JOHN SILLAOTS

JOHN SILLAOTS

JOHN SILLAOTS Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 15, 2022.
SILLAOTS, JOHN Our beloved husband, dad, grandpa and brother, John Sillaots, succumbed to his heartbreaking battle with early-onset Alzheimer's on October 1, 2022, in Peterborough, at the age of 69. He is loved and missed by his wife, Sandy (nee Mathers); his children, Taryn (Dave), Keegan (Natasha), Cory (Thuy) and Jeff (Brittany); and his 5 grandchildren, Olivia, Henry, Harry, Penny and Phoebe. John is dearly missed by his sister, Marianne (Alan); and nephew, Matthew. He was predeceased by his parents, Leopold and Wilhelmina. He will be fondly remembered by extended family and countless friends and colleagues. John lived a very full life. He was a hard worker and excellent at acquiring and mastering new skills, and from an early age, he enjoyed an impressive variety of jobs and career paths. Most notably, John rose through the ranks during his nearly 30 years with the Toronto Police Service. One of his many positions on the force was media relations officer, an experience he parlayed, along with self-taught skills in carpentry and home renovations, into hosting his own show "In the Workshop" on HGTV, which aired for 5 seasons. John was also a family man and social butterfly. Always the life of the party, "Johnny" was well-known for his easy-going personality and amazing sense of humour. (Even his classic eye-rolling dad jokes will be missed.) A Celebration of Life will be held on October 27th, 2-5 p.m. at Royal Ashburn Golf Club in the Ashburn Sunroom, 995 Myrtle Road West in Ashburn (just north of Whitby).

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May 24, 2025

Rick Young posted to the memorial.

July 21, 2023

RICARDO IGNACIO CONCHA posted to the memorial.

December 31, 2022

Steven Nachlas posted to the memorial.

24 Entries

Rick Young

May 24, 2025

Just saw this memorial as I looked for my old friend Johnny.
I knew he was dealing with dementia, and time was short, but it´s always a shock, even from 3 years ago. I remember that he brought you out to one of our shows Sandy, I think it was Edmonton. I´m sorry for your loss.... He was one of the good guys for sure, but you already knew that. He certainly enriched my life over our 5-6 years working together. I smile when I think of him.
Warm Regards
Rick Young May 23, 2025

RICARDO IGNACIO CONCHA

July 21, 2023

Estimada Señora Esposa y Familia amigos mis sinceras condolencias de su gran perdida, yo lo pude conocer por su programa de carpintería que se transmitía en Florida, ahí John me inicio en la carpintería, cuando me volví a Chile seguí armando mi Taller , viendo su programa por el cable , muy feliz por sus clases después tuve que trabajar en Europa , no lo podía ver pero compraba su DVD que el hacia, grabe muchos sus programa , por la mudanza perdí casi todos los videos , el otro día buscando quien los puede vender , vi la triste noticia. Creo que estará el lugar Celestial trabajando con las mejores maderas del paraíso. Atentamente Ricardo Ignacio Concha

Steven Nachlas

December 31, 2022

I was so saddened to read of John´s passing. I just did a web search to see if I could find what he might be doing these days and I saw the obituary. Even as I was reading this, I was re-watching one of the videos that John did for Kreg Tool. I own all of his videos and also watched him often on his show. Although I never met John, his easy-going style made me feel like I knew him as a friend. As a hobbyist woodworker, I have benefited so much over the years from John´s videos. Anytime I needed inspiration I would just put a DVD in and watch it again. He will definitely be missed by thousands of people. My love and prayers go out to his family.

Jos en Lucie Gorissen

November 6, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Karin Geall

October 24, 2022

John (once Uncle John) always made a lasting impression on me. It didn't matter how long it was between seeing him, he would give you a huge hug & make you feel like you mattered & were cared for. I would think of him as a Teddy Bear! I am honoured & grateful to have known him & so sad that he has left us all far too young & soon.

