John Ainslie

Ainslie, John Harrison

MADISON - John H. Ainslie passed away at his home, following a brief battle with cancer, on April 4, 2021. He was 73.

John was born on Oct. 16, 1947, in Ipin, China, the son of his medical missionary parents, Dr. Robert B. and Margaret Fay Ainslie. After fleeing the communist takeover in 1949, the family lived in the Philippines for three years. Eventually moving back to the states, they finally settled in Madison where John graduated from LaFollette High School in 1966. He went on to graduate from Ripon College in 1970 where he met and then married Chris, his wife and loving partner of nearly 50 years.

Following a stint in the U.S. Army, John worked in the insurance industry for both American Family Insurance and for the State of Wisconsin, a career he found both fulfilling and engaging. After retiring in 2013, John was able to pursue his many and varied interests. When he wasn't working in the garden, John enjoyed fly fishing, woodworking, singing with various community choirs, practicing tai chi, traveling with his wife, and learning about the geology of our beautiful country. He volunteered for the Sun Prairie Food Pantry and delivered meals for The Colonial Club. With a great love of learning, John enjoyed listening to lectures and taking classes his entire life, earning two master's degrees along the way.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Margaret Ainslie; and his brother, Tom. John is survived by his wife, Chris; his two sons, David (Triumph) and Ben (Stephanie Porter); his sister and two brothers, Sue (Roy Sellars), Fred (Chris) and Bill (Vicki); his sister-in-law, Terry; and his two delightful grandchildren, Paris and Henry.

John will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Holy Wisdom Monastery, the place of worship where he felt a deeply spiritual connection. His family will celebrate his life at gatherings later in the year. They wish to thank all the staff at SSM Health and SSM Health Hospice for their compassionate care over the last few months.