SHESHKO, John
- July 30, 2025
John Sheshko 1943-2025
With great sadness, we share the news that John Sheshko passed away on July 30th at St. Anne Hospital, with Linda, his wife of 56 years, holding his hand. Missing him already are his sons Andy (Caddy) and Dan (Andrea) and his daughters Jenn (Chris) and Dana (Anthony), and his brother Nick (Claire), as well as his beloved grandchildren Ada, Ivy, Ivan and Irene and step-grandchildren Finn and Maiya. He was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Anna Sheshko and his brothers Peter (2009) and James (2025).
Born in Park Extension, John was a graduate of Darcy McGee High School and of Loyola College, where he met his wife Linda MacIntyre. After completing an MA in Religious Studies at University of Ottawa, he began his teaching career. John taught in the Humanities Dept. at John Abbott College from 1974 until his retirement in 2007. His six-year tenure as president of the college Faculty Association included some turbulent times which he navigated with courage and creativity.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Alzheimer’s Group Inc. for their support over the past 5 years, and to the wonderful care staff of the Remembrance Pavilion at St. Anne Hospital. Memorial donations to these organizations would be most welcome.
A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12th, at Voluntas Commemoration, 4695 Boul. Saint-Jean, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC H9H 2A7. Visitation from 1-2, service from 2 to 3, and a reception from 3 to 5 pm.
Evy Solomon
August 3, 2025 at 3:29 pmMay John’s memory be for a blessing
Angela Zawada
August 3, 2025 at 3:43 pmMy deepest sympathies, Linda. My heart is with you.
Bob Burns
August 3, 2025 at 4:01 pmDeepest sympathies to you Linda and family. I mourn my former student at D’arcy McGee and my colleague at Abbott. John was a creative,sensitive and loving person. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the College over the years.
Judy and Andy
August 3, 2025 at 4:41 pmWe are truly saddened by John’s passing and we send our deepest sympathies to his loving wife Linda and family.
Tim Kravitz
August 3, 2025 at 4:48 pm35 years ago I was introduced to this extremely kind and gentle man. I will never forget his words, his caring, his patience and strength. So very sorry Linda for his loss
Ray and Ralph Allison
August 3, 2025 at 9:18 pmDear John, we celebrate you! We missed your friendly and gentle presence at the Film group. We have such good memories of happy times together with you and Linda.
Pauline FitzGerald
August 4, 2025 at 9:17 amRemembering good times with you , Linda, and John at Loyola and sadness in your loss of such a kind, gentle and adventurous soul.
Gillian Gilbert
August 4, 2025 at 10:06 amDear Linda Wishing you all the good memories of your time together
Christine Holland
August 4, 2025 at 10:27 amDearest Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My sympathies to you and your family. May you find comfort in the in the support of your community. I have fond memories of our conversations during Lakeshore Players shows. Sending warm wishes.
Ginette Leroux
August 4, 2025 at 11:28 amSoooo sorry I will be out of town on the 12th . Sending my best to Linda and her children. It’s been a pleasure meeting you all. John who I called « My Friendly Giant » will be missed at the Pavillion. God bless him and all those he loved
Pauline Orr
August 4, 2025 at 11:32 amDear Linda,
I’d like to offer you my deepest condolences on hearing of the death of John. I’m thinking of you and your family a nd send you a warm embrace.
Barry Reynolds
August 4, 2025 at 4:53 pmJudy and I share John’s loss yet cherish our memory of meeting he and you at Ste. Anne hospital these past few months. I recall happier days getting roofing lessons from John at your Rigaud farm on the hottest day in early ’70s. Kind, compassionate, caring.
Wendy MacDonald
August 4, 2025 at 5:56 pmI not only worked with John for almost 20 years at JAC but was a former student. Not only was he a phenomenal teacher he was one of the kindest colleagues I have ever worked with. A gentle giant. Sending my condolences to the entire family. Xx
Doris (Mooney ) LeClair
August 5, 2025 at 8:25 amMy heart goes out to you, Linda,
your children, and grandchildren. I’m so sorry for the loss of John. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I will always remember John during the times of my memorable visits.
Linda Collier
August 5, 2025 at 12:00 pmMy deepest sympathies to you, Linda and to all your family. For many years I had the pleasure of working with John, both as a Departmental colleague and as a member of the Union Executive. I remember John as a good-humoured and kind man and who loved to tease us and laugh with us and one who delighted in his family.
Linda Collier
August 5, 2025 at 12:02 pmMy sympathies to you, Linda, and all the family. I had the pleasure of working with John both as a Departmental colleague and as a fellow member of the Executive. I remember John as a kind and good-humoured person who loved to tease. And as someone who delighted in his family.
Rick and Julle Wood
August 5, 2025 at 12:03 pmDear Linda and family, Our heartfelt sympathy to each of you at this sad and difficult time. Hugs and our love, Rick and Julle Wood
Barbara Gibb
August 5, 2025 at 2:45 pmMy heart goes out to you LInda. You and John were such a sweet couple. John always seemed to have a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye. From his comments when he was in my chair, I could tell he was immensely proud of his family. Unfortunately, I will be out of town and will not be able to attend his memorial service, but my thoughts will be with you and your family. Sending hugs from Hudson (and hoping you will wear a funky piece of jewellery at his memorial:)
Sharon Asher
August 5, 2025 at 10:08 pmDear Linda and all the family, My deepest condolences on the passing of John. May your happy and loving memories bring you comfort, inner peace and blessing. With Love, Sharon
Donna Kuzmarov
August 6, 2025 at 8:22 amDear Linda and family, My heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your dear husband,father,and grandfather. May you all gather strength after this difficult time. And may your special memories of John be with you and bring some peace and joy With love Donna
Lori Brown
August 6, 2025 at 11:28 amDeepest sympathies to the whole family. I had the pleasure of having him as a teacher at Abbott where he told the story of the marshmallow bush. Years later I hosted a McGill student t teacher in my classroom who told the same story. Only then did I realize it was his daughter who most definitely inherited her father’s warm, creative presence in the classroom.
Bob Czerny
August 7, 2025 at 1:10 amI am fortunate to have known John for 60 years. A love story from Linda’s besotted suitor (and occasional roadie for our little singing group); loving husband and father; a career filled with kindness and tenacity; to the late period when he was sustained by Linda’s graceful and unrestrained love. A beautiful story and a beautiful man.
Ginette Faubert
August 7, 2025 at 10:47 amChère Linda,
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toi et toute ta famille.
Je sais que tu as accompagné John de très près.
Garde la forme. Prends soin de toi. Continue à bien t’entourer.
Je te garde dans mes beaux souvenirs!
Je suis de tout cœur avec toi!
Deirdre King
August 8, 2025 at 1:30 pmMy deepest sympathies to Linda and the whole family. I got to know John when we served together on the union executive. As president of JACFA, he guided us through some turbulent times including the public sector strike of 1983. He was a wonderful leader, helping to foster a sense of warmth and solidarity as we walked the picket line in the snow. Those who were at John Abbott during this period will always remember those times and the role John played.
Lois De Jean
August 11, 2025 at 10:48 amPlease accept our deepest sympathy, Linda. It was a pleasure knowing John and working with him.
Sincerely, Lois and Bob
Anna
August 11, 2025 at 1:40 pmDear Linda, I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Barbara Lamoureux, Nursing Department/retired
August 15, 2025 at 8:44 amJohn and I began teaching at John Abbott College the same year. Although our paths did not cross frequently, I remember him as a jovial, kind and caring man, with a wonderful smile. Sincere sympathy to Linda and family. I wish you peace.