John Michael Ardis, aged 78, of Mono, passed at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017 in the comfort and company of his Family at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville, having succumbed to respiratory infection after a prolonged struggle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Jack will be remembered fondly by his loving wife of 52 years, Elinor, and his five children Sean, Bernie, Dan, Peter and Carolyn, as well as son and daughter-in-law Craig Fisher and Cindy Ardis (Filion). Jack took comfort in having all of his ten grandchildren home to visit over Christmas holidays this year. He had a playful side that transcended generations and his humour will always be lovingly remembered and missed by Sean, Doug, Ben, Charlie, Sam, Eric, Gabe, Mahalia, Flynn, and Michael. Jack was predeceased by his sister Maureen Wesson, and is survived by his sister Adele, brother-in- law Bardon, and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Born in Toronto in 1938, to John and Rita Ardis (Bolland), Jack grew up an adventurer and conservationist. Sharing his passion and influence over many years as an educator, father and friend, Jack will be remembered as one who would encourage others to live outside the limitations of their fears, embrace challenge, and disdain the mundane. He was a humanitarian at heart, a devout member of the catholic community and a proud advocate for the meek and misfortunate. Jackʼs generosity and dedication to family remains a hallmark of the values he held himself accountable to over a lifetime of conscientious living.
Visitation will be held at the Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 21 First St., Orangeville on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. with reflection ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 42 Dawson Rd., Orangeville on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Friends of Island Lake (www.cvcfoundation.ca), or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A tree will be planted in memory of John in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. A dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com