JOHN CREIGHTON BRIGHT

(July 19, 1936 – December 8, 2025) John Creighton Bright, K.C., passed away peacefully in Toronto, on December 8, 2025, following a long and full life lived with grace, curiosity and quiet strength. Born in Toronto in 1936 to Mary Caroline Creighton and Thomas Jamieson Grosart, John carried vivid memories from his earliest years, including sitting on his grandfather's shoulders at age three to glimpse King George VI during the royal visit to Toronto. He attended University of Toronto Schools before going on to study Engineering Science at the University of Toronto with ambitions to become a test pilot. This dream was cut short in 1959 when the Avro Arrow programme was cancelled. He redirected his talents to law, attending Osgoode Hall Law School, built a distinguished legal career and was appointed King's Counsel. Yet, aviation remained his lifelong passion. He joined the air cadets at a young age, eventually becoming a reservist pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. When on a trip to London in his late teens, he hitchhiked from London to the de Havilland Aircraft Company, where a chance encounter led to him being picked up in a limousine by founder Geoffrey de Havilland himself. He was taken on a site tour and given an opportunity to fly in one of its iconic planes. Beyond his legal practice, John was deeply engaged in national politics, serving as President of the Etobicoke Centre Federal Progressive Conservative Association between 1979 and 1981. John was an avid golfer, playing until age 85, and family knew better than to call when a game was on television. He was an intellectual who relished spirited discussions of current events, a jazz enthusiast, an avid reader with a particular love for history, a dedicated gardener, and an enthusiastic fisherman who, even in his final year, was planning another fishing trip to Costa Rica. John had a gift for storytelling that brought laughter to every gathering. He was charismatic, understated with a humble wisdom that made him both astute and approachable. He always had time to listen and enjoyed a good intellectual challenge. John shared 59 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Jane, a partnership marked by deep respect, humour and enduring love. Together, they built a life rich in memories, adventure and family. He is lovingly remembered by Jane; his children, Kevin, Melanie, and Sarah - each of whom carries forward his kindness, wisdom and love; seven adoring granddaughters, Lily, Cady, Abigail, Sadie, Quinlyn, Mathilde, and Lara; his brother, James; and sisters, Marylou, Martha and Susan. He was immensely proud of his family's achievements and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, good humour, eternal optimism and unforgettable stories. A Funeral Service will be held at Kingsway Lambton United Church, 85 The Kingsway, Etobicoke, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Society. Online condolences may be made at www.turnerporter.ca.