John Harold Paddon

1960 - 2022

October 30, 1960 - January 2, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Paddon at his home on the shores of Lake Ontario in Burlington, surrounded by family in his 61st year of life. John's year-and-a-half long battle against cancer was fought with grace and dignity, and he remained positive, optimistic, and with his wonderful sense of humour until his last moments.

John was the beloved partner of 17 years to Rikki McCarthy, and the caring father of two sons and one daughter: Mitchell, Connor (Jessie), and Mallory. John was also a dedicated step father to Kendralee Fielding (Ben) and Barrett McCarthy and step grandfather to Colton, Leo and Emma Fielding. He will be dearly missed by his mother Lois, brother Bob (Trish), sister Dr. Connie Robinson (Cam), brother-in-law Scott Rieger (Tracey), sister-in-law Shelley Lawrence (Rob), ex-wife Lyn Paddon (Jurriaans), and his nieces and nephews: Dr. Jordan Robinson, River Robinson, Dr. Meghan Robinson (Dr. Colin Bolzon), Cydney Paddon (Kosta Besta), Jeremy Paddon, Kelly, Blake and Brett Adam, Todd, Brad and Kevin Lawrence, Gregory and Jeffery Stevens, Connor and Jack Rieger, and great-nephew Rasmus Robinson. He is predeceased by his sister-in-law Theresa Rieger (2015) and his father Wayne (2015), who he regarded as his closest friend.

Born in St. Thomas, Ontario, John attended Southold Elementary School, Parkside Collegiate Institute, and the University of Western Ontario. He had an early interest in computers and made it the focus of his university studies. He would ultimately turn this interest into the development of his own scheduling software, which he passionately worked towards for six years before founding his company, OnSched. Today, OnSched is a successful family enterprise.

Although he worked hard and always said an entrepreneur doesn't get days off, he did find time to enjoy life. He met his partner Rikki through a running club and ran numerous marathons including several with his sister, who would complain that even though she trained harder than him, he always had the better time. Golf was his passion and he recorded two hole-in-ones in his lifetime. He had many golf buddies at Beverly Golf Club and made many golf trips to British Columbia and the United States with friends and family. His life also included excellent wine, good scotch, and Cuban cigars when socializing. With his sense of humour and wit he would hold the attention of everyone in the room while sharing great stories. He travelled the world, living for a couple of years in Sydney, Australia early in his adult years as well as seeing many countries in North America, South America, and Europe through business and pleasure travel. He gained a great appreciation for the earth and often reflected on its magnificence.

A celebration of life will be organized later in the year when the weather and health restrictions allow extended family members and his many friends to safely gather. Details to follow.

Memorial donations can be made to charity of choice.