John Bilton
1949 - 2011
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peter brooks posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Had not seen John in years. Remember many times walking home from school with him.My sympathies to his family.
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Jasmin Cameron Duarte posted a condolence
Monday, December 19, 2011
It is with sadness that I received the news of the passing John Bilton - the essence of a gentle-man.It was a great pleasure to meet John and his brother this past spring at Queen's University Ban Righ Centre's Spring Celebration where I was the proud recipient of the Janet Bilton-Holst award. My sympathies to the family. Jasmin.
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Paul Collins posted a condolence
Monday, December 12, 2011
I knew John for over 40 years, from the halcyon days of 11th Glengarry House at Carleton to several rez boyz reunions of the past few years.
Even though John had more friends than most of us could dream of, when he was talking to you, you had his undivided attention. He was always interested in what you'd been doing, what you thought about the issues of the day. Not only that, he would do his best to engage you in discussion. This was wonderful for an introvert like me. Always in the moment, always quick witted and hilarious, able to hold an entire coffee house crowd in rapt attention or singing along when he was at the piano, devoting his life to the public good. During my last conversation with John, when he was very ill, he insisted that I tell him about my job in IT Audit. I always avoid talking about this for the "glazed over" eyes that it seems to induce. John listened intently and then, not even cracking a smile, with a twinkle in his eyes and fingers pointed in that familiar manner, he asked. "So would you have to know something about computers to get into this IT audit thing?" Mark, Gillian and Laura - my heartfelt condolences for losing your wonderful dad. May your memories of him comfort you during this sad time.
He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.
William Shakespeare "Hamlet"
- Paul Collins
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Hall Family posted a condolence
Monday, December 12, 2011
Dear Mark (& Family), Gillian & Laura, We are so very sorry to hear the sad news. What a shock for all of us. Your Dad was such an amazing person who will be sadly missed everywhere. From early morning Woolwich hockey practices/coaching duties, breakfast at McDonald's before school at St. Teresa's & his encouragement to work in the social services field...we will always remember him. Please know we are thinking of all of you and keeping you in our hearts and prayers. We miss you lots. Jim, Dolly, Tammy & Brad Hall.
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Lori Griffin posted a condolence
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Mark, Gillian, Laura and to the rest of john's family, my heartfelt condolences to you. I will always remember your Dad with that great smile he had and his very gentle nature. A wonderful man and a great musician. Our prayers are with you at this time.
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Lori Griffin posted a condolence
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Mark, Gillian, Laura and to the rest of john's family, my heartfelt condolences to you. I will always remember your Dad with that great smile he had and his very gentle nature. A wonderful man and a great musician. Our prayers are with you at this time.
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John Thompson posted a condolence
Saturday, December 10, 2011
It was a pleasure knowing John in his role as ED at the John Howard Society spanning several decades. His positive approach to his responsibilities, his personable demeanour and his effectiveness as a caring professional all made him the man that he was - he left a significant impression and he truly made a difference in the lives of so many. Over the last decade, I got to know John outside of our careers - and in work and social/play, he was the same - remarkable. Gone, but certainly not forgotten. John Thompson,CEO (retired) United way of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area
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Dilwyn Thomas posted a condolence
Friday, December 9, 2011
John and I first met in the early 90's when I came to Canada (from the UK) on a fact finding trip to make the final decision to either move here ... or not. A friend had arranged an informal interview with John and after a short period he convinced me to make the move. I fondly remember the words that gave me the little "push" to emigrate, John said "Dilwyn, I have chatted to you for about 15 minutes and I know for a fact that you will make an excellent Canadian". I have never looked back and know it was a great move, THANKS John. It was not long before I joined the Board of the JHS and one of my first tasks was to .... play golf with John in the annual JHS golf tournament. He knew I was a golfer and quickly hijacked me into his team. When John hit his first tee shot using his driver the club made a very strange noise, like an empty beer keg being hit with a 9 iron, and the ball shot off at an odd angle. I inspected his driver and found that the face looked very much like the Rocky Mountains. With a huge grin John told me that his children used his clubs to hit stones in the back yard. My next task was to get John some new clubs. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have known John. RIP my friend. Dilwyn
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Mike and Deborah Palubeski posted a condolence
Friday, December 9, 2011
Dear Mark, Gillian, and Laura We were sad to learn of the passing of John. He and Joanne were so kind and hospitable to us when visiting in Elmira a number of years ago. Our deepest sympathy to you and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike (cousin to Joanne) and Deborah Palubeski
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Krys & Mike Machargo posted a condolence
Friday, December 9, 2011
Gillian and the Bilton family, We are so sorry for your loss. We only had the pleasure of meeting Gill & Andrew this past year, but it's clear from Gill's strength, humour, determination and caring personality that she comes from a fantastic family full of love, music and fun. You are in our thoughts and prayers... Krys & Mike
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Dan Beckett posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Lancaster St. JHS " the hole" thanks for the job, but I likely won't be here long.
