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John SOULE Obituary
John Soule loved life and it loved him right back. He loved his family and his friends, and they him. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and son. His friends were numerous, varied and devoted to him. They were drawn by his warmth, his wit, his calm demeanor, and his generosity of spirit. John was a team player and a good listener. He was a consummate host and the perfect guest. His gourmet cooking skills, ready smile and affable nature ensured a warm welcome at every dinner table and cottage in the land. A gentleman, he savoured the best that life had to offer, and enriched the lives of all who knew him and loved him.
John loved many things; to cook and to eat, and to drink fine red wine. He loved to play golf and basketball, and occasionally tennis, and to ski. He loved to vacation in France and Florida, and on the water anywhere. Whether paddling a canoe at Kilcoo Camp as a boy, or racing his cigarette boat along the Toronto lakeshore, or taking a restorative dip during his many summers in Muskoka and Georgian Bay cottage country, or casting a trout fly on a remote B.C. lake, John loved being on the water.
John graduated from McMaster University and Osgoode Hall Law School. He had a long and distinguished career with Thoman, Soule and Gage, and its predecessor firms. His extra-legal roles included stints as President of the Hamilton Lawyers' Club and Director of The Advocates Society. An avid collector himself, John had a close connection with the Art Gallery of Hamilton for many years. He was also a long-time member of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club and the Tamahaac Club. In B.C. John was a welcome annual presence for over 25 years at the Pennask Lake Fishing and Game Club, where his mastery of outdoor cooking is legendary. He maintained a life-long connection with Kilcoo Camp and was a generous benefactor of the Amici Camping Charity, which enables children of all backgrounds to experience the outdoors.
A proud Hamiltonian, John was the eldest son of the late Halliwell Soule QC and Noel Simpson Soule James. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Virginia (Ginny) Soule (nee Hilton) and their treasured daughter Amy Soule, as well as his sister Barbara, and brother Colin (Jackie), and his nieces Claire and Ally, and nephew David.
John passed away all too soon from complications of prostate cancer, with Ginny and Amy beside him. In lieu of flowers, open that bottle of wine you've been hoarding, and raise a glass to an absent friend.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John SOULE
16 Entries
Peter Johnson
September 11, 2023
I only learned of John's untimely passing recently. I knew him from my high school and McMaster days. I'm not sure how I connected with John originally but I think it was through Ray Brien (also gone too soon in 2010), a mutual friend. I also remember visiting him at Kilcoo camp which was close to my family's cottage in the Minden area and where I still spend my summers. John was a real gentleman and a special person. I don't think he had a mean bone in his body. I guess life is made up of memories and my memories of John, those many years ago, are all good. My deepest sympathy to Ginny and her family.
Peter Johnson
Calgary 403-226-3043 or Minden (Summer)705-489-4613
Alessandra Gage
April 22, 2023
I just heard the news from my mom & dad and my heart goes out to Amy and Ginny. My deepest condolences.
I remember how John always had a smile and a good sense of humour when I´d come over to visit with Amy, and of course he was a wonderful chef. Sending you all my love, albeit from overseas.
Love,
Alessandra (Ali) Gage
Wendy Morgan
April 22, 2023
Fond memories of cottage shenanigans with the Arrells and Moyers and the food prep...the `all day roasting of the beef´!
Wonderful family Ginny, John, Amy
Wendy & Dennis Morgan
Peter Oyler
April 13, 2023
Although 3-4 years ahead of John at Kilcoo, I always remember him as a mischief maker and prankster. `Soulie´ was a rascal but in a harmless way who was loved and admired by his close buddies at camp and laterally at Staff Alumni reunions. I shall miss him. My sincere condolences at this timeto Ginny and the entire family.
Keltie Law
April 13, 2023
Ginny, Amy,Colin and Barb
We are so saddened to hear of John´s passing. John was a true gentleman and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
We all go way back through our parents and have wonderful memories of the entire Soule family.
John lived well but died far too young. Thinking of all of you and share in the sorrow of your loss. Thinking of you all.
Keltie and Bruce Law
James Scarfone
April 12, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss, Ginny, Amy and family. John was a wonderful person and the friendliest neighbour for many years on Hess South. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and condolences to all of you.
