John Ambrose Cauley

January 16, 2021

August 9, 1935 – January 16, 2021

First child of Marie Salmon Cauley and Justin Cauley, big brother to Kathryn, Lawrence and Rita. Cherished husband of the late Sally Gabryluk Cauley. A shining and oh so loved father to Christopher, Jennifer (Tim) and Allyson. Beloved grandfather and buddy to Cameron and Joshua. Born in the first half of the 20th century on a farm established by his parents, north of Toledo, Ontario, he passed away in the first half of the 21st century in London, Ontario, near the home of his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Tim Pocock. From the gravel roads of Toledo, John made his way to Toronto, where he graduated from Ryerson. Eventually he made his way to Montreal, and in the summer of 1959, he married his one true love, Sally. It was the bringing together of two very different families: John’s side being from rural Ontario, Sally’s being from downtown Montreal (with a strong Eastern European flavour). He enjoyed being a good and dutiful son to his parents and his in-laws, the many years of holidays and celebrations evenly divided between the two rather distinct traditions: the country kitchen of the farm and the inner city kitchen with Polish and Ukrainian cooking. Hundreds of miles put in over Christmas so that he and Sally and their kids would know and love both sets of grandparents, their uncles and aunts, their cousins and extended family. In the late sixties, John trained to become a high school teacher. He, Sally and the kids left Quebec for eastern Ontario, eventually settling on Shearer Ave. in Cornwall. For almost 25 years, John would drive each day the 20 km to Char-Lan District High School, Williamstown (pop. 400), where he taught shop, math, geography and drivers ed. John loved teaching and truly enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow teachers. We know that he very much enjoyed teaching in a rural setting; he took it seriously, knowing how important it was to reach students, and it was always moving to see him interact with former students of his. John always had a fascination with how things worked, from all things electrical, to crosswords and sudoku puzzles. His sense of humor was always uplifting and his storytelling always included a good hearty chuckle. John, wearer of many-a-hat, loved to golf, ride his John Deere, and breakfast at The South Glengarry Restaurant. He always appreciated his supportive friends Bob, Rheal and his neighbour, Debbie. Special thanks to Sandi LeGallais for all the check-ins and special treats during his time in Cornwall. After leaving Cornwall for the last time (with his prized John Deere tractor in tow), he was able to spend time with family, including getting to know his well-loved grandsons, Cameron and Joshua, as fine young adults. As a resident of peopleCare Oakcrossing Long Term Care, he made a number of friends. In particular, he leaves behind his dear friend Joan, who appeared in his life much like an angel: a great surprise, bringing kindness, care and love. (You never know what life might bring, he might have said.) John made it into his 90th decade, leaving a world much different than the one he first knew. He knew that what he experienced as a child on the farm was something few will know again. It was idyllic, it was challenging and it was beautiful. It was obvious to all how he loved where he was from, and how he loved those that were near to his heart. In the years of his 90th decade, a time that was not an easy one, he would tell stories, recalling exploits and adventures in various parts of the world… the adventures and efforts of a young man looking to establish a place for himself and his bride in the world. Sometimes he would forget that he had told the story already. Of course, it didn’t matter, but perhaps there’s something about this, something important to note: it seems that it was good to remember these things. He would smile, looking to share what he had seen. John looked back with what often seemed like true delight, if not amazement, at what life allowed him to know. The excitement he would experience in recalling what it was like to be in this world: finding people, finding places, finding himself in ways he could not have anticipated. It was as if he couldn’t believe his good fortune: that he was actually a son to those wonderful people, a husband to that lovely woman, a father to three loving children… that roads went to where they went, that people were there all along the way… so much good to recall, it seemed. So many beginnings to speak of as the story was coming to an end. He leaves many of us without the opportunity to say goodbye in the way we would choose. And so, as John leaves us, we lose a father, a brother, a grandfather, a friend… and we lose what he knew. Which is only to say that we know it’s impossible for anyone to speak all of what they’ve known. While we can recount the events of a life, so much remains not known. We can’t directly know what it was like to sit behind the wheel of John’s car as he made his way to his many destinations, what it was like to see the thousands of early mornings break over his garden, what it was like for him to hear gravel hitting the underside of his green Volvo. But, over time, those near us will get our message. We get through to each other, eventually. To know John was to know that the world, and its kin, oughta be taken care of in a certain way… that the world needed to be seen as beautiful and its people needed to be treated fair. And, recalling his bright smile and easy laugh: it needed to be seen to be believed. He is already missed, dearly. Funeral and reception for John will be held in Cornwall when we can all safely meet to celebrate John’s life. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of John are asked to consider the McCormick Care Foundation (Day Program).

Leave a tribute for John Ambrose Cauley

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I was John & Sally's flower girl. My parents John & Annie Lewchuk were very close friends of John and Sally. My condolences to Christopher, Jennifer (who sang at my wedding) and Allison.

~ Doreen Lewchuk

Jennifer and Cauley Family: My sympathies to you all in the passing of a Dear Friend:s (Sally) husband. May God be with you and give you peace during this difficult time. Loraine

~ LORAINE SABOURIN

We remember John as a quiet, stoic man with a wry sense of humour. Only now that we have raised our own family and survived the teen years, can I (Paul) appreciate the patience and tolerance John displayed, turning a blind eye to the abuse Chris and I heaped on that basic box of 1970's transportation, the Valiant, with the slant six engine that seemed would run forever. I think John was secretly amused by our weekend adventures, and quite possibly his vicarious enjoyment brought him back to his own youth. Sometimes the love of a parent is more often shown by what they don't say. That was John's way, whereas "Our Gal Sal" was very demonstrative in her love - they complemented each other, John and Sally. Chris, Jennifer and Allyson, we salute you for the love and care you have given to your parents during the challenges of their final years, and it is our hope and prayer that as the pain of your loss subsides, it will be replaced by the warm memories you have of your father.

