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JOHN MAYO
UPCOMING SERVICE
JOHN MAYO Obituary
JOHN EDWARD ALLAN MAYO
John's struggle with Alzheimer's ended quietly on September 16, 2025, at age 69 with his wife by his side. He was born on August 4, 1956, to Walter and Lina Mayo at McKellar Hospital in Fort William (now Thunder Bay).
In 1977, John married his wife, Gail (Lawrence), and together they built their life in Westfort. Their marriage was blessed with five children, his greatest pride and joy.
John attended Westgate C&VI, graduating in 1974, and earned a diploma in Architectural Technology from Confederation College in 1978. In May 1981, he joined the Thunder Bay Police Service, where he served with care and compassion for 27 years until his medical retirement in 2008. John carried out his duties with honour and integrity, and was known for his tender heart and goodwill toward people in his community. He found particular meaning in his work with Crime Stoppers and community policing. In recognition of his dedicated service, John received the Governor General's Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2001, followed by the First Bar in 2011.
Outside of his career, John was a lifelong learner who was happiest working with his hands. He loved auto mechanics and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, camping, and fishing. He especially enjoyed woodworking with diamond willow, combining his love of nature and craftsmanship. John nurtured many other interests over the years. In his younger days, he was a protective older brother who loved working to restore a 1969 Pontiac Laurentian ("The Boat"), and collecting coins and stamps. Through his life he was a longtime trader of policing and scouting patches, enjoyed bowling with his family, and curling with his father.
John's life was defined by service. In his youth he was an original member of the St Johns Ambulance Boy's Division (1970). He joined Scouts Canada in 1977 and remained active for over 30 years, valuing the time he was able to spend with his children and shaping the lives of countless other young people. He also served eight years on the board of directors at Dorion Bible Camp, spending most summers there with his family.
John came to know Jesus as his Lord in his teenage years, and his conviction guided him for the rest of his life. He faithfully served as both Deacon and Elder at Westmount Gospel Chapel, leading with humility and devotion. His commitment to Christ was evident in his work, leadership, and love for others.
As his disease progressed, John found joy in dancing, music, worship, and whistling. He had fun interacting with the other residents and participating in group activities. In his later years, he continued to take comfort in sweets and chocolate, and watching the birds and wildlife. During that time, his wife - whom he always recognized - was steadfast by his side, and they enjoyed lunch and dinner together regularly. His was a life well lived, full of love for his family, marked by kindness and joy in simple moments.
John is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter Elizabeth (Eric); sons Aaron, Victor (Callan), Luke, and Philip (Michaela); grandchildren Clark, Ruby, and Finneas; siblings Jim (Nancy), Jerald, Joan, Joseph, and Jack; cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to list but equally loved. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Lina.
In remembrance, a 'come as you are' drop in gathering will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Kakabeka Legion (4556 Hwy 11/17) from 6pm - 10pm.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and support staff who cared for John during his many years at Grandview Lodge and Hogarth Riverview Manor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay and Dorion Bible Camp.
John's struggle with Alzheimer's ended quietly on September 16, 2025, at age 69 with his wife by his side. He was born on August 4, 1956, to Walter and Lina Mayo at McKellar Hospital in Fort William (now Thunder Bay).
In 1977, John married his wife, Gail (Lawrence), and together they built their life in Westfort. Their marriage was blessed with five children, his greatest pride and joy.
John attended Westgate C&VI, graduating in 1974, and earned a diploma in Architectural Technology from Confederation College in 1978. In May 1981, he joined the Thunder Bay Police Service, where he served with care and compassion for 27 years until his medical retirement in 2008. John carried out his duties with honour and integrity, and was known for his tender heart and goodwill toward people in his community. He found particular meaning in his work with Crime Stoppers and community policing. In recognition of his dedicated service, John received the Governor General's Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2001, followed by the First Bar in 2011.
Outside of his career, John was a lifelong learner who was happiest working with his hands. He loved auto mechanics and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, camping, and fishing. He especially enjoyed woodworking with diamond willow, combining his love of nature and craftsmanship. John nurtured many other interests over the years. In his younger days, he was a protective older brother who loved working to restore a 1969 Pontiac Laurentian ("The Boat"), and collecting coins and stamps. Through his life he was a longtime trader of policing and scouting patches, enjoyed bowling with his family, and curling with his father.
John's life was defined by service. In his youth he was an original member of the St Johns Ambulance Boy's Division (1970). He joined Scouts Canada in 1977 and remained active for over 30 years, valuing the time he was able to spend with his children and shaping the lives of countless other young people. He also served eight years on the board of directors at Dorion Bible Camp, spending most summers there with his family.
John came to know Jesus as his Lord in his teenage years, and his conviction guided him for the rest of his life. He faithfully served as both Deacon and Elder at Westmount Gospel Chapel, leading with humility and devotion. His commitment to Christ was evident in his work, leadership, and love for others.
As his disease progressed, John found joy in dancing, music, worship, and whistling. He had fun interacting with the other residents and participating in group activities. In his later years, he continued to take comfort in sweets and chocolate, and watching the birds and wildlife. During that time, his wife - whom he always recognized - was steadfast by his side, and they enjoyed lunch and dinner together regularly. His was a life well lived, full of love for his family, marked by kindness and joy in simple moments.
John is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter Elizabeth (Eric); sons Aaron, Victor (Callan), Luke, and Philip (Michaela); grandchildren Clark, Ruby, and Finneas; siblings Jim (Nancy), Jerald, Joan, Joseph, and Jack; cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to list but equally loved. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Lina.
In remembrance, a 'come as you are' drop in gathering will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Kakabeka Legion (4556 Hwy 11/17) from 6pm - 10pm.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and support staff who cared for John during his many years at Grandview Lodge and Hogarth Riverview Manor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay and Dorion Bible Camp.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Sep. 20, 2025.