Obituary of John William Reakes

Reakes, John William of Jordan Station passed away suddenly on December 27, 2020 in his home at the age of 78. He is survived by and will be forever loved and missed by his loving wife, Phyllis (nee Kelm); his cousin Mary Thompsett, of Gravenhurst, Ontario; his cousin Ray Chambers (Dorothy) of Dunnville, Ontario; and other family members and his many dear friends.

John was born on 10 March, 1942 in St. Catharines, Ontario. He was the only son of Herbert John (Jack) Reakes (1903-1988) and Nea Eleanor Minogue (1907-1978).

John grew up in Vineland, Ontario and was a student at Beamsville District High School from 1955 to 1961. After graduating, John went to Buffalo University to acquire a B.A.  in French studies. He travelled to Paris, France, lived there for four years and completed a Diplôme Supérieur at Paris University, Then, he went to Madrid, Spain for another year. He made many long-lasting friends during his travels.                                

John taught French in a number of local schools in the District School Board of Niagara. He was a passionate teacher and later principal, where he greatly enjoyed a long and rewarding career teaching and mentoring his many students through his sense of humour and compassion. He completed a B.Ed at Brock University, a M.Sc at Niagara University. He also completed a Ph.D in Linguistics at SUNY at Buffalo.  After John retired, he became a Lecturer and Adviser at Brock University in the Faculty of Education.

He married the love of his life, Phyllis Kelm in 1988, and they lived in Jordan Station in the original Reakes family farm house on 13th Street.

John will always be remembered by those who knew him best for his big heart, compassion and generosity. He will be missed and cherished forever.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date when Public Health guidelines permit us to properly share the great memories with the many who will undoubtedly miss him.  The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to the first responders for their efforts and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Education Foundation of Niagara in memory of John Reakes to perpetuate his belief that every student should have the opportunity to succeed in life. Donations to the Education Foundation of Niagara can be made by visiting www.efnniagara.ca  or mail to EFN at 191 Carlton St, St. Catharines, L2R 7P4 in both cases showing the donation is in memory of John Reakes.