Obituary of John Donald Size

John Size John Donald “Country” Size passed away peacefully in hospital on March 13, 2014 in his 88th year. Loved husband of Gwen (Hearn) for 54 years. Survived by two sons; Don of North Bay and John (Wendy) of Toronto and by four grandchildren; Duran (Tiffany) of St. Catharines, Devin (Aimee) of Toronto, Roxey and Carley of North Bay. Predeceased by his parents Don and Ivy (Redington) Size. John was born in North Bay but later moved to Toronto and Hamilton, where he received his education. He spent summers at his grandparent’s cottage on Lake Nipissing, where he acquired a life-long love for the lake and the French River. He spent many hours boating and fishing during his life. In later years, he acquired a cabin cruiser, “The Maskinonge” and ran charter trips. John’s 62-year broadcast career took him to many cities but he always returned to North Bay. He retired officially in 1991, but continued with a Bluegrass Show on CKAT radio until 2005. He was honoured for his outstanding career and contribution to music during the Year of the Radio at the Capital Centre. A new broadcasting booth at CKAT was named the John Size Broadcast Centre. He was a 60-year member of the Canadian Broadcasting Association. John will be remembered for his “Michael Mulligan and the Northwest Mounted Police” show on radio where he ad-libbed 15 different voices and for “Symphony of a Starry Night,” along with his more recent Bluegrass Show. During his career on television, he produced several outdoor shows including “Fin, Fur and Feather” and “Northern Guidepost,” as well as introducing several country band shows. He was also a news director and anchor for North Bay’s television broadcasts on CKGN and CKNY. As a member of the Bluegrass Association he was emcee for the River Valley Bluegrass Festival and for the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards Show at Deerhurst Resort. John firmly believed in community involvement. He was a life member and past director of the Rorab Shrine Club and Rameses Temple, as well as a longtime member of the Nipissing Masonic Lodge #420 and the Scottish Rite. A life member and Past Commander of the North Bay Power and Sail Squadron, John taught safe boating courses to students for more than 30 years, logging over 12,000 volunteer hours. He was honoured with a special trophy called the “John Size Maskinonge” presented each year to a member for outstanding work and contributions to the squadron. John was inducted into the North Bay Musicians and Entertainers Hall of Recognition in 2005 and into the North Bay Country Musicians’ Association Wall of Honour in 2004. He enjoyed participating in several plays with the Gateway Theatre Guild and also enjoyed narrating the legends of Lake Nipissing aboard the Chief Commanda for several years. John was a free spirit and lived life well. Thank you to Drs. Carter, McKercher, Lowry, Desmarais and Hlusak and to the Health Team in the Senior’s Assessment Unit for the special care, comfort and love shown to John while he was hospitalized. Heartfelt thanks for Don, Kathy and Dan for giving John a special quality of life. He so enjoyed going out for lunch, to the waterfront and other activities. Thank you to Pastor Jeff and Pat from Pastoral Care for your support. Lastly, thank you to all involved in John’s care for the comfort and support shown to our family as we struggled along with John during his illness. Thank you to friends, family and neighbours (especially Tina) for being there when we needed you. Peace at last after a 13-year struggle with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Family will receive friends at the MARTYN FUNERAL HOME on Sunday, March 16th, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. & Monday, March 17th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. There will be a Masonic Service held Sunday, March 16th, 2014 at 7:00p.m. If you wish to make a donation in John‘s memory please make it to the Alzheimer’s Society or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.