Obituary of John Arthur Hyde

HYDE, John Arthur – At St. Joseph’s Hospice with family by his side, John died peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 in his 80th year. Beloved husband of Dorothy (Matthews) for 57 years.   Loving father of Suzanne (Blake) Bywater, Stephanie (Tracey) Hyde and Catherine (Jens) Walter.  Cherished Grandpa and friend of Daniel (Jessye) Tidball, Emilie (Dane) Osborne, John Tidball (Christalynn McCollum), Justine Bywater, Justine Hyde, Michael (Amber) Hyde, Joshua (Jessica) Walter, Micah Walter (Kiersty Hong) and Aaron Walter; and Great-Grandpa of Madysson, Cooper, Brody and Claudia; and “Special Grandpa John” of Tyler and Kyle McGrath.  Dear brother-in-law Gale (Gary) Kersey.  Also survived by nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents Sidney and Myrtle Hyde, parents-in-law Charles and Dorothy Matthews and sister-in-law Mary June Lavers.  John was proud to be an honourary member of the 23rd St. Bartholomew’s Cubs and Scouts for his annual participation in the delivery of Christmas hampers with his grandsons.  John was a long time member and Past Master of the former St. Paul Lodge #601, was currently a member of Liberty Lodge #419 and a member of both the York and Scottish Rites.  John was a dedicated Past president of the Lambton Oriental Shrine Club Band for many years.  Our dad will be remembered for his keen wit, his kindness and generosity and his ability to make others feel “at home”.  His welcoming spirit will be treasured by his family, friends and the countless people he welcomed to the “Gazbo”.  As John would say, “Until we meet again.”  Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Friday, February 17 from 11a.m. -12:45 p.m.  The Liberty Lodge #419 will conduct a Masonic Memorial Service prior to the visitation at 10:45 a.m.  A Celebration of John’s Life will be held in the McKenzie & Blundy Chapel at 1 p.m. with Rev. Deanna Gibson officiating.  Interment Lakeview Cemetery.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 N. Christina St., Sarnia, ON  N7T 5W3.  Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com. A tree will be planted in memory of John Hyde in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 16th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area