Passed away surrounded by his family December 12, 2018 in his 95th year. Born September 2, 1924 to Ernest V. Hare and Edith M. Hare (nee Somers). Widowed when the love of his life for 54 years, Elsie (nee Leach) passed away in 2002. Father to 8 children. Cyril (Beverley), Lois (Brian), Robert (Jane), John (Jennifer), Russell, Brian (Sandra), Philip (Kirk), and Patricia (Wayne), 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his brothers Alan and Cyril and sister Lorna. John was born and raised in Port Credit. At 18 he joined the Canadian Navy and trained as an ASDIC operator sailing on frigates and corvettes on convoy duty in the North Atlantic during World War II. He survived the torpedo attack of his ship the HMCS Chebogue in October 1944. A member of the Port Credit Legion, Branch 82 for 74 years. His father was a founding member and John served in positions on the executive committee for many years including President. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the current Port Credit Legion. John was a trustee for the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust that is dedicated to preserving the HMCS Sackville, Canada’s last remaining corvette. In 2009 he received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his work with veterans. John had a long and productive life. He was involved in community service from an early age. He sailed from the Port Credit Yacht Club as a young man and he and his brother Alan’s names are on a number of trophies in the club trophy cabinet. He was a sidesman at Trinity Anglican Church and Warden at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. He served as Scout Master for the Port Credit Sea Scouts and coached hockey, baseball and lacrosse. He was a volunteer firefighter in Port Credit and the first Fire Chief of the Oro Township Fire Department. John was an electrician and a member of Local 353 of the IBEW for over 70 years. He also fulfilled the duties of the Returning Officer for a number of federal and provincial elections in the former Peel County. John built the family house on Helene St. in Port Credit opposite where the GO Station is today. In 1968 he moved his family from Port Credit to the farm in Oro. All of the children have fond memories of growing up on the farm. He will be sadly missed at all of the family gatherings. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
