John passed away peacefully at the Maison McCulloch Hospice on July 5th, 2026, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy, his son Bill Boudreau (wife Kim) and daughter Christina Sitko (husband Brian). His son Steve Boudreau has gone on ahead to warn everyone to have the Wiser’s Rye ready. John a.k.a. ‘Grumpy’ was the proud grandfather of Laila Boudreau (partner Mike Thibeault), Olivia Boudreau, Jonathan Sitko, and Gregory Sitko. He was also very happy he got to meet his great-grandson Calvin before he passed.
John was born in Timmins on June 27, 1939. He worked in forestry until 1959, when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and was stationed in Germany and Italy, he was an expert marksman. John and Judy were married in July 1965, and they returned to Canada after leaving the military in 1969. He worked in sales until they bought Garson Taxi / Air Cab in 1981. John was a proud member of the Valley East Lions club for 50 years. They moved to Foleyet and then to Picton and eventually settled in Falconbridge to be close to family.
John was a sport parachutist making over 170 jumps. He was also an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing and moose hunting. There were many trips to Ramsey Lake (north) for walleye and to Tangent Bay for moose hunting expeditions; where, on a clear night, Hank Williams Sr. could be heard for miles…
John will be greatly missed by all of his family and many, many friends.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Maison McCulloch Hospice in John’s name. Per John’s wishes, there will not be a celebration of life. Remember him fondly next time you have a Rye and Pepsi. As John would say, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere”.