It is with broken heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of John Shimmins Landsborough on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 at the age of 82 in Barrie, Ontario. John was born in Ayr, Scotland on October 30th, 1938.
John was a devoted husband, an amazing father, and adored Papa, who will be deeply missed by his wife Valerie (nee Potts); his children John (Susan), Julie- Ann (Brad), and Jeff. Proud Papa to Emily, Ashley, Megan, Paige, Dayna and Callum.
John was a proud Scot’s Guardsmen, 2nd Battalion, and served for many years in Nairobi, Kenya and London England, after serving for over 6 years, he joined the Ayrshire Police and in 1969 immigrated to Ontario and joined Toronto Harbour Police and eventually York Regional Police. As much as he was proud of being a Police Officer, he wanted a big change and left the force in 1975. He worked for Goodyear Plant in Mimico right until the plant closure in 1987. He had several roles and many friends in the plant.
He was called back to servicing the province and joined the Ministry of Correctional Service (Vanier Centre, Brampton) in 1988 “Scotty” was a great prison officer, he spent the last 15 years of his career with the Ministry.
He was a generous man, who was always there for anyone who needed him. His sense of humour and playful presence lit up every room he entered.
As per John wishes, cremation will be followed by a Celebration of Life with a gathering in the Fall, where his loved ones can share fond memories and give a toast in his honour. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Simcoe Hospice.
Jason McDonough
Posted on: Thursday, July 8, 2021So sorry for your Dad’s passing John. I sure wish I would have met this legendary man.
Marion landsborough buchanan lang
Posted on: Thursday, July 8, 2021My great uncle John was a lovely man, who loved his family dearly . He talked about them with great proudness . I remember him well as a child . In prestwick , I would get lost on the beach , etc etc . The police would know to take me back, to my auntie , Nelly , As John was a policeman, a few occasions when I , would get lost . A lot . was very, very young I would get a lift home, in the police car , with sweets and juice . I remember him being very tall . Lovely 🥰 gentleman till the end . Last of them all now gone . RIP. prayers, with all the family. You go have a party with them all uncle John xxx
Marion Lb lang . Pleasure knowing you . ❤️🌹
Kim Cooper
Posted on: Thursday, July 8, 2021Sincere Condolences from BC. John was one of my main partners in Corrections and I’m saddened to hear of his passing. I remember ‘Magic’ with nothing but fondness—I can still hear him whistling down the halls and he will always remain in my memories. So sorry for your loss. ❤️
William whyte
Posted on: Thursday, July 15, 2021I served as a Scots Guardsman with John landsborough and in the police in Ontario. Subsequently We worked together in private business.
There was no better friend than John!
Sadly, today I learned of the passing of another Scots guardsman and former police colleague, James Campbell.
We Scottish soldiers followed a similar path as john landsborough to Canada and to say that today I am devastated by this news is an understatement!
They will be missed! Thanks
sandra whyte
Posted on: Tuesday, July 20, 2021John you will be missed by so many. My sons and I remember many happy times together – epesically our family vacation in Floria – so many laughs all round – wonderful memories.
Valerie my thoughts are with you – you had one great man .