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BORN
1925
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
John Twelves Obituary
Jack was proud to have been in uniform most of his life. He was a Boy Scout and a Major in a high school Army Cadet Corps in Brantford. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during WW2 where, during Basic Training, he was a part of the Honor Guard for Sir Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and PM. of Canada, Mackenzie King. He was transferred to Halifax where he met his wife-to-be.
After WW2 Jack graduated from Western University and set up practice in Hamilton as a family doctor and served as Chief of the Department of Family Medicine of the Hamilton Civic Hospitals, President of the Medical Staff, Associate Clinical Professor of McMaster Health Sciences. He served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (PL) of Canada as Medical Officer with the rank of Captain in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. He retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1990 and from family practice in 1993. He was decorated and proudly wore the Volunteer Service Medal, the Victory Medal, the Canadian Defense Medal for 18 years of service, the Queen's Jubilee Medal, and the medal and cross of the Hospitaller Order of St. John for which he was Knighted in the Order in 1990.
Cremation has taken place. As per Jack's wishes, there will be no visitation. A graveside service will take place on November 11 at 2 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to invite anyone who may want to pay their final respects. Due to the pandemic, the family requests that masks be worn at all times during the service.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the kind and caring PSWs from Bayshore who cared for Jack so that he could remain at home - you are truly a wonderful group of people.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Twelves
22 Entries
Brenda Williams
April 11, 2025
What an incredible man . Never forgotten
Paul Meyers - on behalf of The Meyers Family, Vince and Muffy, Cheryl
April 5, 2025
Dr. Twelves was a truly remarkable man. Our connection began back when our family lived in Hamilton-I still remember him making house calls and taking care of us.
After we moved to North Bay, my parents, Vince and Muffy, remained close friends with Jack and Winn. Over the years, our families spent many wonderful times together at their cottage in Muskoka. Dr. Twelves, Winn, and the entire family always welcomed us with warmth and generosity.
I'm deeply grateful for the memories we shared there. I especially remember fishing with Jack and my dad. They had all the gear and the latest technology to catch the big ones-but somehow, the fish always managed to get away.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know how much he meant to our family.
Brenda
April 1, 2024
R.I.P such a gentle soul. It was a pleasure to care for Mr. Twelves . B.W
William Hughes
March 27, 2024
I was thinking about Dr. Twelves the last few days. I thought he might have passed many years ago. I was surprised and pleased that he lived such a long and wonderful life.
He was my family practice placement as a McMaster med student in 1978. A very kind and patient teacher. He thought I need to learn more about pharmacology. He was right.
Rest in peace.
William G. Hughes, MD, FRCPC, Cardiologist
Darselam Kerim
March 17, 2024
We were new comers to Canada and was He was our family doctor from 1980- 1988. I specifically remember a time where my daughter broke her wrist and he sent a taxi to come collect me and daughter and was waiting for me at the Emergency door. I appreciated everything he has done for me and family.
Arlene Clement
September 6, 2022
My family were patients of Dr. Twelves from the late 60s until his retirement. My mother, Simonne Clement, adored Dr. Twelves (and Mrs. Twelves), who was her doctor through the birth and raising of her three children, and several serious health issues throughout the years. Dr. Twelves valued my mom's lived experience, was so compassionate in his care and approach, and often went above beyond to ensure she and all his patients got the care they needed. And always with a smile! My mother still talks about Dr. Twelves to this day, and says how grateful she was to have had him as her doctor! Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Arlene Hamilton (Copeman)
December 3, 2021
Thank you Dr. Twelves . You were an incredible Doctor dedicated to your profession. Rest In Peace Dear Man. I am sure you are fishing somewhere.
Shawn Duthie
November 8, 2021
Dr. Twelves was the best doctor going. He looked after the Reed family for years right up until his retirement. I can remember running across Montgomery Park to get to his office with many an earache. He was never too busy to see a patient. Our heart arts and prayers go out to the Twelves family. I have been thinking of them all a great deal. God Bless. Shawn and Bruce Duthie
Darrell Doxtdator
November 5, 2021
I had the honour of serving under Lt Col Twelves when he was the CO of the 23 Medical Company (Hamilton). A great teacher, gentleman, and officer. My sincere condolences to his circle of family & friends.
