14 Jan 1929 – 30 May 2024 (95)
Korea
Died peacefully at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre LTC on Thursday May 30, 2024.
John was born January 14, 1929 in Cliviger, Lancashire, England. He arrived in Canada with his parents in 1931. Predeceased by his beloved wife Roberta, brothers Donald and James, sons Douglas and Richard and son-in-law Keith Oswald. Survived by children Gordon, Alan (Debby), Marian, Norman (Tracey), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
John was raised in St. Catharines Ontario. In 1948 he joined the Reserve. When John heard that War had broken out in Korea in 1950, he transferred to active service. And when the call came out in August, he volunteered to join the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (D company). In 1951 John was wounded in action, he spent 2 months in hospital and then returned to action to complete his tour in February 1952.
John worked for English Electric before and after the Korean War and then moved on to Philips Electronics where he stayed for 26 years until retirement. Following his retirement, John became interested in art and took up painting. He became quite an accomplished watercolour artist painting landscape scenes, particularly rural houses and buildings.
In 1952 John met the love of his life, Roberta, in 1953 they married and raised 6 children and 2 grandchildren. First residing in St. Catharines, they moved to Scarborough in 1961 when English Electric moved operations. John was active on his street, always ready to give neighbours a helping hand and in his church, St. Mark’s United. He was a charitable man, preferring those charities that supported community and children’s welfare.
John will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbours.
Special thanks and appreciation go out to the Nurses, Doctors and Support Staff at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre LTC, LFSW, for the excellent care and family support in the time Dad spent there. Dad was not there for long, but he was made a member of the family on day one.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Grant a Wish Program https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=veterans-grant-wish-program or to the charity of your choice.
https://mountpleasantgroup.permavita.com/site/JohnRatcliffe.html
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