Our witty, outgoing husband, father, brother, and friend John Marrs left this world on Friday, February 18th. While our hearts are broken, we’re sure he’s already riding his motorcycle and entertaining old friends in the great beyond with crazy stories, jokes, and magic tricks.
Born in Montreal in 1948, John grew up working on the family farm, alongside his mom, dad, brother Winston, and sisters Mildred and Mary-Ellen.
If you lived in Deep River in the last 40 years, had work done on your home, or enjoyed a night out, you’ll likely have run into John Marrs. A community fixture with his big white John Marrs construction cube van, he either worked on or built many of the houses in town. His family and friends knew him as a perfectionist, and as a general contractor, he was known for (and very proud of) his eye for detail and exceptional finishing work.
John loved to throw a good party, and his yearly “shop party” was always a much-anticipated event. His staff (and his kids, when they were old enough) looked forward to the open bar, and to trying to beat “the old man” at pool or darts… no easy task.
With a love for life that stuck with him till the very end, John lived every day to the fullest. Whether he was building homes, riding his motorcycle (the Triumph was his favourite) with his wife and best man and close friend Ken, or traveling the world with his besties Steve and Karen, he was having a great time.
His good-natured sense of humour and warm personality always drew people in, and in the years he spent RVing in Florida, John made instant friends and connections.
He was loved and will be fondly remembered by his wife Kathleen, brother Winston, daughters Dawn, Kristen (Mike), Julie (Tom), Jenn (Matt), grandchildren Ellia (5), Kaylen (3), Olive (3), Johnny (2), and Maeve (1), nephews, nieces, in-laws (Guertin/Walsh Clan) and many close friends. Pre-deceased by his mother Edna Pearl, father William, and two sisters.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Cancer Research would be greatly appreciated.
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