John Bancroft

June 1, 1958 - September 7, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of John Stephen Bancroft announce his passing on Tuesday September 7, 2021 at the age of 63. He leaves behind a legacy of a well lived life and great memories shared with his beloved wife of 38 years, Elaine (Aubry) and his children Michael (Kendall), Krista (Corey) and Kayla (John). Adored Papa John to Auston, Blair, John Henry, and Carter. He will be forever remembered by his father Murray (Jennet), his siblings Margaret (Bruce), Mark (Helen), and Peter (Kate), and the Aubry family. He will be sadly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many family friends. John was predeceased by his mother Mary Bancroft and his parents-in-law Juliette and Gabriel Aubry.

John is a graduate of Listowel District High School and The University of Guelph. After graduation, he joined OMAFRA where he took on many roles initially as farm management representative, swine and beef specialist, and finally as market strategy program lead. John also served as past president of the Ontario Pork Congress and chairperson of various swine conferences.

John was a die-hard Chicago Blackhawks fan and loved reminding Habs and Leaf fans that his team had won 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years. After his retirement in 2014, John pursued a variety of different hobbies including carpentry, curling, barbecuing, reading, walking, and cycling. He was very proud to have recorded a total of 3759km with a daily average of 45.8km over the last 3 months.

John’s children were certainly his pride and joy. He loved having the whole family and their friends over for supper where he always attempted to barbecue everyone’s favourite meal. In the last 3 years, John was thrilled to be called Papa John as he watched his four grandchildren grow.

Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Stratford Country Club, Curling Lounge, 53 Romeo Street North, Stratford on Friday September 10, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend the visitation must schedule a time by calling Brenneman Funeral Home at 519-356-2382 or by emailing brennemanfh@cyg.net. Masks are mandatory and social distancing must be respected. A private family service will be held with interment in Avondale Cemetery.

The Bancroft family would like to thank the EMS and Stratford General Hospital staff for their compassion and care during a very difficult time. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory are asked to consider the Stratford General Hospital Foundation