It is with great sadness to announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather, painter, woodcarver, humourist, jazz fan, and friend John H. Poole. John left us peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, his 89th year at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington.
John was born and raised in England, the country where he met his beloved wife Pam, where they married in 1962 and started their family with two daughters: Tracy in 1969 and Nina in 1974. With career opportunities in North America, John and his young family left the comfort of home in the UK for new horizons starting with Philadelphia in 1977 and then to Canada in 1981.
John was very proud of his career in the Natural Gas Industry. His renowned hard work ethic started by serving an Apprenticeship in Engineering at Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co., and then in 1968 he joined the American Meter Company in the UK, where he spent 33 loyal and dedicated years of service. During this time, he managed plants in the UK and US, to then become the Vice President /General Manager of the Canadian Meter Operation in Milton for the remaining 20 years of his successful career. His position allowed him to travel and experience the world which he loved almost as much as telling the stories of his travels.
When John retired it gave him the time and resources to pursue his interest in woodcarving. He developed his very special artistic gift for wood carving over a few years. His hard work and dedication to specializing his craft paid off as he and Pam quickly became staples at wood carving shows that sent them travelling across North America to various Roundups. They even hosted 7 wood carving Roundups in Copetown in the early 2000’s! This was a great deal of work for the retirees, but it was all worth it as they thrived during these events by sharing the love of the craft and seeing all the passion and appreciation of the attendees. This network of likeminded individuals coming together formed many long friendships – near, far, and very dear as the wood carving community quickly became a wonderful source of comradery and support. Once John became a skilled caricature carver, he paid it forward by teaching many others to carve which brought him so much joy.
With his zest to learn and create, music too was one of John’s passions. He really tried to play instruments, but soon realized that he would rather leave that to the professionals! His love of Jazz was undeniable, and he often shared his extensive music collection with any visitors to the house. He was always seeking alternative outlets for his creativity – even his PowerPoint picture emails had flair! Along with his carvings, music collection, he also leaves his family with numerous paintings, that were completed over decades and will forever be cherished.
John leaves behind his incredible wife, Pam, of 62 years. They shared a long life of love, laughs, and adventure living across 3 countries on 2 continents, travelling the world, whilst raising their daughters to do the same; embrace travel, be curious to create, learn something new, work hard, experience and enjoy all that life has to offer.
As proud he was of his wife and daughters, John was also very proud of his grandchildren, Keynan and Cayley. He was forever ready to teach them something new and share some John H. Poole words of wisdom.
John is survived by his wife Pam, daughter Nina (Andrew), daughter Tracy (Hughes, Keynan, Cayley), brother Doug (Ann) and sister Mary (Terry) of Isle of Man, UK along with many nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by brother Ken (Anne) from Scotland.
Friends may visit with the family at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St. N., Waterdown on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. until the start of a Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Reception will follow in the Family Centre. Cremation has taken place. Livestream of the service will be available through the funeral home website.
Pam, Tracy (Hughes) and Nina (Andrew) wish to thank everyone for their continued support of John when he went into the Hospital. John appreciated all the visits, cards, and emails from those checking in on him.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in John’s memory. The excellent care team at the hospital enjoyed John’s sense of humour and showed him kindness and patience. John was the boss for many years in his career, it was hard for him to allow someone else to be the manager! Thankfully the staff at Joseph Brant handled him with grace and ease.
Please find the livestream link and sign the Tribute Wall at kitchingsteepeandludwig.com
