John Wallace Shipman passed away at the West Parry Sound Health Centre on June 30, 2019. He is survived by his children Ellen, Anne (Jo Bossart), Mona (Steve Joudry), Gerry (Mary McDowall), and Peter (Kelly Snodden). He was Grandpa to 14 and Great Grandpa to 15. He was Uncle John to many nieces, nephews and children of family friends. John was predeceased by his wife Ruth of 64 years in 2017 and his parents Olive & Gerald.

Born in Kingston in 1929, John grew up at the Glen House near Ivy Lea on the St. Lawrence River. His fascination with the physical world took him to Queen's University to become a Civil Engineer. Upon graduation (1951), he embarked on a 21-year career as a civil engineer with Spruce Falls Power & Paper Company in Kapuskasing. The blackflies were brutal, but he met the love of his life, Ruth Anderson. Together they built a family and left a legacy.
It was John’s love of the water that drew him to Parry Sound to become owner of Sound Boat Works in 1973. He was an active member and leader in community organizations and attained the rank of Major in the Algonquin Regiment in Kapuskasing. Once his five children were out making their way in the world, John coaxed Ruth onto a sailboat just as she had coaxed him onto the dance floor many years before. They enjoyed decades of winter vacations sailing with friends in the Caribbean. On summer afternoons they would head out onto Georgian Bay in their Folkboat knowing that their business was in the capable hands of their son Gerry.

John was a lifelong learner with the soul of a teacher. He had boundless patience whether teaching his children how to tie up a boat, use a slide rule, find the North Star in the night sky or the merits of not running away to Yorkville. For his grandchildren, he was the North Star.

Memorial Visitation for John will take place at the Logan Funeral Home, 81 James Street, Parry Sound (705-746-5855), on Saturday, July 13th, from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to Sail Parry Sound or West Parry Sound Health Centre would be appreciated.

Condolences

Sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a good man (and a great guy to know if you needed a wooden boat repaired). My condolences to the family, some of whom I taught at PSHS. RIP John.

We will always remember John with affection and appreciation for the development of the charming family-oriented SBW marina we enjoy. Sincere sympathy to the whole Shipman clan.

My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss

Ellen I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your Dad sure sounds like he was a wonderful person and a great Dad!
My thoughts are with you Ellen and don't forget that a lot of your friends love you.

Take Care my friend.
Marc B.

When Ellen phoned me of John's death, I felt so very sad. I first met Ruth and John when their son Peter was born at Sensenbrenner Hospital, Kapuskasing. I was the nurse on duty. Ruth and I became friends; we shared a great long lasting friendship. My deepest sympathy to the family. I will always treasure my many precious memories. Love Betty Torok.