
COSBY – John Robert, 74, of Milton, Queens County, passed away peacefully in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool on Friday, March 13, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Gainsborough, ON, he was a son of the late Harry and Margaret (MacPherson) Cosby.
John served with the Royal Canadian Navy for a number of years before working with the Satellite Station in Charleston as a instrument technician. He was a former employee with Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited and a delivery driver for Farmer’s Dairy. He was also an ambulance attendant with the former Chandlers’ Ambulance Service in Liverpool. He was an insurance salesman and Renaware salesman for a time and was owner-operator of The Sportsman Restaurant in Milton. At the time of his death, John was a dockside monitor for Barrington Catch. John will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as an unselfish, forgiving and kind person who loved his family immensely and left this world with no animosity to anyone.
He is survived by his companion Valerie Rhyno, his daughters Joanne (Robert) Klatt of Victoria, BC, Jennifer Cosby (Matthew Conrad) of Liverpool, son Les (Ann Wentzell) of Bridgewater, grandchildren Ryan and Connor Klatt, sisters Twila Steiger of St. Catharine’s ON. Gail Freisen of Woodstock, ON. Brother Jim , USA and his best friend and traveling companion Sophie.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. At John’s request, there will be no funeral service. No flowers, donations may be made to the family or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Cosby; John Robert

Chris Rhyno
very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I knew him from the 1970s. He was a good man, R.I.P.
Shirley and Paul Neals
Valerie, We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a nice man, always had a devilish twinkle in his eye and a ready wit ! He shall be missed. God bless you and all John’s family.
Linda & Curtis Leslie Maillett
We are so sorry to know that John is no longer with us. He was always a friendly guy, and spoke kindly of his friends. He will be missed by his family, and Valerie in particular, during this time of grieving. Our meeting goes way back to 1960 when we first got to know him. We will miss John. God Bless Leslie and Joanne, and all the family members and friends. Linda & Curtis RIP John !
Clyde and David Whynot
we are very sorry to hear of John,s passing our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family at this difficult time
Susan Mosher-Richards
Valerie,so sorry for your loss.my thoughts are with you and your family.
Stew & Rose Mooers
To John’s family our deepest sympathy in your loss. Last time we talked was in the hospital. We have known John for many, many years and always talked when we ran in each other. May your many memories get you through this sad time. God Bless
Craig Hupman
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He always took us on the ice cream truck and we would help him with deliveries and he would pay us in ice cream. Will miss our chats when he came in the store. He was a good man. Craig Hupman
Janet and George Fletcher
John’s Family: We were sorry to hear about John. I always enjoyed our chats when we would see him at the grocery store. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family.
Wanda Horton
Valerie & Jennifer,
We are very sorry to hear this news concerning John . Gene and I really liked him . We got the chance to talk to him @ mom’s funeral and the last time was @ the grocery store . Hope it helps to know others care .
Sincerely Gene & Wanda
John & Peggy Whynot
Dear Valerie & Family:
We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy at this very sad time.
Doug and Pat Lohnes
Sorry to hear of John,s passing. We always had great conversations whenever we met. He was one of the good guys.
Virginia Whynot
Valerie & Family, I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of you. Was always good to have our chats when we meet up & good to remember all the visits over coffee at the dairy treat. My prayers are with you.
Pam & Brian Foley
Valerie and family, we are so sorry for your loss….John was a good man, had a heart of gold…he will be missed
Maryann and Scott Rhyno
Valerie, Jennifer , Joanne and Leslie
We are so very sorry to hear about John’s passing . Please accept our deepest condolences. He’s no longer suffering. Will miss talking to him at the grocery store. R.I.P. John.
Allan & Beth LaRocque
So sorry to hear of John’s passing.We first met John when he ran the Sportman’s Restaurant where we enjoyed many fine meals and great convesations with him.To all his family our sincere condolences
Robert & Sally Fader
Dear Valerie & family:
I am so, so sorry to read of John’s passing. We had such a good chat with him when seeing him in the Halifax hospital a few months ago. I have thought about him so much since then. He was a fine gentleman and always stopped to talk whenever I met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
Judi Maillett
To Valerie & John’s family,so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing.He was a very kind and gentle man.Hold his memories tight in your heart. Judi
Peggy and Richard Hatt
Dear Valerie and family ..