Carole-Ann Peterson
April 11, 2023
So so sorry to hear of John's passing.
Joanne and Terry Bobiak
April 11, 2023
We only had the pleasure of meeting John in recent years. The moment you met him you were attracted to his charm, brilliance and wit. Our hearts go out to his beautiful wife Ginny and his amazing daughter Amy. He has left a void that can never be filled.deepest sympathies to all who knew him and loved him.
Vicki Gilliland (Gent)
April 10, 2023
Having gone to school with Barb we of course knew her wonderful `big´ brother John and of his `girlfriend´ Ginny...He will be greatly missed by all his many friends and family...condolences to all...
Tom Airth
April 10, 2023
John truly lived the saying that people are more important than things . He was equally at home in a 5 star locale or a log cabin on Golden Lake where he would create an amazing Caesar Salad to compliment whatever was thrown on the briquettes that particular day. John was articulate and able to make all who were fortunate enough to know him comfortable in his words and actions. I´ll miss your dry wit , peppered with a seasoning of humility Soulie!
Our deepest sympathies to Ginny and Amy.
Tom and Jo-Ann Airth
Bill Adam
April 9, 2023
I am blessed, having John and Ginny as dear friends for 50 years! Remarkable in that half century span, I never saw John upset about anything and the closest indication was his gentle "Well, well, well....". His company was always warm, interesting and charming. Always!
In the mid 80's, when New Years was approaching, John and Ginny new I was newly divorced with little warmth in my life and insisted I join them in Ellicottville, where they had rented a place. Some skiing, watching John with envy at his abilities, and the best new years celebration ever at a great little bar called Madigans. Jammed with people dancing and drinking, we made it through a long magical night until the sun started to come up. So impressed, the bar tender then invited us back to his place for one more drink. I don't recall needing it, but spending the night with John made a smile lasting forever.
An amazing friend who I will miss every day!
Billy Oliver
April 9, 2023
"Soulie" and I were great pals in our Highschool days, and spent many memorable summers at Kilcoo Camp, both as campers and Staff members. We shared a very keen passion & skill in Canoeing, and both received our OCA "Master" designation at the same time. Lol, he never did master his "single pry" stroke ! As Section Directors
, we bunked together at "Jenny's Joint" and shared much loved music to
...from Dylan to the "Moody Blues", and many "drenched" days off at the much revered "Cliffe" in Minden. He was also responsible for my acquiring an Irish setter dog "Jason", who was the finest dog partner I've ever had. Many many wonderful memories of my dear old pal John and the entire Soule family, for which I will always be very Grateful. Deep hearfelt thoughts to Ginny, Barb and Collin, and their loved ones.
with love
billy oliver
705 209 1536
Doug Morgan
April 8, 2023
I had the pleasure to work with John for many years. Not only was he an excellent lawyer but an outstanding human being. My condolences to his wife and daughter. He will be greatly missed
Susan Cullis
April 8, 2023
My brother informed me today of John's passing. I was so sorry to learn this news. I met John when our family moved in next door to his, in Burlington. We both attended Aldershot High School, so I'm going way back. But I can remember John's personality in a heartbeat and the characteristics I would ascribe to him then appear to have remained with him through life, judging by his obit in the Hamilton Spectator.
John was a gentleman even at age 16, and he was not only smart, he had a wonderful, easy-going way about him, a ready smile for all, and a quiet self-confidence. One funny incident I recall clearly was when John was the first among our age group to publicly use the word "scintillating", describing his speech to us in his run for School Council chair (he won, by the way). We all laughed at his bravado! I recall Ginny and John as a couple and felt they were so well-suited, even at such a young age.
Farewell, dear friend. Though I knew you for such a short while, I will raise a glass of red tonight and celebrate your memory and legacy. Heartfelt condolences to Ginny, Amy, and their families. Sincerely, Susan Cullis
Glenn Schmidt
April 8, 2023
A smile never to be forgotten.
The VanDuzer Family
April 8, 2023
We will miss John's big smile and friendly wave on Hess Street S. Our deepest sympathies to Ginny, Amy and family.
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