Obituary of John Kerr

Passed away at K-W Health Centre of Grand River Hospital on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the age of 88. Predeceased by his parents Eunice (nee Mooney) and Findlay Kerr. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Pyke) for 53 years, loving father of Peter (Yuka) and David (Sandra), extremely proud grandfather of Emily, Arran, Owen, Cameron, and Vanessa, and dear brother-in-law of the Rev. W. John Pyke and his wife Gwen of Toronto. John will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephew, their families, other relatives, and so many dear and lifelong friends. John was born and grew up in Toronto with many summers spent in Port Elgin. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts (History) from the University of Toronto, he graduated from OCE in 1950. A winner of the Stewart Award for teaching excellence, John began his teaching career at K.C.I in Kitchener where he taught History and French. When Eastwood C.I. opened in 1956 he moved there where he became Head of History. He earned his Bachelor of Library Science also at the U of T in 1966 and became the school librarian at Eastwood until his retirement in 1985. John had a lifelong passion for the arts. He was a founding member of the Waterloo Regional Gilbert & Sullivan Society, directing numerous operettas and was a proud supporter of Drayton Entertainment. John lived his strong Christian faith as a very active member of Forest Hill United Church. His many civic volunteer activities touched numerous people and friends in the community. The Kerr family will receive friends at Forest Hill United Church, 121 Westmount Rd. E., Kitchener on Thursday, March 31 from 7-9 p.m. and on Friday, April 1 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St., Waterloo on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at the church. A private family interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto. The family wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the K-W Health Centre 5th floor stroke department for their compassion. In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and memorial donations to The Grand River Hospital Foundation may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.