Prior, John of Lambeth, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved husband of Doreen (Ulch) and proud father of Johnny Prior (Mary Margaret) and Jason Prior (Katherine Miller). Loved grandfather of Stirling, Audrey, and Bennett. Beloved brother of Verna Jones (late John), Norma Laidlaw (late Ken), Diane Riehl (Jim) and Bruce (Randi). Brother-in-law to Leonard (Jackie), Kathleen Brown (Paul), Peggy Crooker (Chuck), Madonna McAdam (Phil White), and Marlene MacGinnis (Hughie). Pre-deceased by his siblings Dorothy Williams (late Donnie), Gord (Marlene), Art, and Ronnie (Shirley) and siblings-in-law Richard (late Carolyn), and Lawrence (Geraldine Shaffer). He is lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
John was born January 14, 1941, the son of the late Delmar and Thelma (Cornish) Prior. He retired from the Ford Motor Company in Talbotville, where he worked his way into a supervisor position, and later went truck driving with Ray Williams Trucking. Known by family and friends as someone who could fix just about anything, he had a remarkable knack for understanding how things worked and took great pride in helping others. His love of racing was a lifelong passion, and he spent countless hours traveling to speedways in his motorhome, attending NASCAR and ISMA events, and assisting friends on pit crews; combining his talent for mechanics with his enthusiasm for the sport. He shared that passion with Johnny and Jason and enjoyed spending time with his racing family. At home through the years, he meticulously maintained his pool for family to enjoy making splashes. Family was at the heart of everything he did including cherished Christmas vacations in Florida and Hawaii. John was someone who loved a good visit whether it be from hearing the latest adventures and activities of the family, extended family, or going to visit Ray’s shop.
He will be remembered for his enthusiasm when someone walked around the rec-room corner to say, “Hello”. Mornings were spent with a ‘cup of mud’ and completing the Sudoku puzzle. John enjoyed watching the current events from news programs, debating world politics, catching a western movie, and cheering on his favourite sports teams being the London Knights and Toronto Blue Jays. Even better was watching sports in real life, whether it be introducing the game of golf to Johnny and Jason, watching Stirling play hockey and baseball, or playing a game of Checkers with Audrey and Bennett in his room. John, Dad, Papa was so proud of his family. He will be remembered for the many happy memories he created with those he loved.
A public celebration of life open house will be held at McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Rd S., Lambeth on Thursday, November 5 from 5-7pm. Donations can be made to the LHSC Foundation https://lhsf.ca/ or a charity of one’s choice in his memory.
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