John P.W. Riesebos

John P W Riesebos

March 23, 1971 – August 9, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden & tragic passing of John Riesebos in his 54th year.

…Actually, scratch that. John would be furious if we tried to write a “tasteful" obituary.

So buckle up, this is no ordinary obituary. John hated anything sappy or sentimental, so here it goes:

“If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now” to share that our best friend John didn’t make it out of the house fire on Pioneer Line in Rodney on August 9th, 2025.

Known as Uncle John, Johnny, the Hermit of Rodney, Saturday night Scrabble enthusiast, and world traveller (via the Discovery Channel), John left this world in what can only be described as the Die Hard fireball scene. Except, unlike Bruce Willis, he didn’t come striding out of the flames with a smirk, muscles, and just a touch of soot.

He will be sorely missed by his small circle of people: his mom, Anne Schaefer; his best friends, the DeWaele family (Julles, Kristie, Destiny, Ty and Kenzie); his Aunt Edith and Uncle Pat Richter; cousins Jen and Lance (Amanda); and his stepbrother Steven Sitler. He now joins his stepbrother Jeffrey Sitler, his grandparents, and our beloved shared dog Chloe.

It was a small circle, and he didn't want it any other way.

John also leaves behind his '75 Chevelle, '79 Chevy 4x4 truck, a POS minivan that should have gone before he did, and his boom box from the 80s.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal service, no speeches, and definitely no overpriced flowers.

We want to thank the West Elgin Fire Department for their dedication, and Sue from Arn Funeral Home in Rodney for her kindness in helping us through this nightmare without judgement when John's sarcastic and sometimes dark humour made itself known through our comments. 

If you would like to honour John, do not send flowers. Instead, cut out the stress where you can, and live life on your own terms.  He certainly did.  Oh.. and check those smoke alarms (even the one in the kitchen that we always use as an oven timer!)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John P.W. Riesebos, please visit our floral store.