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Jan Mustard posted a condolence
Bill and I both enjoyed John's humour and valuable advice to us as newcomers in town. His work to save the hospital about twenty years ago was publicly acknowledged but those who worked to keep the ER open and to preserve local hospital beds in 2010/2011 also very much appreciated his quiet behind-the-scenes support and advice. He will be much missed.
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Nancy Vermond posted a condolence
My husband Louis and I will miss John. He was always friendly when we ran into him at the grocery store or elsewhere. He was so supportive of what we were doing when we started and ran the storytelling festival for a few years. His students were lucky to have him for a teacher. Such a sweet man, the kind of person you want to stay around forever. Bless his soul; bless the family he leaves behind.
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Lori Corriveau posted a condolence
Mr. O'Drowsky as I always knew him, was one of my favourite teachers. He had so much energy and always found humour in everything. My condolences to the family.
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Mary Steel posted a condolence
Dear Lisa, and family, I wish to express my condolences to you all at this time. Your Dad was special to so many people. His sense of humour and genuine interest in others endeared him to us all. We were blessed to know him as our teacher. You have my deep sympathy as you grieve his passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Glenna Day Hicks posted a condolence
One of the best things about Mr. O'Drowsky is that I don't think he realized what an extraordinary man he was. Not only was he my favourite teacher, he taught something even more important, how to be a respectful, caring human being. After graduation, I met Mr. O'Drowsky at the grocery store. He told me that I should call him John, that I was no longer a student. I never referred to him as John. I always called him and always will call this gentlemen Mr. O'Drowsky.
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Dohn and Margaret Hobbs posted a condolence
Sorry to learn the passing of Mr. O'Drowsky. He was such a warm and caring person. Any time when we bumped into him during a visit to St. Marys, years after we graduated in 1958 and 1959 he always remembered our names and showed such an interest in our lives. His classes were always a joy, and he was our favourite teacher. It was an honour to be in his history classes.
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Ken and Cheryl Firby posted a condolence
We are very sad to hear of the loss of this great man. A kind heart and passionate advocate of so many things that made St. Marys a great place to live. And, we'll miss that smile that prefaced the next hilarious story. He had many abilities - and was always willing to share. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Hazel Hewitt posted a condolence
I am saddened to hear of Mr. O'Drowsky (call me John) 's passing. He was the teacher who welcomed us country kids into our new environment of high school. He remembered our names and faces long after we were finished high school. His was a class that instilled in me a love for history and an interest in it. His humour in his teaching made us look forward to his class. He would give most stand up comedians a run for their money. I'm so sorry you are gone from us John and can only hope that you are in a wonderful place now.
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Diana Miller née Press posted a condolence
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. O'Drowsky's passing. My sincere condolences to Greg, Brian, Pat and Lisa and your families. All these years later, I can still see his smile in my mind and it always makes me smile in remembrance. His classes were always such a joy and he was a wonderful teacher.....that rare combination of instructor, mentor, jokester and friend. If I ever ran into him while back in town visiting, he always remembered me and had time for a little chat. It was an honour to be one of his many students. Diana Miller née Press
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Jane Anne (Durley) Henderson posted a condolence
Dear Lisa and family, I am praying for you at this difficult time of loss. Your dad was such a wonderful teacher because he was not only passionate about his subject area, but cared about his students. He was funny, witty, smart, encouraging, and kind-hearted. Many times when I bumped into him during a visit to St. Marys, years after I'd graduated, he would stop and greet me warmly and show a real interest in my life. I feel thankful to have known "Mr. O".
