Obituary of John Peter Harte
John Peter Harte
John passed away peacefully at Hospice Niagara with his family by his side on July 3rd, 2017. Husband and friend to Janice for 46 years. Devoted father of Karen (Darren) and Jennifer. Cherished Grampa to Roxie and Rosie Loucks and Leannan Harte-Shannon whom he adored and doted upon. Big brother to Margaret Upper, Roderick (Maria), Peter (Sandy), Raymond (Marilyn), Brian (Janet), Gerard (Laurie), Kevin (Jean), Catherine (Regina), Alice (Steve) Mirtsos, Emily (Ed) Kavanaugh, Anne (Chip) Carpenter. Brother in law to Pat and JP Carriere, Louise Parnell, Isabel and Judy Harte. Predeceased by his parents Peter and Cathy Harte; his brothers Neil, Michael and Adrian; and his brothers-in-law Hugh and David. Beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
John was born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 2nd, 1946. He arrived in St. Catharines in August, 1965 and began work at GM. He started in payroll and worked his way up to Auditor with numerous roles in between. John immediately felt a strong sense of community in St. Catharines and was proud to be a part of it. He joined Jaycees, where he was involved in setting up the distress hotline and Junior Achievement offices. While Director of Youth Activities, St. Catharines won a national award for best youth project for the Regional Science and Engineering Fair. In the 1990’s John again became involved in Junior Achievement, serving as local President and on the National Board. As a proud Scotsman, he was President of the Scottish Club and served on the Executive of the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines. John loved soccer. With the St. Catharines Jets he served as Board member, Director and Coach to all ages of players from 4 and up. He was very proud to start a recreational women’s league for those over 18 that has continued to thrive. His favourite community role for over 25 years was as Santa for Help a Child Smile, a support group for families whose children are affected by cancer through McMaster Hospital.
Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Niagara as well as, the in-home care staff, especially Kassandra and Susan. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Help a Child Smile in John’s memory. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday July 7th, 2017 at George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St. from 4 pm to 7 pm with a brief service at 5 pm.