Lester St - Grey cup games and great parties. Mark joins the gang.
Pete's Market, Jimmy Wells, rum and bowling at the Park Lane
Move to Elmira, drinks on the back deck homemade red wine makes for intelligent conversation.
Brunswick House, thanks for getting us in the back door Hal.
Jam sessions at Joan's, Jam at John's Tickling the ivory's at the Heidelburg Watching Mark, Gillian and Laura grow.
Goodbye to Joanne.
John tries golf, spends too much time looking for lost balls, son Mark gives him heck. More jams, John retires, everyone sad to see him go. John goes east and is having a blast.
Goodbye to John I am missing you John, as stated earlier "catch ya later" Dan
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Gordon Young posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
In the early 70's the Penitentiary Service was in disarray with the riot at K.P and the opening of Millhaven; thus they went on a hiring extravaganza. John took a position at the new Super Maximum and I at old one. As there were many new social workers at eleven prisons (thanks to Bill C-10 and persons left unmentioned there will soon be more) the powers that be had a social evening at the staff college so we could meet our new colleagues. It was there that John introduced himself to me. In the course of our conversation he said in his inimitable way "Tell me something about yourself". Well I mentioned that I had graduated from Carleton and he replied that he also received a degree from there and I asked him if he had not resided in room number such and such. He looked at me with a bit of surprise and was possibly thinking that he had been stalked.
The fact of the matter was that residence was a small community of students and John being taller than most, ever laughing with a cadre of friends and charismatic to boot, he was someone I was aware of but never met.
In our conversation one thing led to another and he said he just joined a country western band (the By-Ams, which was the initials of the band members, and which John felt they should change the bands name to the By-Jams, but that never happened because of the cost of reprinting the business cards) and did I want to grab a girl and come out to the dance. That was the beginning of a long dear friendship.
I can remember as clear as yesterday John standing with his old base guitar, that his brother Jim had given him (its older now), behind the band in a uncommunicative manner typical of many bass players then, looking out to catch my eye (which was easy to do as I only had one), and when he knew I was the only one on the dance floor watching him he would add in some crazy riff that everyone in the room (including the band) was oblivious too and then break into that wonderful smile and laugh that was his hallmark.
After a year or so the powers that be in the Pen Service were starting to regret that they had hired a bunch of staff that had grown into maturity during the sixties as we were collectively demanding change. There response was to do a mass reorganization of staff and shuffle everyone off to another prison (just like you do with inmates). John requested K.P., I requested Millhaven and we both ended up in Joyceville. We commuted back and forth together in my old MGB and plotted and schemed. In the end our boss who was an old guy in his fifties wondered why we were there and suggested we resign and travel around South America. We took him at his word and with some slight modification decided to head to North Africa along with Garf and Dan. On our last day at Joyceville John said lets go down to the chapel at lunch (when all the inmates were locked up for lunch) and rock that organ like it has never been rocked before. I think the most excitement it had ever had before was Amazing Grace. John with a twinkle in his eye asked me what I wanted to hear and so I said "96 tears". To my amazement he played it like he had been practicing it for the previous week and with the organ at its loudest volume he rocked the jailhouse like never before.
We partied all the way to Madrid and after some time I decided to head to Morocco. John came down to the train station to see me off and years later when we met up again in Mission B.C. he reminded me of what I had said as we parted, "Catch ya later". So for all the intervening decades when ever we would get together by phone, mail or in person there was never any good byes it was always CYL.
I was watching the U tube video taken at the Bilton Hilton (and found under the same name) the other day of John singing "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and as the song ends there is a two or three second riff where John takes off on some other bebop direction that typifies the joy he received from playing music and I just sat their laughing thinking how that typified his whole life. Serious up to a point and then rocket off in another direction.
I was fortunate to be able to spend a few days with John last month and we laughed about old times and cried about the present. At times I felt a bit sheepish, as here was this dear friend comforting me, when he was in such pain.
I spoke with John on the phone shortly before he left us and his parting words to me were "Catch ya Later".
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Vivian and Norman posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Sorry to hear of your loss. My parents Ken and Eleanor Lor were neighbours for upteen years.
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Staff of Family & Children's Services of the Watrloo Region posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The staff of Family & Children's Services were very saddened to hear of the recent death of John Bilton. We had a strong working relationship with John during his time at the John Howard Society and he will be fondly remembered for his work and dedication to many individuals and families in Waterloo Region.
