John Foote

Jack Foote 86 of Cobourg passed away peacefully on Thursday October 16th in the Palliative Care Unit of Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg.  After 10 years on dialysis, Jack made the decision to end his life on his own terms and with dignity.  Jack was born on December 15, 1927 in Kearny, New Jersey to Robert and Minnie Foote. He attended New York University where he majored in Economics and participated on the school track and field team. Jack began his professional career in advertising in New York City. He met the love of his life Ruth Formisano on the 4th of July 1949. They married on April 29, 1951 and have been married 63 years.  After living and working for 5 years in Venezuela, Jack was transferred to Toronto. He & Ruth fell in love with Canada & decided to make this their permanent home. Jack continued his career in advertising and marketing with several Toronto firms before he and his family moved to a hobby farm in Campbellcroft. He finished his professional career as Manager of the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce. Even though Jack & Ruth made their home in Canada they held a special place in their hearts for Cape Cod which they visited annually until dialysis prevented them from travelling.  Jack was an avid reader and an equestrian. He was an animal lover (especially dogs & horses and many stray cats that would appear at the barn) and he was a great fan of sports especially football, basketball, track and field and baseball. He was well known for his “Letters to the Editor” on a variety of local issues mainly focusing on Education and Immigration. It was one of the ways, along with serving on boards & committees that he engaged with his community. Jack was also a philanthropist, contributing to the Hospital and the Cobourg Library as well as providing for the post secondary education for 12 children.  Most of all, Jack loved his family. He is survived by his wife Ruth and his daughters Leslie Foote (Minnesota), Tiffany (Neville) Saunders (Campbellcroft) and Renee Foote (Toronto). He is also survived by 5 grandchildren; Jesse Pollock-Foote, Arielle and Autumn Saunders and Andrew and Adrian Reczynski whom he adored and were the center of his world.  Jack will be missed especially by his family whom he held near and dear but also by all he encountered as he always managed to leave a lasting impression. He had an infectious smile that lit up the room. In the end, Jack was one of those humans who only come around every so often. He was known for his kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, generosity, love, affection and a general overall concern for people. He will be greatly missed by all.  A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the Woodlawn Inn at 420 Division Street, Cobourg on Sunday October 26th at 2 pm.  Memorial gifts can be made in Jack’s name to the Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg.  Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.