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Ruth Kleiber posted a condolence
Saturday, February 15, 2025
I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and memories of my brother, John. Reading these messages is very bittersweet. John was a very private person and did not talk much about his work life and the various activites he participated in like the river clean up. I want to respond to everyone individually, if possible. It really touches my heart to hear how well loved and respected he was by his colleagues and friends.
I miss you so much, John. Until we meet again.
Love you.
T
TODD SLEEPER uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 9, 2025
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I was shocked and very sad to hear about John's passing. My sincere condolences to John's Family and friends. I met John over 20 years ago at Nova Craft Canoe. The Thames River Clean Up was in it's third year. I walked into Nova Craft and there was John with a big smile and asked me how he could help me. I told John about how we were cleaning up the Thames River and were looking for sponsors. I pitched the idea about raffling off one of those awesome canoes to one of the 100s of volunteers. A prize like a canoe would boost participation and raise awareness about the Thames River. John with his appreciation for the environment loved the idea. John talked it over with Roch and Tim Miller and ever since Nova Craft Canoe has generously donated a canoe every spring. Volunteers were delighted to be able to win a canoe for helping clean up the Thames. The clean up grew to over 2000 volunteers from 17 communities. Then John offered to hand out all the gloves, garbage bags and swag. He spent countless hours making up kits for the volunteers to pick up. He tracked what groups got the year before, collected the ballots and helped with the presentations. He met 100s of our volunteers and offered them advise about volunteering for the clean up. We will always be grateful for his help with the Thames River Clean Up. John was usually the one holding the camera so I didn't have a lot of photos of him. Thank you John. We will miss ya big guy.
M
Mary Garland posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I worked with John at Nova Craft Canoe. He was kind, had a wicked sense of humour, and was passionate about London's Paddle Shop. He was the driving force behind London's Paddle Shop, organizing talks, sales and boat demonstration days through which he developed a loyal customer base. People would come in to chat with John about what was new in the world of paddling. I did the same after I retired--drop by for a hug and to chat with John. Not to see him at the front desk leaves an empty feeling. My condolences to his family. I shall miss him.
L
Laura Lockie uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
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I miss my friend John, and I send my deepest condolences to his family. I worked with John full time for 5 years at Nova Craft. We laughed and teased each other regularly. John was one of the reasons I loved my job. He was so caring and helpful and good to the staff and customers. It doesn't feel right to walk into Nova Craft and not see him at the front desk. To not be able to give him a big hug because it's been awhile. He didn't exactly pose for pictures for me, but I got a sneaky snap of him with a large sail at his desk, making Sara laugh. He was a good guy!
R
Rose Braxton lit a candle
Monday, February 3, 2025
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So sorry to hear this sad news. I purchased both my kayaks and all my gear from him over the years. I always trusted his advice and opinions. I enjoyed chatting with him every time I visited the store. He will certainly be missed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
J
Jessie Wilkes uploaded photo(s)
Monday, February 3, 2025
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John travelled with myself and another friend to Belize and Guatemala to finish up our ecotourism program in spring 2000. So much fun working, studying and traveling with him. So many laughs. Sending hugs.
R
Roch Prévost uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 2, 2025
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John has always been deeply involved with the Thames River Clean Up. Here’s a photo of John with Todd Sleeper, recognizing his continuous support.
May 8, 2009."
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Roch Prévost posted a condolence
Sunday, February 2, 2025
I first met John when he joined our team at Nova Craft—it was my first year as Sales and Marketing Manager. As a francophone tasked with writing all sorts of content, John was instrumental in helping me, he ensured that everything we published had the right grammar, proper English, and the clarity we needed. His attention to detail and expertise made a real difference.
When I later became responsible for the store, John played another crucial role. He helped with hiring staff, organizing demo days, coordinating speaker series, and managing purchasing and retail suppliers. His contributions went far beyond his job title—he was always there to support the team and make things run smoothly.
As many know, John was very private and didn’t talk much about himself. We spent a lot of time together; I got to know him well. One of my favorite memories was taking him to see Rush when they came to town—it was a special moment for both of us. We also traveled together for trade shows, our shared sense of sarcasm turned many stories into inside jokes that still make me smile.
