John David Shadbolt

John Shadbolt passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Haliburton. It was a beautiful winter evening, one he would have loved. John was 96 years old and just 19 days short of celebrating 65 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Marie.

His family imagines him now wearing his cherished hunting vest, greeted by his parents, brothers, the many dogs he adored over the years, friends and family who passed before him, and even his favorite singer, Fats Domino. They picture him sipping the finest rum and coke, laughing, and dancing alongside Fats.

Born in Hitchin, England in 1928, John was the youngest of three sons. He developed a deep love for the outdoors from a young age and often hunted during World War II to help provide for his family. That passion for hunting remained with him throughout his life, leading him on countless adventures with friends and inspiring his grandsons to carry on the tradition. John was also an accomplished skeet shooter and a former president of the Acton Rod and Gun Club.

John and Marie grew up across the road from one another in England and later immigrated to Canada, where they married and built a home on Tidey Avenue in Acton. They lived there for 60 wonderful years, surrounded by supportive and caring neighbors. Acton was a place John cherished, and he became deeply involved in local politics and various community organizations.

In their 61st year of marriage, John and Marie moved to Haliburton to live with their daughter Lynda and her husband Jim. John spent the final six months of his life at Highland Wood, a long-term care home in Haliburton.

John had many passions—good food (especially grilled cheese and pancakes), rum and beer, Christmas cake, and mince meat tarts. He enjoyed barbecues with friends and, above all, treasured time spent with his grandchildren: Brad, Curtis, and Madeline. Visits from Brad and Curtis in December filled his final weeks with laughter, while regular moments with Madeline brought him lasting joy. Watching his grandchildren live adventurous and meaningful lives was one of his greatest sources of pride.

Throughout his life, John faced the challenges of managing asthma and took great care in seeking natural remedies to support his health. He often recommended oil of oregano as a cure-all and was deeply grateful to Louise from Willow Lane in Acton for her wisdom and guidance.

John valued the long-lasting friendships he formed with neighbors and friends, including Rob, Leslie, and Stan, who brought him joy, love, and meaningful conversations over the years. His family is forever grateful for those friendships.

Special thanks go to the caregivers and companions at Highland Wood for their kindness, particularly Hilda, the "chippy feeder" friends, Bob and Ron, and Ray. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Abby Gordon from Karinya Home Care, whose gentle and compassionate care brought happiness to John’s final chapter.

John’s legacy lives on through the love he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the countless memories he created with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Private Funeral Arrangements

There will be no formal service, but in the days ahead, we will honor John in the way he would have loved—by raising a glass of beer, sharing stories, and toasting a life well-lived. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy. #118, Haliburton, Ontario (705) 457-9209.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John David Shadbolt, please visit our floral store.