JOHN FEELEY - A Legend I Remember
Roop Sidhu
Helping Organizations Protect, Optimize & Grow, While Making the World a Better Place…
“History is who we are and why we are the way we are…”
John Feeley was an Airman - a Pilot Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served our great country in World War II. He was a patriotic man who was vocal in the Toronto business community, and supported the brave men and women of the armed forces. Above all, John Feeley was my friend.
We first met as fellow executive members of Toronto’s first ever Business Association – the Yonge Bloor Bay Business Association (YBB) established in 1920. Many of our events would offer networking and the board met regularly to advocate for the business interests and residents in Bloor-Yorkville. Towards the end of his tenure, John spear-headed a Veteran’s Committee that supported monuments and recognition within the community.
It was odd that an early-30 professional and a war hero would become acquainted, perhaps that is why we laughed the way we did with each other. I listened when others may not have as he told me jokes, war stories and educated me on the history and growth of our beautiful city of Toronto.
John was an honorable man, filled with life. I think when veterans age, many people seem to forget the vital role they once played in our nation’s history. The world would have been such a different place had people like John not given their youth and lives to our future.
John taught me 2 things I will always remember (apart from a few gut-busting jokes I probably shouldn’t put into this writing!):
1) I live in Pickering, and John told me GTA East was known as ‘Poor Mans Land’ and that I should move into Toronto :)
2) Respect and Support our Veterans with the upmost sincerity - as they sacrificed immensely and time has eroded memory
John passed away peacefully on May, 29th 2014 at the age of 92 years old. He is survived and remembered by wonderful family and group of friends.
Today and always, we remember our veterans and those who fought and continually fight for freedom in many different ways.
I salute my good friend’s memory as a LEGEND OF THE CITY – may you rest in peace.