Obituaries

JOHN HARVEY PRENDERGAST

July 31, 1935 – August 8, 2023

Sadly, we announce the passing of our beloved father, John on August 8 at the age of 88.

John is predeceased by Claire, his wife of 64 years and parents David and Mary (Edna) Prendergast.

He will be remembered by his sons, Michael, Robert (Debra) and daughter Louise (Bruce), four

grandchildren Bryson (Dana), Coleton (Natalie), Liam (Katelyn) and Lauren, and one great-grandchild

Daphne.

John’s early years consisted of several moves in eastern Canada following his father’s work for CP

Railway. He was born in Chapleau, Ontario in 1935 as the eldest of five siblings. The family then moved

on to Sault Ste. Marie for several years before settling in their final family home in Montreal. John

attended Loyola High School and then entered Loyola College where he earned a BSc. In 1953 he joined

the Royal Canadian Air Force where he flew as a navigator till 1992.

John married the love of his life, Claire, in 1959. The two had grown up across from each other on

Melrose street in Montreal. They had three children and lived in many locations throughout Canada

including Trenton, Boucherville, Courtenay/Comox. John was also fortunate to be posted to Canberra,

Australia, where he trained with the Royal Australian Air Force. John’s final posting was at Air Command

in Winnipeg, where he completed his service. After retiring he and his wife busied themselves with travel

and enjoyed time with the grandchildren.

He loved watching his grandsons play football. John enjoyed sports, cheering for the Winnipeg Goldeyes,

Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets. He lived the last years of his life in his home, tending to his gardens,

and playing golf weekly with friends Winston and Ron.

Many thanks to all the staff and Dr. Lee at the Grace Hospital for the care given to John during his final

days. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum of Mount

Hope, Ontario or Grace Hospital Foundation.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at St. Charles

Parish, 320 St. Charles Street.