Obituary of John Crossley

CROSSLEY: John - of Ridgetown, formerly of Toronto, passed away on Friday April 1, 2016 at the London Health Sciences Centre - University Campus, age 87. Loving husband of Joan Crossley (nee Bain). Beloved father of Steve and his wife Barbara (nee Willer) of Mount Elgin and Meg Crossley of Toronto. Grandfather of Greg, Michael and Scott Crossley all of Mount Elgin. Brother of David and his wife Betty Crossley of Dundas. Brother-in-law of Barbara Bain of Windsor. Will be missed by his nephews and niece. Predeceased by his brother Alan Crossley (1938) and brother-in-law Harold Bain (2009). John studied architecture at The University of Toronto and graduated from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) with a teacher's certificate and later a B.A. from The University Western Ontario . He came to Ridgetown to begin his teaching career at RDHS in 1957. He was a competitive club tennis player in Toronto throughout secondary school and university and John thought his bonus in choosing to work at RDHS was the clay tennis court in front of the old school. However John met Joan Bain at RDHS, and although the court had become a bus loop before he ever taught his first class it turned out he had a much better reason to stay. His architecture and woodworking background led to a lifelong interest in buildings and furniture, both in their design and making. He designed houses in Scarborough, Oakville and Ridgetown. He made or repaired a number of pieces of furniture for family, friends and the Church of the Advent (Anglican). He liked old British cars, old wooden boats and old aviation. Cremation will have taken place with a private family service at Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering for John, which will be held at the Anglican Parish Hall, 16 Church, St. Ridgetown, on Thursday April 7, 2016 from 2-4 p.m.. Those wishing to leave an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation - Cardiac Critical Care Unit or the Four Counties Health Services Foundation by contacting the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to: McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street E., Ridgetown, 519-674-3141.