Even after I left Nova Craft in 2013, I stayed closely connected as a rep—they were, and still are, my account. John and I remained in touch, always catching up on industry news, Paddlesports gossip, and old stories. We would grab lunch or a beer occasionally, talking about everything and nothing at the same time.
John was a good person—to his colleagues, his customers, and also to my family. His kindness, humor, and quiet presence will never be forgotten.
John, you will be deeply missed.
Cheers to you, my friend.
J
Jodie Noiles uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 2, 2025
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I was so sorry to hear about John’s recent passing. He was a fellow member of a small club of “mature” ecotourism students from the Fleming class of 2000. We were the same 1970 vintage and were friends during the program and then housemates in Halliburton for about a year after graduation. I remember John as kind, quiet, sensitive, and unexpectedly witty. I remember he loved the outdoors and was content in his own company. Sincere condolences to his family, close friends and colleagues. Jodie Noiles
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Susan Jankowski Fratarcangeli posted a condolence
Saturday, February 1, 2025
My deepest condolences to John's family. Johnny and I had a.very sweet on and off again relationship throughout grades 3-6 which was sparked by a mutual love of.Star Wars. We drifted apart after Brick Street but i would see him at UWO or around town.. It was lovely to learn his kindness continued throughout his life (even if he grew out of Stat Wars). I am so sorry for the loss of your brother but he is remembered with great affection.
G
Garett M. posted a condolence
Friday, January 31, 2025
John, I enjoyed our quick chats and catch-ups so much during my visits to the shop. There were many days when I would pop in just to say hi and see what was new on the shelf knowing it would spark a conversation. You threw in a t-shirt when I bought my last canoe, one of the kind gestures you were known for, now it's a great momento to remember you by. I haven't been to the shop since hearing the news, but when I do I know it's going to be hard not seeing you behind the desk asking me where I'm heading next. You'll be in my thoughts while on the water. Rest easy.
M
Mary Brentnall posted a condolence
Friday, January 31, 2025
Sending our heartfelt condolences to John's family. Got to know John over the last 10 years chatting about our latest cruise (Unlike John, I am not that fond of water LOL ) Though quiet in nature, John had a kind heart; there to lend a hand or just say hi, how's it going... You will be ,missed John.
S
Sara Mills posted a condolence
Friday, January 31, 2025
I have known John for over half of my life, starting working for him as a seasonal retail staff in the paddle shop when I was 17. Over the years as colleagues I grew to know him well - his routines and habits, his likes, dislikes, and idiosyncrasies (there were a lot of those). There is so much I will miss about him. I doubt that I will ever hear "Wheat Kings" by The Tragically Hip or "Tom Sawyer" by Rush without thinking of John. John kept most people at arms length and could be a tough nut to crack. I think I am one of the lucky few who cracked through, and saw his essential kindness, empathy and good humour. I wish now that I hadn't taken seeing him every day for granted. It has sucked seeing his desk empty these last two weeks. I miss you John.
J
Jennifer lit a candle
Thursday, January 30, 2025
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I enjoyed working with John for 6 years at Nova Craft Canoe. His sense of humour always made me laugh. His canoe knowledge was second to none and he was always willing to share it. Enjoy your nature walks, all the cats you can snuggle and as much "Tragically Hip" as you can handle. Rest easy John - you are missed. Jennifer
J
Julie TerVrugt uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 30, 2025
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Julie TerVrugt posted a condolence
Thursday, January 30, 2025
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of John (or "Kleibs," as I always called him). We had been great friends since our Ecotourism days in the late ’90s, sharing many canoe paddles, walks, and meaningful conversations over the years. He was truly one of a kind—funny, caring, and a wonderful friend. The last time I saw him was in November during one of my random drop-ins at Nova Craft Canoe, usually just to good-naturedly annoy him :). I will always cherish the memories of the great times we shared. He will be deeply missed.
i
The family of John David Kleiber uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 30, 2025
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