Brightling, John (Age 90, Listowel)
Published on 5/10/2020
John Edward Stewart Brightling of Listowel passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Friday, October 2, 2020, in his 91st year.
Beloved husband of the late Helen (Luxton) Brightling (2017). Loving father of John Brightling of Listowel, Catherine Brightling & Bruce Hicks of Kitchener, and Michael & Tanya Brightling of St. Thomas, and grandfather of Nolan John and Miles. Brother of Joyce Boblitt of Annandale, Virginia, and brother-in-law of Anne Brightling of Toronto, and Marian Luxton of Protection Island, B.C.
Predeceased by his siblings Minnie May, Fred, Lil, Bill, Arthur, and Bev.
John was born in Toronto and raised in the Swansea neighbourhood. He was the youngest in a large and loving family and had a happy childhood. He graduated with a degree in forestry from the University of Toronto. While visiting his brother Bev at Big Bay Point he met and was “immediately taken” with a young woman at the cottage across the road named Helen Luxton. John and Helen were married in 1968 and moved to Listowel where he taught science at LDSS until his retirement. He was known for his fun antics in class and for sharing his love for the outdoors by promoting the Junior Ranger program. John had three children and was the most wonderful father. As a family they enjoyed camping across North America and touring Europe. In later years John and Helen drove to Yukon and up the Dempster Highway to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. They also travelled to New Zealand and China. John was an active member of Christ Anglican Church Listowel as well as a Mason and Shriner. In 2004 John’s beloved wife suffered a devastating stroke. For thirteen years and into his late eighties John devoted his life to being Helen’s caregiver. The determination John showed in this new role was typical for him. He put his family before everything else and was resolute if told something could not be done. His kind heart, humour, genuineness and humility will be remembered.
Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Listowel on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors must schedule a time to attend on the funeral home website by selecting RSVP on John’s page, or by calling the funeral home at 519-291-4840. Everyone attending must wear a mask.
A private family funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Ralph Dwarika officiating. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or Christian Children’s Fund would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
