It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved brother Johnny with family by his side on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Health Sciences North at the age of 82 years. Born in Rouyn-Noranda, QC, he was the son of the late John and Therese Brkljacich (nee Frechette). Loving brother of Norman “Berky” (Jean), Susan (Bob), Silvio (Bernita), and Alice (Brian). He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Johnny was a jack of all trades, he started his own business and was Dowling’s first ever garbage man, he was a truck driver for Day Construction in its early years, a school bus driver, and worked for the City of Greater Sudbury in the Dowling and Levack arenas. Johnny did a lot of plumbing for his friends and neighbors, repaired water pumps, and in his spare time he liked to collect stamps among other hobbies. He loved listening to country music, gardening and going to yard sales. In keeping with Johnny’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.
Connie and I were disheartened to hear of Johnny’s passing this past December. Unfortunately living in British Columbia limits the amount of news we received from our former home in Dowling. Johnny was a very close friend of Clayton Sweeney and the members of his family. Clayton passed a few years ago. Our last visit with Johnny occurred during those difficult days. Johnny is much more then a casual acquaintance to us or indeed the community of Dowling as a whole. His spirit will always reside in our hearts and those who loved him like we did and still do. I would need a lot more room then what is available here to speak of the deeds of this beloved friend. He was meant to be who he was, a Spirit of our community. I was a member of the OPP in Dowling when I first met Johnny the School Bus Driver, the Plumber, the Mr. Everything and Anything you want I will do for you guy everyone looked up to….Johnny , you have more work to do in the Kingdom of Heaven. Our dearest condolences to Norman “Berky” Susan Silvio and Alice.
March 31, 2021
We are so sad to learn of Johnny’s passing. He was such a wonderful person. Always so helpful. Yes he helped us with our water pump I don’t know how many times. I can still picture him walking his dog, Oreo, on Morgan road which he did faithfully and was always willing to stop for a chat. Dowling has truly lost a wonderful resident and he will be very much missed.
December 14, 2020
On behalf of the Sudbury Stamp Club please
Accept our condolences at this very sad time. Johnny B. was a valued member of our Club and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
December 13, 2020
Johnny was a man that will always be remembered. Still think of him as our bus driver. So sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences. A wonderful man.
December 12, 2020
We are both very sorry for your loss. John was a community fixture that we all knew and enjoyed talking with.
December 11, 2020