bank of Scotia bought the company - becoming Scotia McLeod before merging into the Tucker Willson Group at Scotia Wealth Management. He made lasting connections and achieved great success, eventually retiring in 2005, after which he travelled extensively to every corner of the world.

John was affectionately known as JD ('Jay Dee' as he named his boat) or ‘Grumpy’ Grampa JD, depending on who was addressing him. 

JD was famous for his lists of chores and Xmas stockings neatly organized in Canadian Tire  bags. We don’t believe he ever bought someone a physical birthday present (though he was very generous!), nor did he ever read a book. But everyone in the family had a Consumer Reports magazine subscription. The TV was never turned off, and BNN and CNBC have just lost a devoted viewer (unfortunately, the whole family had to watch too!).

JD always summered on Nottawaga Beach, on Georgian Bay, where he built his oasis  ‘Sun Patch’. He loved golf, curling, boating, sailing, tennis, squash, skidooing, burn piles and giving his kids chores. Away from Toronto, he was devoid of competition, so he started up his own Sailing Club and Tennis Club. All his winning sailing ribbons are still proudly displayed 40 years later.

JD …you may have ….made your last trade… hit your last rock ...shot your last crow   …swung your last club ...hit your last backspin drop shot .. .won your last race …changed your last channel …or organized your last school reunion ... .but you will always be fondly remembered by all.

As was John’s wish, a private celebration of John's life will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a toast to him…with a Limoncello   ...of course!