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Buddy Davis posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
To the Bilton Family John and Rod Steacy stopped at my shop about a month ago..told me he was ill........appeared we were all in the same boat....had a few laughs about growing up in Gan.........a great guy , he will be missed..sorry for your loss. Bud Davis
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Marty Schreiter posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
I wish to sincerely extend our condolences to John's family & must say that John was a true leader in the Waterloo Region. There is no question, is commitment to crime prevention, social development & innovation created a positive and open leadership style for so many community projects. I was very fortunate to work with John at the Waterloo Crime Prevention Council who was steadfast in his commitment for social justice and law reform models that help eliminate prejudice & isolation. Most importantly, John was a true community partner who valued collaboration and enjoyed informed debates. I felt honoured to have worked with him as he represented to me a genuine human being. We will miss you John & sincerely know that you have a difference in Waterloo Region!
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Ron and Bonnie Boucher & Family posted a condolence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
It is with tremendous sadness that we say goodbye to a very special friend. Our 35 years of friendship with John and Joanne from our student days at Ottawa U. have been a blessing. John's joy of life, sense of humor and musical talent were always to our families delight. We were fortunate our paths frequently crossed through work, travel and sailing but most profoundly through the friendship our families shared. It is difficult to think of John without hearing the echo of his chuckle along with the twinkle in his eyes. John's love for his family was so apparent as he spoke with pride of Mark, Gillian, Laura and Yanna. We will continue to cherish those lovely memories. Gillian, Laura, Marc, Yanna and Loic our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Please accept our deepest of condolences. Goodbye John, dear friend. Ron and Bonnie Boucher & Family.
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John Knight posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
John and I first met at Mass (and he and I both heard that!). Joanne brought him home to meet her family December 26, 1976 or 1977. Her parents had invited me to celebrate Mass with their family that day - and John arrived in the middle of Mass - a meeting neither he nor I have ever forgotten. We often laughed about his - and my - reactions. In July 1978 I was privileged to officiate at their wedding. And the friendship has only grown and continued. We've enjoyed many a conversation - and more than a few scotches too! - as well as a trip or two to the local Legion on occasion, in Calgary one "Novembrance" Day and in Elmira. His sense of humour, his integrity, his kindness - I shall miss him until we are all together again for the Eternal Party. "Father John"
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lhanmer posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
My thoughts are for Mark, Gillian and Laura. Gillian, I think I met you when you were four years old at your home in Elmira and you were checking our whether my perfume was 'good enough'! You were a 'stylyn' girl from the time you were born. I came to know your mom and dad as parish lay minister at St. Teresa's Parish. I so enjoyed your mom and dad...the laughs, the music and finally, someone who appreciated good scotch! And...I enjoyed watching the three of you grow under the unconditional love of your parents. If you are ever Waterloo way...now you have my email, drop by and share your brag books about your lives.I picked up a second career and took the path of your mother and became a social worker. Your mom and dad were always so proud of you...and they always will be.
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Joan & Steve Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
We have so many memories of John over the past 30 years -- uplifting, funny, life-enriching experiences, brimming with laughter. Whether it was the "piano concert" incident, the "ski-boot" episode, or the "mussels in the backpack" fiasco, to name only three, John's deadpan, self-effacing, indomitable sense of humour was always there. Victor Hugo said "laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face". John hated winter and he clearly knew how to banish it. We smile every time we think of him -- what a lovely legacy.
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Ian McLean posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences. John and I served for several years on the Region of Waterloo Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council. John was a deeply committed and active member of the Council whose contributions were always welcome and valuable. May God Bless you in his gentle, healing hands as you mourn his loss.
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Sandy Somerville posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing. My dad, Wayne(he passed this spring)and I were John's realtors for John Howard moves and his house in Elmira. I got to know John enough so that I always enjoyed speaking with him either on the phone or better still in person. He had a wonderful disposition and a great sense of humour.My family's thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
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Father Bill Corcoran posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Engaged and ready to be wed, Joanne introduced her fiance to me and so began a long, joyful relationship. John's contagious concern for all inspired and enriched us with marvelous music, loving laughter and wise wit. May he rest in peace.
