Spaans, John
1946-2025
It is with heavy hearts that John’s family shares his peaceful passing on Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
John was the cherished husband of 56 years to Peggy. Proud father of Aaron (Johanna) and Jennifer (Robert). Beloved Grandpa to Grace (Logan), Aidan, Ryan, Jillian and Eric. He will be sorely missed by his loyal companion Cooper. John was predeceased by his siblings Ment (Trix) and Reinie (Bill).
Born in Holland, John immigrated to Canada at the age of five aboard the SS Volendam, settling among the Dutch community in Cochrane. John spent his childhood exploring the outdoors with buddies, developing a lifelong love of camping and of northern Ontario.
Moving from Cochrane to Newmarket in 1964, he made friends through the Chancellor Car Club. John’s prized car was a blue 1964 Mustang, in which he spent hours cruising up and down the strip. Through the car scene John met Peggy, marrying in 1969. John and Peggy left the growing Toronto area for the north, and moved to North Bay in 1973.
John built a remarkable career in the automotive industry, working his way as Service Manager of Nissan, Saturn, and Toyota. Known for his integrity, sense of humour, and mechanical expertise, he earned numerous service awards and the respect of colleagues and customers alike.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John had a deep commitment to his community and youth development. He served proudly for over 20 years as Scout Leader and later as District Commissioner for Scouts Canada in the Nipissing District. John brought scores of young paddlers on their first canoe trips and to cub camps, and instilled in countless youth a love for the outdoors, teamwork and hard work.
A true outdoorsman at heart, he found peace and joy in nature. He was an avid fisherman, camper and canoeist, and he shared many cherished adventures with family and friends in the great Canadian wilderness. John and Aaron went on a yearly May 24 canoe trip, starting when Aaron was just 7 years old, rain or shine, a tradition which lasted for years. Family summers were spent camping in provincial parks all over the province. John later enjoyed travelling with Peggy by RV, always eager to explore new horizons with a spirit of curiosity and wonder. Trips with friends and family to the East Coast, San Antonio, and New Orleans, provided stories and laughs for years to come. John and Peggy then spent 19 years with their RV at Camp Conewango, enjoying the small park setting and pristine waters of Lake Talon. It is here that John’s grandkids spent their summers, making fond memories fishing, swimming, and doing the ‘cold creek challenge.’
As per his wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Cremation arrangements entrusted with Hillside Funeral Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Hillside Funeral Services Ltd.
