John Thomas Trepanier

Surrounded by family and holding his son’s hand, John Thomas Trepanier, age 74, was taken too soon but peacefully passed in Palliative Care at Bluewater Health in Sarnia on January 22nd, 2026. Predeceased by his father, all-Canadian Sarnia Imperials player and coach Vincent Trip Trepanier, his loving mother Olive Trepanier, and his younger brother Paul Trip Trepanier, a musician, John was born on April 23, 1951 in Chatham and grew up in a French Canadian family on Park Ave next to Norm Perry Park.

Trip had an amazing youth growing up with his family and friends; he explored Tarzanland, went to Central, built a dune buggy, rode a Honda, and adventured on foot across Canada. He had many adventures fishing and stepping on snapping turtles in the streams of Bayfield and scuba-diving in Florida and Lake Huron, sharing the backcountry of Killarney and Algonquin with his family, woodcarving, playing his acoustic guitar and listening to Rush and John Prine, camping and snowmobiling. He loved his animals. John worked at Imperial Oil until he broke his legs skiing and learned to walk again. He spent the rest of his career as a Carmen and formidable Union rep at Canadian National Railway, helping to protect the jobs of many during the restructuring and downsizing at the turn of the century. John always advocated for families and the working person.

John was devoted to his loving and caring wife of 45 years, Barbara Trepanier. He was a dedicated father, father-in-law, and grandfather to his daughter Stacey Voorn, son-in-law Corry Voorn, and their three sons Mathew, Noah, and Daniel. His son Derek Trepanier, daughter-in-law Alycia Nilsson, and their three sons David, Carter and River.

John loved his life and felt grateful and blessed for the friendships and relationships he formed with the Grahams (Hugh and Marge, Kevin and Tammy, Hugh and Chloe and Jamie and Mel) Horley’s (Pat and Tim, Michelle, Deeana, Brynne and Ryan), Klazinga’s (John and Janice), Isaac’s (Jordan and Crystal) and many nieces, nephews, and terrific friends. Anyone who met him met a genuine person with a big heart who wished the best for you.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is being planned in April in Corunna at Antonio’s Pizza for family and friends during his 75th birthday; for details please contact John’s family.

If considering a charitable donation, Trip loved his dogs and cats so please consider making one to the Sarnia Humane Society https://www.sarniahumanesociety.com