How sad I am for you and the family knowing that John has left us …He was such a gentle, soft spoken man who always had time for a chat .John was very easy to talk to and cared or everyone …
I pray that your family and many friends will help you through this sad time and give you strength to carry on .
Sincerely Peggy and Richard Hatt and the boys at the Garage …
earlene nickerson
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Met him at Barrington Catch when he came to visit. Thinking of you and all the family at this difficult time. May God comfort you in the days to come.
Corina & Willis Huphman
To Valerie & Family…we are sorry to hear of John’s passing…He was a kind and free hearted man…John and my Dad became friends years ago, and a good friend he was…had a few good chats with him at Dad’s when he would drop in for coffee…him and Sophie…I know Dad will miss him dearly, He fought a good fight, but he is at peace now and free from pain…Flying High with the Angles…Keep his memories close to your heart and they will bring you comfort in the days ahead…R.I.P. John…God Bless!
Gordon and Jackie Eisnor
To Valerie and John’s Family:Sorry to hear of John’s passing.Condolences extended to all his family.
Ron & Barb Campbell
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing.
Please accept our condolences.
RIP John.
Glenn Johnson
My condolences to Valerie and my cousins Leslie and Joanne. I spoke to Uncle John by phone only days ago and he was very peaceful knowing that he only had a short time left.
I’m glad we got to talk about the times we had together with family – including one whole summer that I stayed with them. They are wonderful memories and I shall always cherish them.
Darlene Trimm
Valerie and family, Sorry to hear of Johns passing. Thinking of you at this sad time. He will live on, in your wonderful memories of your life together. Take care of yourself.
Brenda Foley
Valerie and family
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.
Brenda
Lisa Acker
We at Barrington Catch are deeply sadden with the news of Johns passing…..he was straight shooter, told it like it was and was well respected. He will be missed. My heart breaks for you Valerie, his family and of course Sophie. We will be thinking of you at this difficult time.
St. Clair & Janet Whynot
Our condolences to Johns family. John was a wonderful friend. We will miss his visits and our drives together. Rest in Peace my friend.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Valerie and John”s Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David & Judy Whynott of mersey point
To all of John’s family we would like to send our condolences at this sad time.We had a lot of laughs with John at the camps in Dodge city. and have known him for years as a great guy. He will be missed by many of his friends.
Lynn Rafuse
My condolences to John’s family at this sad time.I met John many years ago when he was an ambulance attendant for Chandlers.He had lots of stories on the drive back from Halifax.His health issues these last few years were disheartening but he had little complaint.I know he will be missed.
Lynda - Rhyno- McLeod.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing, love and thoughts to all the families.
Holly Smith
Dear Valerie,
I was so sorry to read of the passing of your partner John. Please know that many folks in the community are thinking of you and yours as you journey through this heartbreaking time in your life. Please accept my deepest sympathy
sister gail
I am so happy to see so many people who write their condolence for John. He was a great brother and we loved him dearly. Twila and I were so glad we went to see him in Halifax and spent so many memoies of are passed. John was a kind and gentle man and am so glad everyone knew that. Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts of him. We will miss him dearly,John is at peace now, god bless you all. Val, Leslie, Jenn and Joanne you are in my thoughts and prayers, love you all. gail
Jim & Beulah Mitton
Our deepest sympathy to all John’s family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
God bless.
Pat Cochrane
I will miss running in to John and having a chat. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. Have known him since way back in the days of the first Liverpool adult hockey team in the old rink. My condolences to the family.
Rika Bolivar
sorry to hear of John`s passing may your memories of him be of some comfort like mine of dad at this time. hugs Rika
Faye D'Eon
So sorry for your loss Val, Hugs.
Faye D'eON
TO Val and John’s family ,So sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences to all HUGS.
D. Munchie Hurshman
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thoughts are with the family.
Rest in peace John.
Teresa Smiley
So, so sorry for your loss, Valerie and the rest of John’s family. Take comfort in your fond memories of John.