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Nicole Raines posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
My condolonces to Mark and the rest of the Bilton family. Mark I haven't seen you in years but I remember how much your father meant to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Nicole Raines
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Audrey Gleeson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Dear Mark, Gillian and Laura, How sad I was to hear that your Dad had died. My last chat with him was on Nightingale. Your family home was for sale and he was looking forward to moving closer to you guys to be able to see you more. He was so excited to be making this change in his life. I was saddened, however, as I had hoped he and I could jam together in our retirement - maybe make some music together to entertain the seniors at the nursing homes in Elmira. I loved the music your dad could get out of a piano!! I always really liked your Dad. He was such a good listener and so appreciative of my efforts to help educate you. I also admired his work, and knew how committed and compassionate he was to a disadvantaged strata of society. I remember what a pillar of strength he was when your Mom died. Now, you have to be that strength for each other. I have not seen you 3 in quite a few years, but I did chat with your Dad several times and caught up on your lives. He was so proud of all of you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you Mark, Gillian, and Laura. With my deepest sympathy and love, Mrs. Audrey Gleeson (your grade 2 teacher)
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Nicole Henderson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Laura, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. It's been years since we've spoken so the news came as quite a shock. I'll be thinking about you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
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Nate Hinsperger posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Mark and family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts.
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Stefan Loker posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I was the President of the Board of JHSWW when John retired. It was both a honour and privledge to have been able to know and work with John. John was one of those people who was truly dedicated and believed in the principles of social justice and JHSWW. John built and lead an excellent organization and anyone who worked for, was served by, partnered with or come in contact in anyway with the agency could quickly tell it was an vital, caring organization and that tone most definitely came from the top. I have not met many people in my life that I think higher of than John. I dare say to quote the Bard: I shall not look upon his like again... To John's children, his other family and for all of us who have been lucky enough to have know John in any capacity---my deepest and sincere condolences. Stefan Loker
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Wally and Ricki Billing posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
John Bilton was our next door neighbour , for twenty years , in Elmira. He was an easy-going man who had respect for everyone. John could always find the lighter side of any situation and usually add a little humor to it. Children , visiting at our house , always wanted to go next door to see 'MR. Bilton' because he always had time to say Hello and Chat them up a bit. That makes for fond memories of his character. John's family can be proud of their father and were fortunate to have him as their 'Dad'. Our sincerest condolences to : Laura , Gillian , Mark and family. From : Ryan, Sheila and Maddy Wally and Ricki Billing Wally and Ricki Billing
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Joan and Terry Kaden posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Our condolences to Mark, Gillian and Laura - what a loss for you. Your Dad was a kind, intelligent man with a great sense of humour. He will be missed. We got to know your Dad through Joan's work with your Mom and have fond memories of spending a New Year's Eve at your home in Elmira.
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Craig Jones posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
John was a guy of exceptional integrity and grace.
I only knew him a short time and mostly in the context of playing music.
But it was a great gift to me to have had him in my life, however briefly.
Go gently Into the Mystic, John.
You've left us with many gifts and fine memories.
"We were born before the wind,
Also younger than the sun.
Ere the bonnie boat was one,
As we sailed Into The Mystic."
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Alex Lawrence posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My deepest condolences for Mark and all his family. I didn't know John well, but from knowing his son and the stories I've heard, a kind, loving man will be missed by all.
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Peggy Morton posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. John was a good person and will be missed....Peggy.
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Wayne Morris posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I have sometimes wondered what is important in life. I've concluded that perhaps it's to be remembered as someone who cared and tried to make a difference - to make life better for others. You can be confident that this applied to John. The world is a better place for having him in it - even if for too short of a time. Please know that many others, in their own way, share in your loss. My most sincere condolences. Wayne Morris
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Don and Mary Kay posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
John was a good person, a generous colleague, and the life of every party. His special gifts will be badly missed. We are grateful to John and his wonderful family for including us in the many years of laughter, music, and frivolity from Bowness, to Hay Island, to Kingston. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, Yanna, Gillian, Laura, Jim and Jerry.
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Patrice Butts posted a condolence
Monday, December 5, 2011
I met John and Jo Anne very shortly after they arrived in Kitchener Waterloo. I remember going down the dark stairway on Lancaster street; home to JHS. John and I use to call this location "The Hole" and he would laugh as he said it, whispering "its good to stay close to our client's experience." He was always a lot of fun, never took himself too seriously and contributed immensely to our community. My heartfelt sympathy to Mark, Gillian and Laura.
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David Maitland posted a condolence
Monday, December 5, 2011
Where to begin?
I was privileged to know John for over 40 years, having first met him at "Carleton College" in 69 when he was still going to Waterloo. We soon fixed that as he came to Last Chance U to finish his B.A. and then went on to the "U of Zero" for his Masters. Never one to take things too seriously!
We lived together for 3 years, travelled together on many trips (short and long), partied together and generally had a really good time together. Never was a nasty word ever said, except for the dog food hamburger. Ketchup, how stupid we were.
