Obituary of John William Bain

BAIN, John William – In sorrow, the family of John William Bain at the age of 86, announce his passing on Sunday October 29, 2023 at the Chapleau Health Services. 

Son of John William Bain Sr. (predeceased 1982) and Hannah Beatrice Bain (nee Chappise, predeceased 1981). John was born on March 3, 1937 in Chapleau, Ontario. He is survived by his beloved wife Mabel of 27 years; children through his first marriage: Ursula Abel, Ron (Linda), Darlene Geauvreau (Alex), Diane, Debra (Bronson), sister Marjorie Cachagee Lee (Roy), and predeceased by son Tom (2005), daughter Ann-Marie (2017) and sister Margaret Ann Turner (1991). He will be sadly missed by “Peanut” the cat. Grandpa leaves behind treasured memories in the hearts of Melissa, Shane, Ron Jr., Chris, Shanna, Montana, Jake, Wyatt, Garrett and Cruz, and his legacy for 6 beautiful great grandchildren. Uncle John will be missed by many nieces and nephews. 

Known as “Johnny” to relatives and friends, he knew how to take command of a room with his charisma and sense of humour. He loved to go moose hunting every fall with his “chums” and rarely came home empty handed. John spent a significant portion of his childhood out on the traplines at Brett Lake and Rideout with his parents and sisters. There he learned the traditional practices of his ancestors in hunting, fishing and trapping furs. Throughout his life he was a consummate outdoorsman working many summers as a Guide at hunting and fishing camps in Northern Ontario.

A proud member of the Chapleau Cree First Nation, he contributed to the success of the Treaty Land Entitlement claim by sharing his extensive historical and traditional ecological knowledge. John was also very proud of his Scottish ancestors who sailed across the Atlantic from the Orkney Islands, settled along the James Bay coast, and were employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company during the fur trade.

The family would like to share their sincere appreciation to Chapleau Cree First Nation, and to the staff at the Chapleau Health Services and Bignucolo Residence for their outstanding care and compassion. 

Friends may visit at the Chapleau Penecostal Church on Thursday November 2, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday November 3, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dan Lee officiating. Interment will follow at the Chapleau Municipal Cemetery. 

Memorial donations to the Christmas Food Hamper Drive through the Chapleau Pentecostal Church would be greatly appreciated by the family. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/chapleau-pentecostal-church

Arrangements entrusted to Kerry Funeral Home, Wawa, 1-800-439-4937. www.kerryfuneralhome.ca