John Lennon

John Michael Kevin Lennon, 1948 – 2025

Born in Manchester, England in 1948, John immigrated with his family to Canada in 1954. He never looked back-probably because he was too busy looking forward to the next project, ride, or elaborate (and sometimes unnecessary) renovation.

He started working young, learning carpentry and contracting from his dad, and went on to lead hundreds of commercial builds, own Lennon Construction, and become the guy everyone called when they needed something built, fixed, moved, or designed. If it involved tools, machinery, wood, digging, tiles, and so on, he was in. He also personally renovated every family home, often enlisting help from the kids or friends and the scope often expanded, taking longer and costing more than originally intended.

John loved the open road on his Harley, camping and canoe trips with his lifelong buddies, and any excuse to crank up Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Beatles, or the blues. Shepard Lake was his true happy place-riding his golf cart like it was a Harley, driving dump trucks because it was Tuesday, and running a maple syrup operation with friends and family where somehow whisky was part of the process.

He had a lifelong love of dogs, raising many Boxers over the years and sharing an especially deep bond with Kyra, his loyal and obedient black Lab. Kyra was the perfect dog-until John got hold of her. Through his steady campaign of treats, scraps, and shameless spoiling, she unlearned some of her best manners, much to the amusement of everyone except Linda.

And then there was his fondness for a good shot of Canadian whisky-specifically CC. It was his go-to and, in true Lennon style, he took great pride in convincing even the most adamant non-whisky drinkers to join him “just for one.” Of course, one often turned into two, and sometimes the second was “just to be polite.”

He somehow survived at least nine lives-maybe more-bouncing back from injuries, illnesses, and close calls that defied logic, medical science, and sometimes a tree. In true Lennon fashion, he went out peacefully in his sleep, on his own terms, after thoroughly ignoring doctor’s orders for decades.

Husband of 58 years to Linda (who is sometimes referred to as Saint Linda), father to John (Paula), Jennifer (Mike), and the late Joanne (Dave). Proud grandfather to Stephanie (Parker), Olivia (Bridget), Nicholas, Hailey (Eimhin), and Allison. Great-grandfather to Maverick. Brother to the late Maureen (Norm), Josephine, Martin (Lori), and the late Christine (Neil). Brother-in-law to Allan (Lynda), Rick (Marilyn) and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

His legacy? A trail of buildings that will outlast us all, family and friends who know how to work a power tool, dogs who know where the good snacks are kept, and a lifetime of stories that will start with, “Remember the time he…” and end with, “…a cigarette and shot of whisky.”

Rest easy, John. And if there’s a workshop in the great beyond, we all know you’ve already reorganized the tools-whisky glass in hand, dog at your side.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Memorial service will take place in the chapel at 3:30 PM followed by a reception.