After a long and wonderful life, John Elisha Simkins died peacefully on
September 18, 2011 at his home in Oakville at the age of 92.

John was the beloved husband of Violet for 65 years, father of Jon, Jennifer
(King), and Janice (Thomson, deceased), and the grandfather of Rachel,
Heather, and Miki. He is survived by brother Ted and sister Peggy (Martin)
and predeceased by his twin brother Ernie.

John was born in Measham, England in 1919 and moved to Hamilton, Ontario in
1927 where he attended Delta High School. During World War II, he served
with the Royal Canadian Infantry in Europe, rising to the rank of Major. In
1949, he and Violet wed in Hamilton. Soon after, John graduated with honours
from McMaster University and was employed by Shell Oil Canada as a chemist
in Montreal. In 1961, the now growing family moved to Oakville.

John was a passionate gardener and was world-renowned as an author, speaker,
and hybridizer of peonies. He was a member of the Garden Writers Association
of America, served as president of the American Peony Society, and founded
the Canadian Peony Society. He also wrote regular articles for many
horticultural publications, including a column for the local paper. He
served on the board of the Royal Botanical Gardens and held many roles in
the Oakville and Ontario Horticultural associations. He was also recognized
as an outstanding volunteer in the community and a life-long and active
member of St. Jude's Anglican Church.

Visitation will be held at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home on
Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. The funeral service will be held Thursday
September 22 at 11:00am, St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William St., Oakville.