Brenda williams
November 5, 2021
My deepest condolences to the family. Dr. TWELVES was definitely a Gentleman. Very intelligent, very interesting, just a wonderful human. R.I.P JACK .psw Brenda.W
Heather Dean
November 4, 2021
My family were all patients of Dr, Twelves up until he retired.going right back to my Grandmother when she first arrived from Scotland. Dr and Mrs. Tweleves were both such amazing people. I still to this day remember one of the pictures that was up in the office”Children learn what they live”. It always stuck with me because it was so true. When my daughter was little, we’d visit the office and every single time she ran and grabbed the popcorn book that I had to read to her while we waited. It was always her favorite. She is a grown adult now but, I found the book a few years ago and bought it for her.she cherishes it along with all the wonderful memories of our visits to the office.
My deepest condolences to your entire family. He truly was am amazing man and Doctor.
Heather And Lyndsay Dean.
Heather Rayner(thorogood)
November 4, 2021
Doctor Twelves was one of the best doctors ever. So kind,gentle,and caring . I loved the house calls. I'm one of 8 thorogood kids that he brought us into this world. May he rest in peace
Betty Hatcher
November 4, 2021
I met Dr Twelves when I was 15 and he was around 40 instantly had a crush he was one of the nicest people I have ever known...him and Winnifred made you feel like family...delivered all my babies and helped us bury a daughter later in life...he will never be forgotten ne of the true heroes may he rest in peace
Lorraine McMillan
November 3, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Twelves family on the loss of your father. I have many fond memories of the times we spent with your mother and father over the years working at the Parkdale clinic, and then in later years meeting your father at the mountain PROBUS where we shared many memories. He was a kind, warm, and compassionate man and a wonderful doctor. May you find joy and comfort in your memories.
God Bless, and much love to all.
Most Sincerely, Lorraine McMillan
Kathleen and Debbie Page
November 2, 2021
It was such a joy and pleasure to work with Jack and Win for many years in their family practice.
They are both truly missed.
Brenda Williams
November 2, 2021
My deepest condolences to Dr.Twelves family . He was a remarkable man. Always a gentleman. R.I.P, PSW Brenda W
, Bayshore
Brenda
November 2, 2021
My deepest condolences to Dr.Twelves family . He was a remarkable man. Always a gentleman. R.I.P, PSW Brenda W
, Bayshore
Amanda
November 1, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Dr.Twelve’s was my family doctor when I was born in 1988. May you Rest In Peace .
Laurie Brockbank
November 1, 2021
So sorry to hear about the passing of Dr.Twelves he was a great doctor.. R.I.P
Brenda Markwick and family
October 30, 2021
He was one of the kindest people I have ever known He delivered my sons and was physician to our whole family until he retired. I can always see his and Winn’s face each time I showed up at least 4 new foster kids and my own in tow They would say here comes the old woman who lives in the shoe. Jack was also a friend of my father in law George who was also an Argyle. I fact that is how we meet. Our family would like to send you our sincerest condolences but please know that he touched so many lives in the most wonderful way
DR JJ Homer
October 30, 2021
Very sorry to hear this news but I know he had a very satisfying and happy life both professionally and personally. I have many fond memories of working alongside Jack and Winn at the Parkdale Medical Clinic. He certainly was a great mentor and role model to me. My sincere condolences to Cheryl and the family. Respectfully Dr JJ Homer.
Joan Randle Grainger
October 30, 2021
Dr.Twelves was my Dr. for over 10 yrs in the 50’s - 60’s. As a young woman going out into the world, he was always very kind and supportive
to me, when I faced problems dealing with life. Thankyou for your kindness and may you Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Joan Randle Grainger.
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