John Graham Rawden

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Graham Rawden, who left us on February 20, 2025, in his 88th year, while surrounded by loving family and lifelong friends. He will be forever remembered for his laughter, fighting spirit, and creativity.

John leaves behind his wife Josephine (nee Galletley) who was by his side for over 66 years. Together they shared many adventures, beginning with the big leap of faith they took when emigrating to Canada in 1966. John immediately found employment as a welder and that skill took him to many different companies and eventually led him to his most recent endeavour, creating planters out of used propane pots! During the summer months he could be seen happily cutting up tanks and painting them while listening to his record collection and working by his backyard fire pit.

John is also survived by his daughter Gina Versluys, son-in-law Tom, and their daughter Dana. John had chosen to be called Pops by his granddaughter, but it became apparent early on that she was saying “Putz” instead. And that name continued. They shared a special bond of sarcasm and teasing and it always ended in laughter.

John looked upon Tom as the son he didn’t have. They often collaborated on some of John’s crazier ideas and Tom relied on John for his welding expertise. John, in turn, relied on Tom to fix things that he’d messed up! Their garage banter will be missed but some of John’s silly sayings will live on in Tom!

Even as an adult, Gina considered herself daddy’s little girl. He leaned heavily on her during the last year while navigating the medical system and Gina wouldn’t have had it any other way. She will be forever grateful for the extra time they spent together listening to music and reliving stories.

John is also survived by lifelong friends, Jim and Jane Griffin. They became instant friends and spent hours and hours laughing and talking while going for rides in the car or over a meal. He enjoyed watching their own children grow and have families of their own. John and Jane shared a special bond over hockey games and Jane enjoyed teasing dad over his dislike of one of her favourite players!

John will be lovingly remembered by family in the UK and in Arizona. They all have special memories of his laughter and love for life.

John spent many years building a commercial and residential cleaning business and when it was time to move on to something new, he happily handed over the mops to current owner, Andy. John beamed with pride whenever he shared a story about how Andy had won another contract and grown the business even more. He was proud of the legacy he had left behind.

In more recent years, John made new friends at the Beamsville Lawn Bowling club. He was excited at the beginning of every season and always had stories about how the team had done.

When his health deteriorated and he was no longer able to drive, he could be seen speeding around Smithville in his two-seater buggy, with Jo by his side hanging on for dear life as he sped around corners. To John, there were only two speeds in life – dead stop or full steam ahead!

As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service or celebrations of life. If desired, donations to McNally House hospice would be appreciated by the family. The staff at McNally House took beautiful care of John and his family over the last two weeks. From medical care, to snacks, to much needed hugs, they are a special group of people.