John was born in Toronto on the 3rd of March, 1944, a son of the late Dr. W. K. Kerr and Helen M. Brock Kerr. He died peacefully with family by his side on the 17th of August, 2024, in Owen Sound, at the age of 80.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy Kerr (nèe Smith) of Meaford. He was the patient, kind, and witty father of Ian and Norah Kerr, both of Toronto.
John will be remembered fondly by his younger siblings Ken, Ann, and Frank, several nieces and nephews, a grand-niece, and his brother-in-law Peter Smith.
He was a graduate of Upper Canada College, Western University, and the University of Toronto.
While at Western he was involved with the 1st Hussars in London, and later with the 48th Highlanders in Toronto as Captain (qualified Major) in the Militia. He knew infantry and armour tactics. He was an excellent shot and won the Turner prize one year.
In Toronto, John taught English and Latin at Royal St George’s School for over thirty years. He was also a long time President of the Annex Ratepayers Association.
He continued teaching when he moved to Meaford 24 years ago. He branched out and taught whatever was needed in various schools, except music.
John replaced Sam Luckhardt as the Chair of the Meaford Hall and Museum Restoration Board. He oversaw all the major changes made to both buildings. He then went on in 2010 to organize an art exhibition honouring Fred Haines in 2010 and a second exhibition honouring Chuck Finlay in 2013. Both were local painters of note. John was also the chair of the Museum Board at this time.
In Meaford, John and Kathy built a new house on the family cottage grounds. He enjoyed sailing, fishing, music, and family. John took up woodworking and produced dining room tables from our birch, and trims and baseboards. He especially liked walking our various dogs in Memorial Park and the Dog Park at the corner of Aiken and Grant.
John’s life will be celebrated in The Galleries at the Meaford Hall, a building that he helped design during the restoration and renovations, the ‘Cèlidh’ will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1 until 4 p.m., with tributes shared at 2 o’clock.
As your expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers please (Kathy is allergic), donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation, Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, the Meaford Museum, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
