John Alexander Fingland
October 31, 2021
Peacefully passed away at LHSC – University Hospital, early on the morning of Sunday, October 31, 2021. Beloved husband of Linda. Father of Randy and Robert. Stepfather to Thomas Smith, Robin Smith, Todd Smith and Dennis Smith. Grandfather to Sabine, Vicki Wetlaufer, Danny Wetflaufer, Robert Smith, Brandon Smith, Matthew Firth, Haley Elliot, Megan Elliot, Matthew Haias, Alex Smith and Isabelle Smith. Great-grandfather to Austin, Alexis, Sierra, Kali, Kyra, Kora, Joey, Benjamin, Paisley and Marley.
Born in Cochrane, Ontario to the late Elizabeth and Murray Fingland. Brother of Jean. Raised through the Depression in Cochrane attending elementary and secondary school. Boyhood friend of Tim Horton who later became famous as a hockey player and restaurant owner. John served as Army Cadet Corps Commander in high school for two years. He was involved in hockey, softball and swimming while growing up in Cochrane.
John enrolled in Forestry at the University of Toronto in 1948. He was a proud member of the Toronto Varsity Blues championship hockey team.
After university graduation, he returned to Northern Ontario and worked in the lumber industry in Cochrane and Sault Ste. Marie. John subsequently joined the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources where he worked for 35 years in various locations and positions. This culminated in a position as Director of the Southwestern Ontario Region before retirement.
John was constantly curious and never stopped learning. He returned to University of Western Ontario to obtain a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering in 1980. He was an elected member of the Council of Ontario Professional Foresters Association for eight years serving as President for one year.
John remained active as a golf and curling member of Highland Country Club for over 30 years. In retirement, he was a golfing member of RiverBend Golf Club for seven years. He loved woodworking, landscape painting and travelling in retirement.
Funeral service to be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 12:00 p.m., with a visitation period one hour prior. Registration will be required to attend the service and all are welcome to attend in celebration of John’s life.
To register for the service, please click here: Registration page for John’s service on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. (Vis one hour prior)
A tree grows as a living legacy and a lasting benefit to the environment. John was passionate about the forests and trees around London. A tree in his memory can be planted in the Celebration Forest with a donation to ReForest London.
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Sending heartfelt condolences Linda to you and your family. John was a wonderful and kind man and will be dearly missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Anne Aarts
John was a wonderful person to work with and a valued source for advice about many things involved with natural resource management. I value those working years with him at the Ministry of Natural Resources. He is fondly remembered, and may this also be a wish for everyone who knew him.
I had the pleasure of working with John at the Ministry of Natural resources. He was such a positive, caring and sharing person. Realizing that I did not know much about forestry, but he took time to walk through our woodlot and share his knowledge about the trees and the wildlife. I remember him as person that had a contagious smile and appreciated people. We had good conversations and he was also interested in learning about the oil and gas industry. Our condolences to his family and friends and he will be fondly remembered.
I’m so sorry to read of your husband’s passing. You are in my thought Linda and may peace be with you. I hope to connect soon. Lynn ❤️
Sending heartful condolences Linda to you and your family. John was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. You know you are in my thoughts and prayers.xxxxxoooooo
I enjoyed my lengthy association with John as a subordinate (with MNR), fellow forestry colleague and friend. I was always impressed by his breadth of knowledge and his unwavering dedication to the forestry profession. Every time I drive North along Highbury Avenue from my home in St. Thomas, I am reminded of John as I cross the Kettle Creek Valley and view the pine plantations which I believe were established under his direction. My deepest sympathies go out to Linda and the rest of the family. Sincerely, John Nolan
John and I both worked for the OMNR in the 1980's and while I worked in Aylmer District, John was our Regional Lands Coordinator who was always pleasant to talk to particularly about Cochrane and Hearst where I once worked. I had never met a man with more dignity, grace and professionalism. His memory will be cherished . I'm certain he is walking the swamps of Cochrane choking on black flies and loving every minute of it. Gerry Richer, Aylmer, Ont.
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A tree grows as a living legacy and a lasting benefit to the environment. John was passionate about the forests and trees around London. A tree in his memory can be planted in the Celebration Forest with a donation to ReForest London.
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Randy and Robert-please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I remember you both from your days at Arthur Ford. Your family will be in my prayers.
~ Jim hull