JOHN EUGENE PANNETON

John slipped away quietly at home on Sunday October 6, 2024 in his 84th year. He will be missed dearly by his loving wife, Cristina, son Jacques, daughter-in-law Sue, son Palmer (Ottawa) and treasured grandchildren, Corson and Carly. His odyssey began in Montreal. This affable paper boy wove his way through Roslyn Elementary, Westmount High, then higher education at Sir George Williams (now Concordia University). In May 1962, Wood Gundy "took a risk" and hired this "average student with no knowledge of salesmanship." Ignited by Montreal's joie de vivre and Wood Gundy's unique culture, he soared to become Wood Gundy's top salesman and ultimately Director of Sales. He thrived in competition and nurtured his clients. In 1979, a promotion to Toronto as National Sales Manager relocated his family. Thus began an exciting chapter of his journey. Always a team player, he flourished in the investment business and travelled the world promoting global markets; British privatizations, Initial Public Offerings and Investment Management were his milieu. A Concorde frequent flyer, he chartered the plane for his Wood Gundy partners to the North Pole in August 1985. When the October 1987 market crash resulted in the CIBC takeover of Wood Gundy, John triumphed over adversity transitioning to CIBC. Fluent in French, he was appointed Chairman of CIBC Suisse, President of CIBC Investment Management and numerous other boards and committees. More globe trotting ensued to oversee CIBC operations in the Grand Cayman, London, Hong Kong and the Middle East; his valise readily packed at the door. In 1995, the first retirement filled his days with global public and private Board Directorships. In 1998, fellow Montrealer Ned Goodman, asked him to start up Dundee Securities and Goodman Private Wealth - a swan song. As President / Chairman, he mentored young people anxious to learn the business. During this period, he privately assisted in establishing successful energy, program trading and real estate companies. In 2010, he retired from active duty. Throughout his life, charity and volunteerism prevailed, including the establishment of his own Charitable Foundation. He Chaired the York County Hospital Foundation (now Southlake), raised funds for Heart and Stroke Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis, CNIB and others. John was a kind, loving and incredibly genuine man. His family, friends and dogs were his passions. He had a special gift for mentoring young people and always had a way of making anyone feel important no matter their role. He loved the water in all forms. Sailing on Lake Simcoe or bareboating in the Caribbean were his solace. With his loyal fishing partner, Stephen Sandler, they fished big game in the waters of Panama, Belize, Queen Charlotte Islands, Florida and Canada. His second (beach) home in Naples was a dream realized, spending his days swimming in the Gulf, conversing with friends and golfing. The family is grateful for the compassionate support he received from Doctors Heather Ross, Matthew Binnie, Bruce Rowat and Martina Trinkaus along with Nurses Stella Koskusko and Roberta Maxhallaku. The family will receive friends at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Ltd., 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville), Toronto on Thursday October 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Bonaventure's Church, 1300 Leslie Street, North York on Friday October 18th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John E. Panneton would be appreciated by the family, supporting the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, heart failure research program led by Dr. Heather Ross at UHN Foundation. Please visit www.UHNfoundation.ca/tribute and select "As directed by next of kin" or phone 416-603-5300. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.