Louis Gorissen en Bastina

October 23, 2022

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dennis & Dar

October 19, 2022

Sincere condolences to the entire family, especially my dear friend Marianne! Hold tight to all the wonderful memories that John left you with.

Mary Watson

October 19, 2022

My thoughts are with you Marianne. Your brother was one of the good guys. Be strong.
Mary

Ms Kelly J Lynn

October 19, 2022

My thoughts are with the family through this difficult time. Stay strong.

Leo and Marjo Gorissen.

October 18, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Joe Hozjan

October 18, 2022

Johnny was one in a million. Larger than life and eager to help in any way. He truly enjoyed what he did and he will be missed.

Carola Vyhnak

October 17, 2022

A true people-person, a master of self-reinvention. Quick with a joke, and a warmth that put you at ease -- that was John. I treasure my memories of a devoted dad to our daughter Taryn.

Yvonne Armstrong

October 17, 2022

Sending warm thoughts and prayers to his entire family and friends. John was a gentleman and was the D/Sgt. When I arrived at 55. I recall his show well and in fact Sandy helped my husband and I do an interview for HGTV on shift working couples!
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. May he RIP.

Helen

October 17, 2022

A real gentleman with a great sense of humour. Rest John. Blessings to his Wife, Family and Friends. xo

susan

October 17, 2022

Good morning Sandy. I am not sure that you will remember me but John and I ran in the municipal elections in Uxbridge. I enjoyed our conversations about our community. We now live just east of Peterborough. My thoughts are with you and your family and I hope your memories of John bring you comfort. Susan Fedorka

John Walker

October 16, 2022

John was a happy and all around great guy. I worked with him at 55 Division.

Nikki Woolsey

October 16, 2022

John was inviting, easy-going, and charming. As a kid, I loved to visit Taryn at John and Sandy´s beautiful house. I always felt welcome. I remember playing in the pool, and John making the best hamburger (maybe it was a chicken burger?) I´ve ever had in my life. He made gorgeous furniture for Taryn over the years, very impressive. Alzheimer´s is such a cruel disease. May John now rest in peace and his loved ones find solace in their memories of him as a vibrant person. Sending love from Portland, Oregon.

Lyn MacKay

October 16, 2022

One of my funniest memories was the time we worked together at a Command post and he made me smell his armpits to see if he needed to change his shirt for a CBC news interview!
Sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Debbie Geall

October 16, 2022

To Taryn and her family,
Although I knew your dad better at a very young age and memories fade, I will never forget how he had the ability to make anyone feel welcome and comfortable in his presence. Tell your stories and memories to Olivia and Henry as often as you can and be sure to write them down. You will thank yourself. Gone too soon, hold the memories close.
Love Deb, Richard, Kylee and Taya

Brian Fallick

October 15, 2022

To the Sillaots family: Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of John. While not a police officer, in my tenure with Toronto E.M.S. I worked closely with John at the C.N.E. He was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.

Wally McCourt

October 15, 2022

I always enjoyed my time with John. RIP

John Winter (retired #3730)

October 15, 2022

My sincere condolences to the Sillaots family.

John was a newly promoted Sergeant when I first met him many years ago. He was a great supervisor, a Man of integrity who treated all with respect.

May he rest in peace....

John Winter (retired #3730)

Lara

October 15, 2022

Sending so much love to Taryn and her family at this very sad time. John sure was an amazing man, whom I wish I had the opportunity to know! I look forward to hearing more stories in celebration of his life. xo Lara (and Chris & Shay)

Richard Rolfe

October 15, 2022

John was gregarious and fun to be around.
May he rest in the arms of the angels.

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Sign JOHN SILLAOTS's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 24, 2025

Rick Young posted to the memorial.

July 21, 2023

RICARDO IGNACIO CONCHA posted to the memorial.

December 31, 2022

Steven Nachlas posted to the memorial.