Johnny, JP, Blossom or whatever you called him, to us he was Dad. A strong-willed, hard-working man who loved fiercely; John Arthur Persyn left us suddenly on Sunday July 20, 2025 to join his beloved wife and our loving mom; Susan.
Born to Arthur (d.1999) and Annie (d.2010) Persyn, he grew up in a house of love and grit with his three siblings Mike (Donna) Persyn, Rosemary (Graham) Knowles and Ann Marie (Eric) Jeffs-Bone.
His family relocated frequently and at the age of 16, they landed at a home on Murray Street. Beside them lived the Gervais family whose youngest daughter, Susan, would prove to be the love of his life. The families intertwined forevermore and he will always be remembered as a dear brother-in-law to Gerry (Bonnie) Gervais and the late Denise Thielens.
John formed a strong work ethic at a young age, working on farms, fixing bicycles and lawnmowers. He left school at 16 to work full time in the factories, pouring aluminum. Eventually he started driving lift truck and spent his career split between Accurcast and AP Plasman Tilbury where co-workers became family.
John and Sue bought a house at the age of 19 and began their 43-year journey together.
They put four additions on their “Christmas” house on Fraser St., creating a castle for their three children Nick (Lisa) Persyn, Ian Persyn and their baby girl Emma (Zac) King.
When Emma was 3, new neighbours, Jim and Penny Fleury moved in. This was the beginning of a lasting best friendship between Jim and John.
John was a proud, goofy and loving Papa to his grandchildren.
Starting with Savannah, Jayden and Lily then a few years later, Oliver, Maggie and Archer joined the troop.
These children brought love, light and chaos; which was always encouraged by their Papa making sure they had a treat in each hand.
John was an avid craftsman, building many things with his bare hands and always willing to help people. He loved to fish with his brother Mike early in the morning, and took many quiet drives to the lake or the river to be calmed by the serenity of the water.
We would like to invite everyone to gather with us for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231) on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8.
If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Donations may be left at the funeral home or made directly at https://suicideprevention.ca/ways-to-donate/
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
