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John Charles Fullick

November 27, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Charles Fullick announces his passing.

Born in Stratford in September of 1952, John grew up in Hickson, Ontario, the youngest son of Henry and Elsie Fullick (pre-deceased), along with his older brother Paul and sister Nancy Kropf (Sherman, pre-deceased). John was a country boy that married a city girl and ended up living in a houseful of women, including his wife of 41 years, Jane (nee Massel), his 3 daughters Eleanor (Cameron Locke), Sarah (Justin Vossen) and Alice Lozon (Alex), and 6 of the 7 black cats that we had as pets over the years. Just when the male to female ratio started to even out with the addition of partners, his 2 granddaughters, Lillian and Ila Lozon joined the family.

John’s favourite colour was orange. He enjoyed the old classic monster movies and Lord of the Rings. His 50 years of National Geographic magazines and his large library of reference books supported his fascination with ancient civilizations and military history. He helped to make all holidays special, but Halloween was his favourite. Most of all, he loved playing with his children and grandchildren; reading them stories (while wearing a ‘Cat in the Hat’ hat), carving pumpkins, building sandcastles when we went to the beach, binge watching ‘Bones’ on Christmas morning, and easter egg hunts complete with bunny ears. That late night stop at McDonald’s after Cadet’s, a mouthful of bubble-gum after eating a bubble-gum ice cream cone or just a silly conversation on top of a snowbank in the middle of winter, were special memories of his, with each of our daughters.

John spent 36 years serving in the Royal Canadian Regiment (3rd and 4th Battalions), advancing to the rank of Master Warrant Officer. Through the years he served as Platoon Sgt., Transport Sgt., Regimental Quartermaster and ‘T’ Company Sergeant-Major. John also worked at ASU London (formerly CFB London) for 31 years, working in the clothing, major equipment and repair and disposal sections of the facility. During his service he made a significant mark on many peoples lives and careers as a friend, mentor and mischief maker. He often had a coffee mug in his hand. His whistling could be heard down the hall, and his pack rat tendencies meant that he always had that obscure piece of kit you might need.

John experienced a lot of health issues in the last 10 years and was blessed to receive a liver transplant in March 2019. This provided him with another 4+ years, and the opportunity to know and love his grandchildren. While he just made his ‘three-score and ten’ or 70th birthday, unfortunately, complications due to PTLD cancer ultimately were too much for him to continue fighting and he passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 27th, 2022, surrounded by his family.

John received exemplary care from many health care professionals, all of whom were appreciated. The family would especially like to thank the LHSC – Multi-Organ Transplant Program (Liver) team, Dr. K. Harris-Schulz, Dr. J. Wickett and the Parkwood Veterans Care Program.

As expressions of sympathy, the family suggests donations to one of the following:

  • LHSC – Multi-Organ Transplant Program – Patient Assistance Fund,
  • Parkwood Institute – Veterans Care Program, or
  • Mental Health Association (London).

John’s final parade (his Celebration of Life) will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, Ontario on Thursday, December 1st, 2022. Visitation will be from 11:00am to 1:00 p.m., with the service and reception immediately following. Interment will occur at a later date.

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John is one friend I will really miss. We were good friends in 3 & 4 RCR back in the day. I remember a jungle warfare course we were both in. Poor John as having such a hard time getting it together. ThoughI always knew that he would become the awesome individual he became. I am sure that no one else ever knew that him and I almost ended up in Vietnam. We went down to Fort Erie, New York in 1970 to join the US Army. Because the war was closing down and they were not accepting Canadians at that time.

~ Barry Wilson CD

Sad news. I knew John throughout high school and always enjoyed his company. I convinced John to join A Company 3rd Battalion RCR in Woodstock while we were attending Huron Park Secondary School. Lost touch with him when I headed off to university. God Bless.

~ James Binns

John was our best man, a brother-in-arms with Brad, a loving father and a dedicated husband to Jane. Many years ago we fondly remember helping his family move from Hillgarden. There were more National Geographic magazines than furniture & effects. John told things as they were. One day, while on exercise at CFB Borden, a general jumped into his fire trench and asked him what he thought about the exercise. In true fashion John stated that it was a "jug something". The general couldn't get out of John's fire trench fast enough. At our wedding, on an extremely hot day in July, the Anglican priest asked if we wanted 1 or two prayers. John immediately said "one very short one". I would assume by now that John has straitened out the quarter guard at the pearly gates of heaven. He was "salt of the earth".