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Randy & Bev Parkinson posted a condolence
Our sincere condolences to John's family. It was a pleasure to run into John around town, always so friendly. May to find comfort that he was so loved and respected by our entire community. Randy &Bev Parkinson
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Monique VanderSchot posted a condolence
Our sincere condolences to John’s family. We always enjoyed his conversations at our “Dutch” celebrations. His sense of humour, his knowledge, and his eagerness to learn something new, were an inspiration to us. John was a gentleman. He will be remembered. Monique and Tony VanderSchot
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Bruce Hunter posted a condolence
I have many fond memories over many years working with your dad as part of the history department at SMDCVI. He was a good friend and an admired mentor. His ability to engage all of his students with a creative genius and boundless energy was remarkable. Rest assured his legacy as a father, teacher and member of the community lives on. Bruce and Nancy Hunter
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Don Giles posted a condolence
There never was a dull moment when John was around - whether it be during the June trips for the men on staff or the Friday afternoon cigar meetings or the $2 poker parties or the offering of a candy. I will always remember that somewhat devious smile.
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Kim Blanchard posted a condolence
John was such a generous, inspiring and uplifting person! I’ll always remember his classes, his zest for life, teaching history and wonderful smile. He was one of my favourite highschool teachers. I’ve often crossed paths with him over the years and always received the same smile and he always had a twinkle in his eye. Thinking of you and your family as your remember John and all of his many gifts to our community! He will be greatly missed Kim (Blanchard), Steve and family
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Paul MOssip posted a condolence
So sorry for your loss Lisa, family and friends. Mr. O'Drowsky's history class was one of my favourites. He took pride in his teaching and always wanted to see his students succeed not only in his classroom but in life too. RIP Mr. O'Drowsky.
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joanhahn@hotmail.com posted a condolence
Dear Family of John: John was a humble gentleman who wore his love of family, God and community where everyone could see it. His commitment to his parish and community was something to marvel at, as he quietly went about making a difference. This difference will stand the test of time, as those who knew and loved him will try to in some small way to meet the challenges John advocated for in his daily life. His passion for social justice is something that you his family can be very proud of. The word "never" was not in John's vocabulary. We are better people for having known this kind and generous man. God Bless Jamie and Joan
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Al Strathdee posted a condolence
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a mentor, community leader and friend. I have very fond memories of history class with Mr. O'Drowsky. He was not only entertaining and engaging , but challenged all of his students to think independently. May you find peace in the knowledge that many respected and loved John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Al and Gloria Strathdee
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Jackie Cousins posted a condolence
We were sorry to hear the sad news about John. "Mr. O"Drosky" was a favorite teacher of Steve's during his high school years. John possessed a great enthusiasm for life that was contagious to others around him. Our deepest sympathies to all members of the O'Drowsy Family, Steve & Jackie Cousins
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Cliffe Jewlal posted a condolence
To the O’Drowsky family: I am saddened by John O’Drowsky’s passing .May you find comfort and strength at this time remembering the happy times John shared with you. As a new teacher in StMarys DCVi ,he made me feel welcome as a member of the staff. He had a sharp wit,winsome smile,and a most likeable personality. As he said so often,”I resemble that remark”,whatever that meant. Sincere condolences. Cliffe Jewlal
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Lily Yang posted a condolence
My deepest condolences to Lisa and the O’Drowsky family. Lisa, you’ve spoken so many times about your wonderful father and reading the messages makes me understand why. I have no doubt that he lives on in you and your family. Thinking of all of you at this time.
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Helen Flanagan Pate posted a condolence
Dear Greg, Brian, Patrick and Lisa I am so saddened to read that your dad has left this earth and headed up to the gates of heaven to be with your mom. Your dad was a man of great faith and he always had a great joke to share. He was a great writer and I always loved reading his letters to the papers. He was always so happy and had the most wonderful smile. He will truly be missed. May he R.I.P. Helen Flanagan Pate
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Paul Droog posted a condolence
To the entire O'Drowsky family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I only have fond memories of each and every encounter I had with John over the years. An inspiration in so many ways. He will be sorely missed in our church and greater community. Paul and Paula Droog and family
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Theresa and Doug Noble posted a condolence
Sorry for your families loss. Your father John was such a great person. He always spoke to everyone and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by a lot of people. May your memories help to keep his spirit alive. Theresa and Doug Noble
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Ginny posted a condolence
I only met John once, but in that moment I knew how wonderful a person he must have been. It was in a time of great grief for him and his family as his wife had just passed away. His thoughts were of the needs of his children and he asked as I was a friend of his daughter Lisa to be there for her. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this wonderful man that I only had the privilege to briefly meet once and that I know meant to so much to my good friend Lisa. My deepest sympathies in this difficult time. Ginny Martins
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John & MaryLou McCarthy posted a condolence
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Greg, Sly ,Pat and Lisa and your families . The world has lost a true gentleman . He was the best teacher, true friend and I'm sure a great father . We had endless talks about golf , Kids and whether Notre Dame was going to make it to a bowl game . The town has lost a great ambassador . You guys can all be proud of him . Rest In peace JJ The McCarthy's
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Gregg Howe posted a condolence
Very sad to hear of J.J.'s passing. A very interesting person. The best history teacher I ever had. He had a way of making learning fun and interesting. I will miss running into him at the library. Rest in Peace, John
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Peter Verwer posted a condolence
Sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. O'Drowsky. By far my most favourite and influential high school teacher.
