John Newman

NEWMAN, John Becher…

John Becher Newman, 98, avid iPhone, FaceTime and social media techie, barbershop singer, gardener, wood carver, bingo player, crossword solver and Sudoku master was born on May 25, 1921 and peacefully left us on Saturday, May 2, 2020. John was a true gentleman, with a kind heart and a twinkle in his eye who inspired everyone through his joyful attitude toward life. Born in Adiscombe Surrey, South London, UK, John spent his childhood growing up in Brighton. He served in the British Air Force in WW2, 1941-1946, before emigrating to Canada with his beloved wife Betty (nee Heason), to build elevators in 1950.

John is survived by his second wife, Brenda Newman. Loving father of Keith, Steve, Wendy, and Mark (Claudia) Newman and Laura Stinson. Proud grandfather of Matt (Megan), Sarah, Mitch and Nick. He will be greatly missed by a host of extended family in Canada, USA, United Kingdom and Australia. His absence will be felt by friends both young and old, who were inspired by his retirement home adventures.

John was a rare combination of someone who had a deep love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – being kind, always saying “Please and thank you”, and telling others how much he loved them. 

John bought his first iPhone at 93 and quickly became a Snapchatting, selfie snapping, Facetiming, mobile banking techie. To him it was a crisis when he was unable to transfer mobile photos onto his HP computer. Technology kept him connected and entertained as he frequently checked his Find Friends app to confirm Sarah and Laura’s whereabouts. When his puzzles were done for the day, he used his QR code scanner to investigate everything with a barcode.

John will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a sincere, intellectual, and inquisitive man with a youthful curiosity and a mischievous chuckle. He will be dearly missed by his many friends and the wonderful staff at Royalcliffe Retirement Residence, who are likely relieved his days of delighting fellow residents by speeding about and spinning circles in his electric wheelchair have come to an end. Thank you to the Royalcliffe staff for a rich and exciting two years of retirement home living!

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.

Shortly before being uploaded to his own cloud, John wished that “Everyone would have a safe and happy life”. In support of this wish, donations in John’s memory can be made to an organization of your choice assisting those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“When I come to the end of the road and the sun is set for me,

I want no rights in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the laughter and joy we shared and lovingly let me go.”