John Hamilton Garnier Graham Geoghegan

John passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy illness on Jan 20th, in his 88th year.

Born in Wingham, Ontario on June 27, 1937. John was the youngest child of the Rev. John H and Margery (Hamilton) Geoghegan. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann (Simon), brother-in-law Joe Simon and sister-in-law Jeannie (Kalinski), nephews and nieces: David (Patricia) Simon, Patrick (Eve) Whitehead, Michael (Mary) Whitehead, and Bob (Rhonda) Geoghegan, Jennifer (Daren) Scott, Shauna Whitehead and Barb Geoghegan. Predeceased by his parents, siblings Eileen (Bev) Whitehead, Georgina (Wally) Simpson, Bob (Diane) Geoghegan, and nephews Timothy Whitehead and Geoff Geoghegan.

John and his family moved to Woodstock in 1943 when John’s father, ‘Pop’ Geoghegan, became rector of New St Paul’s Church (now Epiphany).

After high school, John attended Mount Allison in Sackville NB where he earned a BA.

John found a job in the Assessment Department of the City of Windsor. Here, he met Mary Ann Simon, who became his wife on September 28, 1968. John was chosen by the Assessment Department to develop programs in Assessment and Real Estate Appraisal at Fanshawe College, London. While at Fanshawe, he earned a Masters degree in Education from Wayne State University in Detroit.

In 1987 John was named to Woodstock City Council to replace the retiring Charlie Tatham. In 1994, John was elected Mayor of Woodstock, and remained in office until 2003. During his tenure as Mayor, John was a steady promoter of Woodstock. His efforts provided groundwork for Toyota’s 2005 announcement of a new facility in Woodstock which helped spur the new Woodstock Hospital. Through John’s actions, Woodstock acquired the land for the Cowan Sportsplex and Soccer Fields and his eloquent defence of Woodstock Collegiate helped avoid the loss of that high school.

As Mayor of Woodstock, John was honoured to meet Queen Elizabeth when she visited Ontario in June of 1997. Also, representing Woodstock, John travelled to Taiwan and to China, and he was instrumental in the twinning of Woodstock with Sylvania, Ohio.

John’s interests were wide-ranging. He was an excellent singer, pianist and a member of the Woodstock Choralaires. As well, he was in a professional bridge club, was a 33rd Degree Mason with the Woodstock Lodge and a long-time member of the Victoria Club, a speaker's club in Woodstock. He was an excellent tennis player and loved baseball, particularly the Cleveland Indians and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Visitation will take place on Friday February 14, 2025 from 10 am - 10:45 am followed by a Funeral service at 11 am. all held at Brock and Visser Funeral Home (845 Devonshire Ave. 519-539-0004) A spring interment will take place.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the SPCA or the Cancer Society.