Suddenly at South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Friday, August 21, 2020 at the age of 76. Loving father of Catherine Norris and Kent Sweetman of Mississauga. Adored “grandpa” of Megan and Grace. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Harry and Barb Norris, and Joyce and Bob Hume all of Mitchell, and Bill Egan of London. John will be sadly missed by his high school sweetheart Dianne Josling of Mitchell. Predeceased by his parents Hugh and Annie (MacDougald) Norris and his sister Mary Egan.
He will be remembered for his over 50 years working as an accountant for multiple generations of Exeter area farmers, businesses, and families. John was one of the very first in the area to own a computer and remained on the cutting edge of technology but was always a country boy at heart. Often generous to a fault, giving freely of both his money and his time. He was a contributing board/committee member to many different worthy causes including the Ontario Bean Producers’ Marketing Board and the Agricultural Credit Corporation. John believed in the betterment of farming despite the reality that he did most of his “farming” from his BlackBerry. Exeter is a better place because of John’s contributions alongside his fellow Lions in the Exeter Lion’s Club. In more recent years he has enjoyed the chance to travel to various parts of the world with family and friends. Moving into a slower pace for John meant fishing trips, cruises and the most difficult decision of the day was which of his many vehicles to drive.
Visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP with a time to attend the visitation. Please click “Register Now” below to register. A private funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28 at 1 PM. Though the service is private, the family invites you to join them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. A Lion’s memorial service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday evening. Interment at Roy’s Cemetery, West Perth.
Donations to the Exeter Lions Club, South Huron Hospital Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.