John William Strickland

Peacefully at Vision Nursing Home with family at his side JOHN WILLIAM STRICKLAND passed away on September 11, 2022 in his 92^nd year. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Pauline (nee Davies) in 2021.  Also predeceased by parents John and Elizabeth Strickland, sisters Joan & Marie and brother Tom.  Survived by his cherished daughters Shirley Horvath (Vic) and Audrey Sandrin (Doug). Grandson James (Sandy) Conquergood, granddaughter Stacey (Matthew) MacDougall, great-granddaughters Madelyn & Meredith MacDougall and great-grandson Myles MacDougall. Leaves behind and will be fondly remembered by brother Ralph Strickland (Margaret). Brothers-in-law John (Donna) Davies, Maurice (Aileen) Davies and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews in England, New Zealand, U.S.A. and Canada.

John was born in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England April 2^nd, 1931.  The eldest son of John and Elizabeth Strickland he attended Milton Street and Bailey Secondary school there.  He also attended Technical College in Blackpool where he became an apprentice Electrician at the age of 15. In 1949 John joined the Royal Navy, where he continued his training as an electrician. Over the next 10yrs while serving on battleships, destroyers, minesweepers, frigates and a depot ship, he worked his way to Leading Electrical Mechanic. Earning a medal for time served during the Suez Canal crisis.

He met his wife Pauline, who was serving in the Wrens, at HMS Collingwood in Fareham Hampshire and they were married by the Naval Padre on Dec 21st 1951 at Holyrood Church in Stubbington Hampshire. With two daughters, Shirley born in 1953 and Audrey born in 1956, they lived in various locations in England and Malta until demobilisation, when the family moved from Portsmouth Hants to his home town of Fleetwood Lancashire.  After working for ICI and an independent Contractor, John started his own electrical business.  In 1969 the family moved to Canada.  They lived in Sault Ste. Marie for a short time and then came to Sarnia, where he worked at Imperial Oil as an Electrician, working his way up to Instrument Electrical Supervisor.  In the 1980’s John was on the board of  Directors of the Moore Museum for two years and was also a Founder Charter member, of the Bluewater Electrical Maintenance Club of Sarnia.  He served on the board and was Director and President at the time of his retirement.  He was also a past member of the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, and Liberty Lodge 419.

John loved to play snooker and won trophies both in England and Canada. He also enjoyed a game of golf, and was a member of Greenwood Golf Club for over 40 years. John will be remembered for his sense of humour, for his love of family and for his sense of fair play in all things.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Vision Nursing Home, especially the frontline workers for the exemplary care and compassion John received over the past 2 years.

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vision Nursing Home, Sarnia https://www.vision74.com or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 Victoria St. N. Sarnia). Memories, photos or messages of condolence may be shared at www.djrobb.on.ca