Pitblado – John, 94, of Liverpool, Queens County, passed away peacefully in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool on Sunday, November 24, 2019.
Born in Montreal, PQ, John was a son of the late Charles and Annie (Morrison) Pitblado.
John, was a veteran of World War 2 where he was trained as a pilot, bombardier and navigator. Due to his proficiency in those areas, he was kept on as an instructor for those 3 fields till war’s end.
Thereafter, he married circa 1946, and there were 4 children from that union. Three of those children died over time. One of those children, Ann, through the grace of God and advances in modern medicine, was able to overcome many years of estrangement and was driven by her daughter, a warm, compassionate registered nurse, Lee Pitblado-Rayworth, to John’s bedside for a few hours the day before he passed. There they had quality time with Jonathan and Linda Pitblado.
John was manager for Sun Life insurance for the Atlantic Provinces from 1946 to 1962. He then moved, with second wife Beryl, whom he met in Liverpool, and infant son Jonathan, to Portland Maine, where he was manager for Sun Life for the state of Maine.
While in Maine, John and Beryl, with 2 friends, started a school for intellectually challenged kids in the basement of their church- that school was taken over by the State of Maine and continues to this day. He was a deacon in that church, an active Mason and an active Shriner.
John and Beryl and young Jonathan moved back to Liverpool in 1973 and John decided to semi retire to help guide Jonathan- John worked as a Sun Life agent. He often played tennis and attended Masonic Lodge.
Never one to shy away from helping the community, John was president of the Liverpool Tennis Club in the late 1970s and was also president of the local Scouting organization and the curling club around the same time. He was also very active in the Kiwanas Club for many years.
John made it to the provincial championship for curling in the mid 1980s with Jonathan. He was also a world class bridge player and played in tournaments across North America. Most importantly, John was an excellent husband and father and was a back up minister for the United Church for many years and handled services across the South Shore when ministers were away.
John and Beryl wintered in Wilmington, North Caroline for about 25 years.
He would want the congregation of 1st St Andrews Presbyterian Church there, as well as the United Church congregation in Liverpool to be thanked for their group prayers that brought him back from death on the operating table for colon cancer in 2001.
John would also want, as do his son Jonathan and wife Linda, the congregants and the Reverend Carol Smith of Zion United Church in Liverpool to be thanked for their many visits while he was housebound and in the hospital. He would also appreciate the kindness, and professionalism of the Chandlers’ Funeral Home staff.
John is survived by his son Jonathan, his wife Linda, his step grand son Rob Holtom (aged 31), step great grandson Max, (age 2), grandchild Mark (age 21) and grandchild Andrew (age 19).
John was predeceased by his wife Beryl (Randall), his sister Charlotte and his brother James.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. A private family interment will take place at a later date. No flowers by request, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.
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Bruce Inglis
From Melanie, Bruce, Lincoln and Lauren Inglis.
Our entire family has sadness to know our ‘cousin John’ has left the earth but joy to know he is reunited with Beryl and free of the pains of life.
Pitblado was a kind man and generous to others. It was a privilege to call him a friend and his memory will not be soon forgotten.
Ron & Barb Campbell
To the Family,
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Judi Maillett
So sorry to see this. John was one of the kindest men I have had the pleasure to meet. He will now be with his beloved Beryle. Fly high with the Angel’s John.
Bernie Swain
I got to know John over the last decade or so playing duplicate bridge against him. He was a formidable player but, more than that, he was a consummate gentleman and a friend. To me he provided an example of a life well lived. He earned great respect and love from those who knew him. He will be missed. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
John and Donna Murray
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I enjoyed chatting about the insurance industry on many occasions with John. Sincere condolences….
John and Donna Murray
Doug and Barb White
Jonathan and Linda, we were sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Although we never met your Dad it is very clear that he accomplished much during his life and will be missed.
Karen Crouse
Sincere condolences to John’s family. He was kind and generous, offering support and advice when he saw a need. Rest in peace John.
George and Carole Paterson
John and Linda
Sorry to hear the news of your father. We are glad we had a chance to speak to you last week.
Bob/Marjorie MacGowan
Our sincere condolences in your loss
Allen Fownes
Sincere condolences Jonathan, he was a great contributor to Liverpool. I recall a lovely summer cocktail party in your backyard to which we were invited with our kids – the kids sat on his lap and that of Dr. Wickwire under the elms. Your mom and dad were great hosts and we felt very welcome.
He will be greatly missed.
Allen Fownes
David Whynot
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. My Condolence to all his family. I will miss him walking down the Post Office checking the mail every day standing and having a chat with him R I P John will be reunited with his wife Beryl in Heaven
Leon & Norma Robertson
Sorry for the Passing of your Dad. John was a true gentleman. Our condolences to his family
Phyllis & Yorke Tutty
Jonathan and Linda,sorry to hear of John’s passing, Yorke and I have many memories of John and Beryl.
Our sincere condolences.
Tim Rayworth
Sorry for your loss Johnathin.
I had no idea how accomplished John was and we thank him for his services.
Sincerely,
Tim Rayworth
Robert & Sally Fader
:Jonathan:
I am very sad to be sending this note. Your Dad was a true gentleman. We got to know him when he moved here in the 70’s, through tennis. I believe it was him who encouraged me to play.in tournaments. We attended many tennis meetings and held different positions over the years. For a number of years we had a large tennis club, and I will always remember the first time we played under the lights. That was a big thing here in Liverpool.
When I last visited him, a few days before he passed, I knew that things weren’t good. He had a good, long life and we send our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Mervin Bernadette Hartlen
Sorry to hear of John’s passing he was a great man. Kind and always with a touch of dry humor. We were so glad to know him and Beryl. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Lorne and Barb Redmond
We have lost a wonderful friend, neighbour, and lodge brother. Condolences to all the family.
Lorne and Barb
Billand Anna Cox
Pitblado family
We extend our deepest sympathy in John’s passing, he was a good friend.
Perri and Guy Bomar
To the Pitblado Family.
Our condolence to your family. We met John and Beryl in 1996 in Wilmington and had the pleasure of seeing them on their annual visits to Wilmington. John was indeed a gentleman and awesome friend. Thank you for sharing the story of his life. May he rest in peace.
Randi Dickie
Dear Jonathan & Family ,
It is with sadness to think of the passing of John….your Dad and a well known resident of Liverpool area. He shall be missed for certain .
We have fond personal thoughts of good conversation, times at the Gym & Curling Club, opponents at the Bridge table , and a long association with Zion United Church.
We wish you comfort In all of your special memories.
With sincere sympathies …..
Randi & Ted
Karen & Wendell Whynott
Sincere condolences to the Pitblado family.
Wendell & I have good memories of John, of his kindness and gentle nature.
We are sorry for your loss.