Raucous music at 59 Aylmer, hockey in the middle of the night on the canal, enjoying our 'Bahama Bursaries', driving across Canada in the winter, hitch hiking through California, hanging out in Mexico many times, canoeing the lakes of Algonquin, playing the "Pumpkin Wine Blues" at 110 Waverley, hot springs and massages in Banff, raising and loving our respective families; all we did was fun and adventure- except of course when Marie busted him and he had to come home from Mexico "Right Now!" So much for the UIC beach team.
A great friend who will be sorely missed. I wish I had some photos to share but somehow, we never had cameras! Good thing, I suppose.
Keep on rocking, John.
David
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Sharon Kelly posted a condolence
Monday, December 5, 2011
I first met John in the early 1980's when he hired me to work at Youth Employment Service in Cambridge. Over the years we became good friends and shared many special days together. One of my favourite memories of him was New Year's Eve 1999 when everyone was so worried all computers would crash, etc. John and Joanne came to my sister's house party in Listowel that year and boy did we welcome in the new century in a big way. My favourite picture of that night is John wearing a plastic party tiara and feather boa and flexing his bulging biceps. What a great guy, wonderful friend, a honest and caring gentleman. I will miss him terribly. Sharon Kelly
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Glenn Grainger posted a condolence
Monday, December 5, 2011
John was an activity partner for the John Howard team day at Bingemans (in 2003 i believe) and I got to interview him...I remember 3 things about this experience: the fun he had while a tour guide on a boat in Lake Ontario near his hometown of Gananoque as a kid, the joy he got from playing music with his buddies...and when it came to interview me-the genuine interest he took in my life and my experiences...I was pretty low on any ladder at John Howard, but it didn't matter to John. I have a lump in my throat writing this.
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Sharon Kelly posted a condolence
Monday, December 5, 2011
Mark, Gillian, Laura: Your father was one of my favourite people and I will think of him often. With great sympathy for your loss , S Kelly
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Lois Powers posted a condolence
Sunday, December 4, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to John's family. He spoke so often of all of you. I had the honour of knowing John as a colleague, friend and fellow music lover! I enjoyed spending time with him playing music and sharing stories. I will miss him but feel so blessed to have known him and to have had such a wonderful friend. He was truly inspiring to all who knew him. Sincerely, Lois Powers
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Liza Deir posted a condolence
Saturday, December 3, 2011
To "The Biltons'" I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Your Dad was a special guy and had an impact on so many peoples lives, and I'm sure he will live on in all of you. Take care. Liza Deir
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Daniel Silcox posted a condolence
Saturday, December 3, 2011
From the moment I met John, as he walked into room 1136 at Carleton University's Glengarry House, I knew I was meeting someone special. I was meeting the man that not only would share that tiny room with me for the next year, but would add so much to my life. A roommate, an incredible musician, travelling companion (through Europe and Morocco), absolutely magnetic personality and an invaluable mentor..... I was truly blessed to have this man in my life. Mark, Gillian and Laura..... please accept my condolences for your loss. There are many, many people feeling it along with you. Daniel Silcox
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Robert Stewart posted a condolence
Saturday, December 3, 2011
This larger-than-life man, John Bilton, came into my life in residence at Carleton back in 1970. His quick wit soon revealed itself, with his deadpan delivery always in a tug of war with those laughing eyes and barely concealed smile. That he was a great musician is undeniable; John at the piano was a magical experience. But even above his humour, musical talent, and easy-going nature, there was the sense that John had a kind and caring soul; he treated everyone with respect. With these qualities, it made perfect sense that John would choose a professional career of trust, communication, and counselling. In this, he has made an indelible mark on our society, and in the lives of the many people he helped personally. To his family, I send out my deepest condolences at this terrible time. To his friends, and the thousands whose lives were made brighter by crossing his path, I urge you to spread some of the love that John shared with you. John, you were an instant and life-long friend. You continue to be an inspiration. I will miss you. Love you. Stew
First Visitation
When Friday, December 9th, 2011, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location
Tompkins Funeral Home
Address
63 Garden Street
Gananoque, ON
K7G 1H8
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Second Visitation
When Friday, December 9th, 2011, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location
Tompkins Funeral Home
Address
63 Garden Street
Gananoque, ON
K7G 1H8
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About this Event
In Loving Memory
John Bilton
1949 - 2011
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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.
63 Garden Street
Phone: (613) 382-3088
Email: info@tompkinsfuneralhome.biz
63 Garden St. | Gananoque, ON K7G 2T8 | Phone: (613) 382-3088 | Fax: (613) 382-5362 | Email: info@tompkinsfuneralhome.biz
Funeral Establishment Operator Class 1 – License # 168