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Teesa Brown posted a condolence
I didn't actually have Mr. O'Drowsky as a teacher in high school, but my locker was right beside his classroom in Grade 11, so we did occasionally chit chat. In reading the other condolences, I feel as though I missed out. My deepest condolences to the family, I am very sorry for your loss. Teesa Brown
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Doris and Paul Sloan posted a condolence
John was always a gentleman in every situation. I remember him as a teacher at the high school; very kind and gentle soul with a great sense of humour. My husband taught with him and was also very sorry to hear of John's passing. He will be very much missed by family, friends and community.
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Jim Paterson posted a condolence
So sorry to hear this sad news. Mr. O'Drowsky was interested and interesting, earned and demanded your respect for those fortunate enough to have been in his history class during high school. Those were the first sentiments that came to me more than 50 some years after I sat in one of those classrooms. He maintained those same attributes outside the classroom and was an excellent citizen to and for the Town of St. Marys and surrounding district. Remembered with much appreciation.
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Cathy McCormick(Klahre) posted a condolence
We all have had that one special teacher who helped to shape the person that we became. Mr O'Drowsky was mine, he was my history teacher in 1966. There was a Federal election and he asked members of the class who wanted to find out about the political parties .No one put up their hand for the NDP , I knew nothing about the party, and as they say "the rest is history". I became very active in the party and when I received my Lifetime membership Mr. ODrowsky sent me a card of congratulations. That's just the kind of person he was.. We did not agree on our politics but over the years had many chats and he was always interested when I would tell him about going to the first Woman's March last year in Toronto, Conventions, or Council meetings in Toronto.. I will miss our talks. My thoughts are with the O'Drowsky family at this time.
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Jane Monteith posted a condolence
All of my thoughts are with you Lisa and Brian, Patrick and Greg. Mr. O’Drowsky was easily my favourite highschool teacher and the fun Dad of my friend. I will forever remember his smile, quick wit, and the easy way he found kind words for everyone. My sincere condolences to all of you and to everyone who loved him.
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Heather Abbott posted a condolence
Mr O’Drowsky’s spirit will always be at St. Marys DCVI. He was such a great teacher and engaged, entertained and inspired all of his students. He also had a kind and supportive way of interacting with everyone. A really special person. My condolences on his loss to the whole O’Drowsky family.
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Rute Fernandes posted a condolence
Our condolences at this difficult moment ! It is amazing that even without ever meeting him, we are all feeling this lost together here at the CFIA office in Saint Marys ! You and your dear family will be in our prayers!
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patricia healy posted a condolence
Heaven has gained an angel!! My thoughts & prayers are with the Family at this difficult time!! Patricia Healy
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Nelda Mossip-Oliver posted a condolence
Deepest sympathy Lisa and all your family. Your Dad was a well liked all around person who went out of his way to help people. He was the inspiration for my son Mark Mossip to pursue a career in golf - who is now a golf coach and a PGA member in Hong Kong. John will be greatly missed . Maurice & Nelda Oliver.
