Obituary of John Lawrence Ellwood

The family of John Lawrence Ellwood of Mandaumin is sad to announce his passing on Saturday April 13, 2019 at the age of 72 at St. Joseph's Hospice, Sarnia, Ontario. John courageously battled cancer for a number of years before it proved too much for him. He is predeceased by his parents, William and Marion Ellwood of Mandaumin, and a beloved son and best friend, Graham Ellwood. He leaves behind a much loved and cherished wife of 38 years Bea Branton; daughters, Cindy McLean (Doug Schumacher) and Cherie Beatty (Dave Beatty), Sarah Frew (Matt Frew), daughter-in-law Orla Ellwood (Graham Ellwood) and 7 grandchildren – Nicky Beatty (Sara Ireland), Evin, Niamh, and Avery Ellwood, Alanna, Bradley, and Caitlyn Frew. Siblings, Terry Ellwood of London, David Ellwood (Liz Ellwood) of Kingston and Elizabeth Wonnacott (Tom Wonnacott) of London and many nieces and nephews. 

John loved animals and will be greatly missed by "his girls" Kylee and Indy, his dogs that faithfully slept by his side every night. John had exceptional friends that continued to visit him loyally. John was first and foremost a farmer, and was the 4th generation of Ellwood's to farm the land at Mandaumin. He also worked as a pipe fitter at Dow Chemical for 38 years. He especially enjoyed working with his son Graham, fixing machinery and building trucks. John had 3 great passions in life ... his loving family, his adored Corvette's (a 1966, 1980 and 2016) and travel. John was an avid adventurer and travelled extensively throughout his life to 6 continents and countless countries, including Cambodia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Myanmar and most of Europe. There was not a road or path too small for John to discover ... the more remote, the happier he was. He loved to drive on minor roads, and in fact he found the Birdsville Track in Australia too major for him so he drove off into the wilderness on a minor track. His final trip was an amazing three generation family vacation to Italy and a Greek Island cruise last fall.

There will be no service at John's request and cremation has already taken place. Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Joseph's Hospice, 475 N. Christina St., Sarnia, N7T 5W3 or the Sarnia & District Humane Society, 131 Exmouth St., Sarnia, N7T 7W8. The family would like to send a very special thank you to all of the incredible staff in the Palliative Care Ward of Bluewater Health, Sarnia and the compassionate staff at St. Joseph's Hospice, Sarnia for all of the wonderful care given to John.  John's excitement for life cannot be extinguished and our memories of him will be in our hearts forever.  Arrangements entrusted to The McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia.  Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com