Obituary of John Robert Kerr

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, ON, in his 85^th year.

Survived and greatly missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Gladys; his children Rob (Janice), Cheryl (Mike) Koy, Brenda (Ken) Weppler, and Debbie (Todd) Quinn; his grandchildren, Chris, Lindsay, Megan, Brandon, Ryne, Kelsey, Brooke, Holly, Jessica, and Michelle; and five great-grandchildren. “Jackie” is also survived by his siblings Donna (Ray), Diane (Jim), and Yvonne (Lorne). He will be missed by many family and friends, and especially neighbours.

Predeceased by his brother Wayne and sisters Marlene and Val, and siblings in infancy.

John worked at Hostess Potato Chips for 30 years, and was well-loved by his coworkers, who lovingly referred to him as “Papa Smurf”. He was a proud long-standing member of Knights of Columbus Council 5135. John was a dedicated and caring father, coaching his kids on many sports teams throughout their lives. Through many illnesses and hardships, he never gave up. He was truly larger than life – if cats have 9 lives, John had 39! He never backed down and was always tenacious and determined.

Special thanks to the Grand River Hospital Renal Clinic and St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre and the doctors and nurses who provided exceptional care to John, especially Dr. Gerald Rosenstein and Dr. Hamza Wajid.

Visitation will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael’s RC Church, 80 University Ave. W, Waterloo, on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Interment to immediately follow the service at Parkview Cemetery, 335 University Ave. W, Waterloo. A reception will take place in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Grand River Hospital Renal Program or St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445.