Obituary of John Paul Rush

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John peacefully went home to be with Jesus, his Lord, on December 10, 2024, at the age of 71 after a courageous journey living with pancreatic cancer. John found that faith, gratitude, and living one day at a time gave him strength and courage on his journey. John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February of 2023, and preferred to say that he “lived with” rather than “battled” cancer. By living one day at a time, there were many more good days than bad.

He will be forever missed by his loving wife Debra, and children Heather (Matthew) Campbell, Sarah (Eric) Brum, Allison (Tyler) Welch, Amy (Michael) Wong, Adam (Ajla) Demers, and Alicia Demers. He was Pop to Clara, Ella; James, Lauren; Andrew, William; Timothy, and Benjamin. He found great joy as he watched them grow into amazing little people.

John is survived by the mother of his children and first wife Wendy (Hill) Rush and predeceased by his parents George and Janet Rush. He leaves behind his parents-in-law Rodney (“Bob”) and Stella Burnham, as well as his sister Betty Anne (Ken) Behrns, brother David (Melanie) Rush, and brother-in-law Dan (Carol) Burnham. John will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and many cherished friends.

John loved to be on the water. He especially enjoyed Georgian Bay and, more recently, Lake Huron along the lakeshore in Goderich. He could often be found onboard ‘Soggy Dollar’, whether he was cruising on the crystal blue water or tinkering while docked at the marina. He was an avid reader, loved anything to do with planes (including flight simulation), trains, automobiles, and boats. He enjoyed looking after the yard, lunches with good friends, and quality time with his wife, his daughters, their families, and his stepchildren. His faith and recovery journey taught John the importance of embracing life “one day at a time” as expressed in the Serenity Prayer.

Together with Dr. John Cameron, John founded and grew Ottawa Heritage Dental in Kitchener to be the wonderful facility it is. He took pride in his relationships with patients, personal and professional development of team members, and the lovely practice environment they created. In retirement, John studied mental health and addiction and worked part-time as a Peer Supporter with House of Friendship in Kitchener. He loved the opportunity this role gave him to support others in any way he could and to give back to the community.

We would like to thank Dr. Knight, Dr. Russek and the team at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre for their kind and excellent care. Thanks too to Dr. Myers and Dr. Bains, Care Partners, and SE Health, as well as the team at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, where he spent his last days.

Visitation will take place at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S in Waterloo, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church, 245 Lexington Rd., Waterloo, on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend. Private family interment to take place at a later date.

Memorial donations to House of Friendship or Pancreatic Cancer Canada would be appreciated by the family and may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.