![\"Brightling,](\"https:\/\/storage.briwebapp.net\/2020\/10\/040a2848-brightlingj.jpg\")
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John\u00a0Edward Stewart\u00a0Brightling\u00a0of Listowel passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Friday, October 2, 2020, in his 91st year.<\/p>\n
Beloved husband of the late Helen (Luxton)\u00a0Brightling\u00a0(2017).\u00a0 Loving father of\u00a0John\u00a0Brightling\u00a0of Listowel, Catherine\u00a0Brightling\u00a0& Bruce Hicks of Kitchener, and Michael & Tanya\u00a0Brightling\u00a0of St. Thomas, and grandfather of Nolan\u00a0John\u00a0and Miles.\u00a0 Brother of Joyce Boblitt of Annandale, Virginia, and brother-in-law of Anne\u00a0Brightling\u00a0of Toronto, and Marian Luxton of Protection Island, B.C.<\/p>\n
Predeceased by his siblings Minnie May, Fred, Lil, Bill, Arthur, and Bev.<\/p>\n
John\u00a0was born in Toronto and raised in the Swansea neighbourhood. He was the youngest in a large and loving family and had a happy childhood. He graduated with a degree in forestry from the University of Toronto. While visiting his brother Bev at Big Bay Point he met and was \u201cimmediately taken\u201d with a young woman at the cottage across the road named Helen Luxton.\u00a0John\u00a0and Helen were married in 1968 and moved to Listowel where he taught science at LDSS until his retirement. He was known for his fun antics in class and for sharing his love for the outdoors by promoting the Junior Ranger program.\u00a0John\u00a0had three children and was the most wonderful father. As a family they enjoyed camping across North America and touring Europe. In later years\u00a0John\u00a0and Helen drove to Yukon and up the Dempster Highway to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. They also travelled to New Zealand and China.\u00a0John\u00a0was an active member of Christ Anglican Church Listowel as well as a Mason and Shriner. In 2004\u00a0John\u2019s beloved wife suffered a devastating stroke. For thirteen years and into his late eighties\u00a0John\u00a0devoted his life to being Helen\u2019s caregiver. The determination\u00a0John\u00a0showed in this new role was typical for him. He put his family before everything else and was resolute if told something could not be done. His kind heart, humour, genuineness and humility will be remembered.<\/p>\n
Visitation will be held at St. Paul\u2019s Lutheran Church, Listowel on\u00a0Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from\u00a012:00 to 2:00 p.m.\u00a0 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors must schedule a time to attend on the funeral home website by selecting RSVP on\u00a0John\u2019s page, or by calling the funeral home at 519-291-4840.\u00a0 Everyone attending must wear a mask.<\/p>\n
A private family funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.\u00a0 Rev. Ralph Dwarika officiating.\u00a0\u00a0Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.<\/p>\n
Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or Christian Children\u2019s Fund would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.<\/p>\n