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October 9, 1965 - August 16, 2016

It is with the deepest regret and sadness the Duthie family, (Mrs. Elizabeth Duthie, Peter Alexander Duthie, Calgary, Alberta, Liza (Duthie) Binaris) wish to announce the untimely and sudden passing of John Stephen Davidson Duthie, aged 50 years, on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. 

John was firstly and exceptional human being whose compassion for others and animals was akin to the ethereal.  John prided himself on giving selflessly, to all aspects of the care and livelihood of his family, particularly his beloved mother.  John lost his father at age 15, rendering him "man of the house", a daunting task for any man, much less a 15 year old boy. 

John, not only took with all seriousness, over the household affairs but also willingly and lovingly assisted with the "raising" of his sister from the age of 8.  Many responsibilities were claimed as "duty" and with a piousness and natural acceptance. 

John also cared for his maternal grandmother, Margaret Davidson, "Grammy Margo" until aged 92, and to this end, never failed to commemorate her or verbalize his love for her as well.  John's life began on Park Row, then later, 711 Confederation Drive where he would come to know his brother Peter and sister Liza. 

John graduated from Fort William Collegiate Institute with Honours, he then completed his Honours Bachelor of History from Huron College, University of Western Ontario, where he was also elected Residence Representative. 

John was later accepted to the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law.  It was here that he received the highest honours and a 95 per cent average in his Criminal Law class. 

John later transferred to the University of Windsor Law School to be closer to home, where his heart was.  He articled with Cupello and Company Law Firm and worked in areas of Family and Criminal Law.  Judge John Calvin Duthie, his father, predeceased John at age 47. 

John furthered his career aspirations by graduating from the Faculty of Education, with First Class standing and enjoyed many years as an elementary school teacher in rocky Bay, MacDiarmid, Ontario and as an occasional teacher with both local boards.  He attended university simultaneously with his brother Peter and as well, Liza who attended Alma College school for girls in nearby St. Thomas, Ontario. 

Upon the births of his nieces and nephews: Ross Alexander Duthie and Hannah Christina Duthie and later Kalvin Kyriakos Biniaris and Alicia Brooke Elizabeth Biniaris, John became a "world famous" Uncle, making himself available each and every day to both assist, enjoy and celebrate these children as though they were his own, always sharing his artistic prowess and keeping them busy with creative and joyful activities giving all of himself to each endeavor. 

John was always of the opinion that a home is not a home without animals, and in that regard, made a home for 2 horses, boxer dogs, cats, fish and turtles over the many decades of his life.  John cared for animals as he did for humans, selflessly. 

He will be dearly missed by his beloved dog Whumper and cats Mikey , Satin and Sally.  John, a day will not pass without you "at our right side", (Dieu et mon Droit).  John was a man of faith and routinely attended Mass at St. Mark's R.C. Church.  His Christian beliefs were evident in his daily conduct. 

The heavens are ready to receive "this" angel.  A service to celebrate the life of John Duthie will be held on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, with Rev. Mr. Dennis McDermott presiding.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the local P.A.W.S. charity would be greatly appreciated. 

Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.  As it was once said, 36 years ago about his own father:

"Goodnight sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."  "You were loved."
Your loving mother, brother Peter, sister and best friend Liza, Hannah, Ross, Kalvin and Alicia


 




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