John Ronald Pelletier

John Ronald Pelletier passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025 at the Irene Thomas Hospice in Delta, BC at the age of 90. John was the loving husband of Ursula (Cicci), the love of his life for over 60 years, devoted father of Kathleen (Mike), Suzanne (Peter), Mark (predeceased) and Paul (Barbara), adored grandfather of Chris (Suzi), PJ (predeceased), Alex, Michaela, Tricia (Dale) and Marcus (Holly) and great grandfather to Alice, Henry, Arya, Nevaeh-Lyn, Nahla and Tori. 

Known as Johnny to his siblings, the eldest of 13 he is survived by Louis, Betty Ann, Victor, Isabelle, Maurice, Judy, Bernice, Marcel and predeceased by his parents Catherine (MacLaurin) and Chief Frank Pelletier, sisters Catherine, Mary Ann, Emily, Frances and Patricia and half siblings William, Moses, Arthur, Francis, Mary Rita, Marguerite, Ida, and Lawrence.

John was born on June 12, 1934 on the Fort William First Nations reserve. He thrived in the beauty of his home environment: Squaw Bay, Pie Island, the Sleeping Giant and Mount McKay indulging in all activities related to being on the water and land during his childhood and adolescence. He talked fondly of his memories of hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers, carrying firewood on bob sleighs, dragging a moose through the bush, enjoying the thrills of skiing through the woods, skating fast on ice ponds and dancing on top of Mt McKay to the 1940s big band music. 

After graduating from the residential high school he attended in Spanish, Ontario, he worked with his Dad until his adventurous spirit led him to work on freight ships and eventually to the Pulp and Paper industry. John has always had an incredible work ethic. He excelled at being a scaler at logging camps in Northern Ontario which led him to his promotion as foreman at the Thorold Paper Company. This is where he met the love of his life, Ursula. Naturally they went skating on their first date.

After marrying on April 25, 1964 at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Thorold, Ontario, John and Ursula began raising their family starting in Niagara Falls, Ontario where the sounds of blue grass and Johnny Cash were ever present. A move to Barrie, Ontario, saw the beginning of 17 years of service for the Dept. of National Defense at Base Borden in Angus, Ontario and then Rocky Point outside of Victoria, BC., fulfilling a long-held desire to head west. Upon retiring in 1998, John and Ursula settled down in South Surrey and then eventually at Augustine House in Delta, BC. Despite the many moves, John's home on the reserve was never far from his mind and he often went back to visit with the family.

John's faith in God was unequivocal. His attendance at Sunday Mass was pretty much perfect and no matter where he was in the world, he would find a local Roman Catholic Church. Although family members have benefited from John's generosity over the years, his willingness to help others (whether they be in his Church community, Augustine House or complete strangers) was admirable.

John was always up for an adventure, accompanying Ursula on many cruises and pilgrimages around the world, walking marathons from Victoria BC to London UK and Paris, France to name a few. He loved hiking trails on the west coast and walking in urban centres. He was genuinely kind, humble and would always say yes to dessert (let's be honest, he started with dessert!). John loved his family and would do anything and everything for them - and did. We will miss your unconditional love and optimism forever.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday April 23, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Delta, BC followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, a donation can be made to the Irene Thomas Hospice or your local Hospice, or to a charity of your choice.