Obituary of John Paquin
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of John “Johnny” Paquin on March 16, 2025. Born in Welland, Ontario on August 29,1951, Johnny was a larger-than-life character, a technicolor soul in a black-and-white world. Fearless, friendly, and armed with a wit sharper than a tack, he lived a life so full it’s a wonder he didn’t demand a recount on those nine lives he was rumored to have.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with his Cat Alfie, daughter Cora Paquin and her mother Paula; his sons Jacob Johnston (Tiffany) and Cory Johnston and their late mother Margaret [Maggie]. Fondly in the hearts of his grandchildren Haley Labbe and Jared Peng, who’ll no doubt inherit his wonderful sense of humor. He’s survived by his siblings Colette Asselin, Lucille Popp, Irene Sauve, Rachelle Paquin, David Paquin, and Normand Paquin (Lynn), along with a sprawling crew of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who’ll keep his stories alive. Johnny was predeceased by his parents Victor and Marguerite Paquin, his brothers Victor, Marcel, and Michael Paquin, and sisters Diane Dobsi and Louise Lewchuk —surely a loud reunion is happening somewhere up there.
Johnny was the kind of man who’d show up first in a crisis and he’d always give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. (We’re pretty sure he went through a lot of shirts that way.) His adventurous spirit took him to the edge and back more times than we can count, and his lust for learning meant he never met a challenge he wouldn’t tackle—whether a stubborn engine or figuring out how he’d talk his way out of his latest escapade.
Johnny will be missed more than words can say, but we’re betting he’s already charming the angels—or at least trying to trade them his halo for something more interesting. May he and his beautiful kind soul rest in eternal peace.
The family invites relatives and friends to join them in celebrating Johnny’s life at the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 827 East Main St., Welland on Sunday March 30, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will take place on Monday March 31, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