~ Paul Meldrum and Jane Burke

A great friend from our Ryerson days - going back, now, some 65 years. Au revoir old buddy.

~ john cassidy

Mr Cayley, one of a group of teacher that left a lasting impression on me. My Mom, Joan P and Dad, Coleman MacDonald will surely welcome your Dad and reminisce about the many happy times at Char-lan including the staff parties. I do remember visiting your parents home in Cornwall, and especially the tidy backyard garden. My condolences to you all.

~ Greer Thornbury

I have many fond memories of Mr Cauley trying to teach us knuckleheads some life skills whether it was in wood shop or mechanics. He was always happy, smiling except for that one time!! Rest in peace Mr Cauley.

~ Alex Kinloch

Jennifer, Chris and Allyson, So sorry to hear about the the loss of your Dad.It seems that it's not that long ago that our two families had get togethers on Shearer and Anderson .We keep fond memories of those fun times...piano and singing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Sincere condolences.

~ Bill and Denise Dickie

Dear Chris, Jennifer, and Allyson. Such a beautifully written tribute to a well loved Dad. He lived long and well, and contributed so much as a respected teacher at Charlan. I remember staff parties at your home, where your Mom and Dad were always the perfect host and hostess. Our family connection continued as your Mom and I enjoyed a lovely relationship through Christian Women's Club. And Jennifer, I know how valuable your long standing and supportive friendship is to my family, as each of you deals with the challenges that life brings your way. Please know that the Forrester family grieves with you in the loss of your beloved Dad.

~ Dorothy Forrester

What a beautifully written obituary. Mr Cauley taught me Drivers' Ed back in 79-80 but let's fast forward to 10-15 years ago. My dad would make afternoon pit stops at the Blue Anchor and told me that John Cauley had joined the table and was a teacher at CHAR-LAN. So I went down one day. There I was sharing stories, laughs, (and a beer) with "the two Johns" that taught me to drive ðŸ¥°. I hope our two Johns are once again, up in the heavens, sharing laughs and a beverage. My condolences to you all.

~ Julie Taylor

I came to know Mr. Cauley through my dear friend Allyson. Friends in high school, we later reunited thanks to her father when I moved into the neighbourbood. When Allyson would come home to care for her parents, I would visit the Cauley home. During these visits I came to know his sharp intellect, humour, gardening talents, colourful stories, dry wit and mostly his smiling eyes. My deepest condolences to my dear friend Allyson, Chris and Jennifer.

~ Rosanne Fortier

To John's Family and Friends, I did not know John or any of his family and friends mentioned here but wanted them all to know what a lovely tribute this is to a man who I believed had a life 'well lived'. May he rest in peace as he and Sally are reunited once again. Sincerely, With Sympathy. Linda Fox

~ Linda Fox

Our sincere condolences to a wonderful friend. We grew up with John & Sally from infancy. Lots of happy memories. We will always cherish the wonderful times we spent together. Our hearts go out to Christopher, Jennifer and Allison.

~ John & Annie Lewchuk

I was also a student at Char-L'an in the 70's. Mr . Cayley thought me how to start a car (a Volvo of course) so you can imagine I was not a very good driver. He must have had nerves of steel! At the end of my Driver's Ed course he had commented I was his most improved student of all times! He gave me the confidence I needed and have been driving without any accidents for almost 50 years! My deepest sympathies to the family.

~ Carole

I worked on Saturday afternoons at the 4C in Cornwall, for 5 years. John was one of the regulars who came in to greet his friends. He loved to play jokes on me, the bartender. I will always remember him fondly, for his sense of humour, his quick wit and the joy he brought to his Saturday friends. Rest in peace John.

~ Jay Zeran

I was a CharLan student in the 70s. I took shop and drivers Ed from John Cauley. Every time I am in a new car and smell that new car smell I think of those in-car lessons driving the back roads of Charlottenburg Township with him as our gentle guide and teacher. I recall a gentle man and a gentleman at school. I went into high school teaching for 35 years and am now retired.

~ Rick Prins

Wonderful BIL The Volvo was around late 1960 or 1970 At a time when only people who had done their " HOMEWORK" would buy such a station wagon. I recall John and I going on a road trip from the Toledo farm when it was new, me driving, it was amazing on all roads. Four or five speed with a long shifter on the floor more like truck of the 1940 and 1950s A precision machine not all the extras of today"s Volvo. After many hours of driving and getting to know John better { Kathryn and i were married in 1966, fairly recent BIL} A lovely visit and a pint at Jasper hotel. Next day found out FIL had put us on the threashing crew the next day, glad we did not have more than one pint. MIL even though of Irish heritage did not appreciated the evil drink! Many, Many more stories of John and family. RIP John.

~ Burt Hudson/Kathryn

To Kathyrn and her family, I extend my sincere sympathy to everyone. Early in my teaching career, John and I served as colleagues in S.D. & G. as well as in our work with OSSTF. I always appreciated John's sense of humour, and I do recall the Volvo story. I think it was he who was showing off his vehicle to us at a meeting and one of my colleagues said: " Was anyone hurt in that wreck?" It was good for a laugh knowing the care and love he had with his cars. RIP John

~ John McAllister

Jen, Tim, Cameron, Josh and family We are all so sorry to hear about your loss. I will forever remember my visits to Cornwall to visit with your family. Thinking of you all and sending all our hugs and love your way â¤ï¸

~ Krysta Kilsch

My heart is broken. John was the best big brother a little girl could ever have dreamed for. I'll love him always.

~ Rita Cauley (sister)

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