~ Brad & Judy Kempston

Rembered but not forgotten. Pro Patria John

~ Roger Miller

Like all those who served with John in 4 RCR, he made a lasting impact on their development as soldiers and young Canadians. I will remember John for his dedication to service and the mentorship he provided through his ‘leadership by example’. His sense of humour was certainly something that made soldiering fun as his frequent editorial commentary (which I dare not repeat) ensured that whatever instructions he provided were effectively communicated. RIP John Pro Patria

~ Kevin MacLean

I appreciated John's sense of humor and enjoyable disposition. As a member of Sierra company of 4 RCR, I didn't get to know John as well as I would have liked, but whenever I was in his company I always felt he was a fair individual who treated others with respect. I am sorry I didn't personally get the opportunity to say goodbye to John before he passed as all my remembrances of him were positive which I very much appreciated during my time when I was a private and corporal. Thank you John for your positive impact on my life! Sincerely, Bev Sesink Edmonton

~ 2Lt Bev Sesink


I had the honour of serving under then Cpl. John Fullick in 4RCR in the summer of 1971 at the London Armouries with field training at Ipperwash and Petawawa. He was a great leader and mentor to our company and was highly regarded by all of us for his passion for soldiering, love of the Regiment, the Army and for the country we served; Canada. He had an incredible wit and an endless repertoire of limericks; all hilarious and some as salty as the sea air. I'm grateful to have known and served under John Fullick who I remember so vividly more than half a century later. Thank you Warrant for your inspiring leadership and for the decades of devoted service to Canada. My deepest condolences to the Fullick family. Pro Patria. With respect, Ralph Mahar, Pte., 4RCR RCMP / CSIS (Retired) PS: I'm the soldier in the attached photo holding the rocket launcher and being instructed in its use by then Cpl. John Fullick.

~ Ralph Mahar

As a young subaltern fresh from the Regular Force landing in Tango Company, John was one of the experienced Sr NCOs who advised and mentored my transition to the Army Reserve. His tutelage and training had an enormous effect on those countless soldiers that he worked with. He was a pillar of stability in the Battalion. Pro Patria

~ Joe Robinson


John was one of the first soldiers to welcome me when I first transferred to the 4th Battalion in 1991. From that point forward, it was an honour and privilege to work with and for him during my time in the battalion. I truly felt like a family and team member when he included me as a member of the Stratford Sergeants (or SS), which also included Bill Appel, Pat Cade and Tim Irving. We ran range weekends like a well-oiled machine. I admired his work ethic, his sense of humour and that hearty "John Fullick laugh." When you made him do that "John Fullick laugh," it made his and everybody's day! To Jane, Eleanor, Sarah and Alice - my condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I hope that today's grief, pain and sorrow will, in time, be replaced with beautiful, fond memories of John.

~ Dennis Barron

Good memories of John. Wicked sense of enjoyable humour. My condolences to Jane and daughters.

~ Allan MacPhail

You will be missed John. We were never close friends but you always had friendly words for me even when we were on opposing sides of a discussion. Quick with a smile, a joke or a smack to the back of the head depending on the situation. God speed sir.

~ Garry Lake

Sending our condolences Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time

~ Ken and Julie Hruska

John, the day you recruited me, you forever changed my life. If it hadn't been for you, my life wouldn't have been as full and as joyous has it has turned out. You created and nurtured a beautiful family of your own and touched so many others. You, Jane and your extended family are in our prayers. As you go to that final patrol base in the sky, you shall be remembered, certainly not forgotten. Pro Patria. The Shellingtons

~ Gerry Shellington

Services for John Charles Fullick

Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

December 1, 2022 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

December 1, 2022 1:00 pm

Make a donation

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.

LHSC - Multi-Organ Transplant Program - Patient Assistance Fund

Parkwood Institute - Veterans Care Program

Mental Health Association (London)

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