John Albert Brubacher
In celebration for the life and legacy of John Albert BRUBACHER (June 1, 1930 – October 12, 2023) John was 93 years young and passed away peacefully in Guelph.
John is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 72 years Jean Brubacher (nee Crossman), devoted father of his six children and their spouses; David and Lynne, Thomas and Wendy, Scott and Christine Gray, Duff and Cathy, Sandy and Derek Blackburn, Lisa and Ralph Neate; and his fifteen grandchildren and their spouses Ben Brubacher(Janine), Dana Sturman(Dan), Erin Brubacher(Cory), Ian Brubacher(Meg), Laura Blackburn(Richard), Mark Brubacher, Eric Brubacher, Emily Brubacher, Sarah Blackburn(Wesley), Alex Brubacher, Jill Brubacher(Tom), Marley Neate, James Neate, Jake Brubacher, Jared Brubacher; and his ten great-grand children Jordan, Ella, Owen, Kaitlyn, Patrick, Isabelle, Evelyn, Baker, Brady and Olivia.
In his early years, John grew up on Stirling Ave in Kitchener to parents Albert Brubacher and Gladys (nee Stevenson) and Brother Carl Brubacher (deceased) and survived by Coreen (nee Cross).
John was always inspired by community and during his high school years at Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate He was an active member and camper with the YMCA, member of the KW Delta Club and worked part-time at Wentworth Radio installing TV antennas and fixing appliances. John’s family ties to the Mennonite community often took him to Elmira to visit the family run Brubacher General Store with his Uncles, Alvin, Noah, and Clarence.
John started off at Waterloo College in 1949. In a dare by his friend Collin MacKay, he struck up a conversation with nursing student Jean Crossman. They hit it off right away. Soon thereafter they got married, started a family with David, moved to Guelph and built a home on Hanlon Road. Jean worked at home with the growing family, while John developed his career as an Independent Insurance Adjuster. John was past president of the Canadian Independent Insurance adjusters association. (CIAA) and awarded honorary lifetime member. In 1971 John then 41, continued his studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
John and Jean loved their cottage in Southampton. First introduced to the area by the Chatterton family, they spent most of their weekends and summers there for over 50 years. They were always excited to be with family and friends and live the moment. Whether planned or impromptu.
If you want to get something done ask a busy person. This was John’s way of helping community. Rotary was a natural calling. He was invited to join the Guelph Rotary “Friday Club” in 1973. He stayed active for 46 years. Then he was awarded “Member for Life” by the executive. There was hardly a committee that John had not volunteered for or was appointed to by the President. He was elected to serve on the Rotary Board of Directors for several years.
Notably, he was the first chair of Rotary “Lobster Fest” in 1979 and the fundraiser is still successful to this day. Another of his chosen projects was called “Life Talks” where Rotarians mentored young adults with learning disabilities and delayed development. He loved music and during every Friday lunch meeting at “Sing Along” he would jump to his feet and lead the club in song and fellowship. In addition, John was long-time active member of the Royal City Men’s Club.
John loved hummingbirds; you are invited to hang a hummingbird feeder in memory of John’s legacy.
The family would like to thank all those at Chartwell Retirement Residence and the Village of Riverside Glen for their love and support over the last few months. A private family celebration of life will held.
Messages and condolences may be left at www.cremationalternatives.com. Please visit John's obituary notice on Facebook.