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Greg and Jessie Thompson posted a condolence
To Greg, Brian, Patrick, Lisa and families, Always with a kind word, a smile, and a joke---J.J. was a wonderful supporter of the town. He will be missed, but remembered fondly by all who knew him. Until next time, Monsignor, Greg and Jessie Thompson
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Anne MacNeill posted a condolence
Dear O'Drowsky Family (especially Pat). Dear Pat....we were just talking about your dad on the street corner the other week and how it feels when we loose a parent. It is hard. John will be especially missed around this community, but most of all, as a parent to all of you. He lead my example and was a mentor to all who attended DCVI. May he be sharing a wee drink with all our parents up in the big house. Anne Feryn
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Linda Harris posted a condolence
I wanted to give my deepest sympathy to John's family and friends at this time. It was my great privilege to have John as my teacher of History and World Politics during my time as a student at St. Marys Collegiate between 1970 and 1974. To say John was a born teacher is a great understatement. He was so much more. John could calm down a bunch of unruly high school kids in his class by just giving us a withering stare and remarking "You are the head class". After that, you wanted to behave just to get his approval again. However, while he kept order by reminding us to set an example for the other younger students, I remember best how John treated his students as people worthy of his respect. At every DCVI "assembly", John was probably the only teacher who always sat among the students while the other teachers stood at the back of the gym. I always admired him for that, real class! John just didn't do his day job and go home. His greatest moment as a community leader who loved St. Marys and worked for improvements was when he organized a town citizen march after Queen's Park was hinting that St. Marys Hospital would be shut down. The weather was crappy, but so many folks in town turned out that day for that march through the streets in protest. I'm sure it lead to the government backing down and keeping the St. Marys Hospital open. John gave me a great love of History while I was at SMDCVI, which led to my getting a History Honours B.A. at Western. I looked forward to meeting and talking with him in later years swimming at the Pyramid Pool and the Quarry. He was an articulate and giving person to all of us who knew him, with a great sense of humour. I will miss John very much, as I am sure many others will. May your memories of your great life together with John as a family, along with your mom and his many friends sustain you at this difficult time. Thanks, John!
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Ardenongeway posted a condolence
From Tomas & Arden Longeway, our sincere condolences to John's family. We are heartbroken to hear of his passing. Sir John has been a constant blessing in both our lives for over 40 years. St. Mary's has lost a great man. Let us never forget how he almost single-handedly saved our hospital. We will miss him.
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Bernice Coulson posted a condolence
Deepest sympathy to family.I got to know John during the many years I worked at the Hospital. I knew him as a kind caring person. There were many times I would be walking the track at the flats.John would show up and walk a couple rounds. He once told me on occasion he took his class there walking. He will be missed!
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John McGrath posted a condolence
Lisa: Saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Kim and Sam Corriveau posted a condolence
Our sympathy to the Odrowsky family. John will be missed in our community. He was our favorited history teacher
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Dennis McIntosh posted a condolence
a man that will truly be missed. he had the ability to teach and had the respect of his class as a few soft words was all it took to keep us in line.he gave me a life long interest in history. thanks Mr. O Drowsky. we will miss you but are better for having known you.
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Mark Fletcher posted a condolence
Very sorry to hear of this. John was a wonderful gentleman. I always enjoyed our chance meetings on Queen St. or at the Library, they always involved great discussion and debate on local happenings!
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Doug Broadfoot posted a condolence
My condolences to the O'Drowsky famly - John was a great person and a highly knowledgeable and respected teacher, and he will be missed. Whenever I would see him we would chat and catch up on things. I was fortunate to have crossed paths with him one day last month while I was in town, it was great to see him and have one more brief chat. He will be remembered very fondly. Doug Broadfoot
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Terry Lang posted a condolence
To the entire O’Drowsky Family; What a man! Taught me well in high school. Was always interesting to run into out walking or at the grocery store! John was the best! Rest well! Terry Lang
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Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home Ltd.
47 Wellington Street South, PO Box 304
St. Marys, Ontario
N4X 1B2
Canada
Phone: 1 (519) 284-2820
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