Sincerely,
Teresa Smiley
Bonnie Hartlen Muise
To John’s family, my deepest sympathy! To Jennifer and Sophie I am sorry for your loss, Jennifer you are a good daughter, Sophie you are a great companion! To Valerie, I want to thank you for allowing me to be able to share a part of John and his last days. I really got to witness the very deep love you shared. I saw John at the end of what was a battle, I also saw, when you knew John, it was time to put down the weapons and let Him take over, to take you home. You were so worried about Valerie and she was just as worried for you, and if, she could continue without you. Well you are now at peace, with other family that will keep you safe and love you. Valerie has another difficult task John, but remember this, I will help her as much as I can. No one will ever come close to loving you like she did, or you loving her. She is stronger than she knows and she has your loving friend Sophie, to be by her side. Thanks John for teaching me to love more, fight a good fight, and when it is your time allow people who care to be a part of the end. Thanks for winking at me, and smileing when I told you, you better not dream about anyone but Val. or I would know. I know she hopes every night to see you in her dreams. The time will come when you will do just that, visit your true love. Oh and one more thing, I will be watching over her for you, so rest in peace my friend!
Bonnie Hartlen Muise
Scott and Nikki
Sorry for your loss, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Eric and Vonna Walker
Valerie and other family members. Please accept our sincere sympathy on John’s passing. Our dooryard chats with him will be missed.
Jane Roy
Dear Valerie and family. We are so very sorry to hear about John’s passing. Jane, Pat, Peggy, Greg and Schedule.
pam and gary wamboldt
dear Jennifer, I am very sorry for the heartache you are enduring! I will send a prayer of peace to lighten your heart! I only got to know you last summer for a short time and your love for your dad was quite overwhelming even at that time. I so was reminded of the love I to carried for my dad! please know you can call on me if ever you need to talk! sending you and mom and family prayers of peace and believe someday you will see him again and hold tight to the happier times as your dad would want this . I am thinking of you and may god see you through! hugs Jennifer hugs!!
Rebecca & Marion Huskins
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a darling man and our hearts ache at the thought of him no longer being with us. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. I (Becky) will miss him deeply.
Karen Barnes
Dear Valerie and Family,
Bob and I were deeply saddened to hear that you’ve lost John and we send our sincere condolences to you. May God comfort and keep you as you grieve such a huge loss in your lives. Take care.
Randi Dickie
Dear Valerie and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Certainly the hope was there for him to have a recovery phase with his illness and it is tragic this was not the case.
My thoughts are of you Valerie. John was a very kind person and he will be missed by many and especially you.
I am sending you a warm embrace and to let you know Ted and I send our deepest sympathies
Randi
ross and darlene roy
So sorry for your loss.john will be missed by a lot of people.our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time…may John R.I.P
Doris Grant
So sorry to hear of your loss Valerie my deepest sympathies may god watch over you and your family will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Zona Hatt
To all the Cosby family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. One memory of John is when I was accompanying a patient to Halifax while doing private duty and we were stopped for speeding.John had to do a lot of talking to get out of a ticket but he succeeded and we had quite the laugh going and coming. It is memories like these that you have in your heart that will assure you he will always be with you.
May God be with all of you
My deepest sympathy
Zona Hatt
Terri Longmire (Huskins)
Joanne and family:
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Remember to always share the wonderful memories that you have of him and he will never be far away. My condolences to you and your family.
Barry and Bonnie Francis and family
Dear Valarie and Jen and family so sorry to hear of Johns’ passing our thoughts and prayers are with you at such a sad till.
Barry and Bonnie Francis
Tony Leggat
Hi Joanne sorry I could not be there with you if you need a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on or just a friend to talk to I will always be there for youTxxxx ps I wish I could have meet your dad I know how much you loved each otherxxxx
Laurel & Hannah Joudrey
We were so very sorry to hear of john’s illness and passing.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family….and a hug for Sophie.
Sterling Belliveau
To the family of John Crosby
I would like to express my sincere sympathy in your time of loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sincere Condolences,
Sterling Belliveau, MLA
Bev Stewart
Valerie and Jennifer, I want to let you know that I am thinking of you as you face this difficult time of loss of your special partner (and dad) . Enjoy sharing the special memories you’ve ” piled up” through the years . Sincerely, Bev and Malcolm
Tim & Louise Crowe
Our sincere sympathy in your time of loss.