John Clifford Hudspith

Hudspith, John Clifford:   Passed away peacefully on July 23, 2023, after a short illness.  John Hudspith of Richmond Hill and formerly of Toronto at the age of 90 years.

He was born in London, England on December 3, 1932.  Growing up with his single mother (Ruby Cain) during the Second World War helped to foster his creative side as he made his own toys and clothes.   He even made his own custom bicycle which he rode all over England as his main mode of transportation.  He met and courted his future wife, a Canadian named Susanne Gray, while she was living at a rooming house run by his aunt in London.   They moved to Canada and were married on July 19, 1957.

John loved his new life in Canada.  He qualified as a Civil Engineer, was honoured to become a Canadian citizen, bought a house, and started a family.  He continued to ride his bicycle to work every day regardless of distance and weather.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed family camping trips, canoe trips, and long hikes including descending the Grand Canyon twice with his son, Paul.  As a devoted father, he made his backyard a child’s oasis with a multi-story tree house and swing, a wooden ship with a working drawbridge and secret trapdoors, a zip line, and a skating rink in the winter.

John had a very successful career as a Civil Engineer.   He was the Chief Engineer for the City of Oshawa for many years until he left to start his own successful consulting business.  After retiring, he turned his efforts to teaching - he volunteered almost full time at a local high school for over 20 years.  His contributions included teaching wood shop, building sets for the school show, knitting and cooking in Family Studies, and baking cookies for the office staff.  He was extremely proud to be presented a volunteer award at a ceremony hosted by the Premier of Ontario.

John had many diverse hobbies.  He was an avid puppeteer and performed with his hand-made marionette puppets at schools, churches, and community centres all over the southern Ontario and the northern United States.   He sewed and knitted, made stuffed animals, created wooden toy cars and trains, and carved musical instruments for family members (including multiple guitars, a violin, a cello, and a double bass).  He loved drawing and he was excited to host an art exhibit at the North York Central Library showcasing his detailed pencil crayon art.

He is survived by his son, Eric Hudspith (Michelle) and his daughter-in-law, Francine Hudspith (late Paul); and his grandchildren: Brianna, Cameron, Danielle, and Matthew.  Predeceased by his son, Paul, and his wife, Susanne.

The funeral will be a private ceremony with only close family members present.  Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition York (2-15236 Yonge Street, Aurora) and condolences may be forwarded through www.peacefultransition.ca