John Edwards Snowdon, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Marg of 65 years; children Paul (Val) and Melissa O’Connell (Scott Reynolds); grandchildren Michael, Jonathan (Melissa), Jake O’Connell and Davis O’Connell; great-grandchildren Raymond and Ethan.
John was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, and immigrated to Canada in 1962. After being introduced to little theatre shortly after arriving in Guelph he met some amazing people and his love for theatre began. He eventually branched out and began his own dinner theatre, The Theatre Downstairs. The dinner theatre eventually moved to the University of Guelph Arboretum named the Theatre in the Trees and ran for several years. During this time John was a teacher at the Waterloo Oxford High School where he retired from after 30 years. Along with theatre and teaching, John also built a 27’ sailboat from the bottom up that took him 10 years. He spent many happy hours on the water. He loved life to the fullest and loved to travel with his family and friends.
Please join us in celebrating John’s life at his Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 1 pm – 4 pm, with a few words at around 2 pm, at the Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 2723 Victoria St. N., Breslau.
Private family ceremony will take place.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity that is closest to your heart.
Condolences from family and friends
Posted by Michelle Salmon | 24-Sep-2023
Dearest Marg, Paul, Melissa, and family,
My heart is sending you love & support now, and through the difficult times ahead.
John was not just a theatre great whose talent will be missed by sooooo many... but he was also my friend. ❤️.
He and Marg always went out of their way to come over and chat with Samy and me, when we saw each other in the audience at theatre events or out and about at restaurants. Every year we received a Christmas card - even if we didn't see each other much that year. It always made my heart feel good.
John was a kind, smiling, loving and caring man - and my friend. I will miss him but I will keep him in my heart.
Way back when, he took a chance on me - he saw something in me - that gave me the strength & courage to do, and keep doing the theatre that I still love to do. He taught me so much!
Good memories that make me smile. Always.
With much love,
Michelle and Samy
Hi Marg and Family,
So sorry to hear about John's passing.
I really loved that guy from the first moment I met him when he was play polishing a Keith Slater play back in 2007.
Man I wish I had met him 30 years earlier.
Loved you John
Mike xxx