Obituary of John Sankey

It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to an amazing, wonderful and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  John Douglas Sankey, age 87, of Ottawa passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026.  Born July 13, 1939, in St. Catharines, Ontario, he was the son of the late Charles Alfred Sankey (1905-2009) and Winfred (Wallace) Sankey (1904-2002).

John devoted his life to his family, his community, and his many career and personal interests. While he was an accomplished musician from childhood, he chose a career first in engineering and then in physics, where his achievements continue to contribute to our understanding of the universe. He was a lifelong advocate for the environment, a dedicated naturalist and an avid gardener. More than anything he loved sharing his vast knowledge with his children and grandchildren, and contributing to his community wherever he went.

He is survived by his loving wife Lynette; his siblings George (Marguerite), Grace (Lloyd), Janet; his children: Alan (Melanie), Evelyn (Will), Margaret (Fred), Michael (Helen), Arthur; step-children Karlene (Joseph), Karl (Angela); grandchildren Rosemary, Lillian, Grace, Benjamin, Timothy, Lola, Margo, June, Elijah, Jonah, Emmalynn, Evan; and great-grandchild Irene.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pinecrest Remembrance Services Ltd.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM (EDT) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Pinecrest Remembrance Centre.  A reception will follow in the adjacent Solarium room after the main service.  Should you choose to donate, donations can be made in John’s memory to one of the following charities:

• Ottawa Mission
• Covenant House Toronto