JOHN JOSEPH LISMER

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JOHN JOSEPH LISMER October 16, 1963 in Winnipeg - January 13, 2014 in Toronto John, of Toronto, beloved son of Ted and Wanda Lismer of Winnipeg, passed away after a brief, courageous battle with lung cancer on January 13, 2014 at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, with family at his side. A memorial service was conducted on January 18, 2014 by Fr. Doug McCarthy, S.J. at the Chapel of St. James - the Less at St. James Cemetery and Crematorium, Toronto. A Celebration of Life was held in the evening. John is survived by his parents and siblings: Sonia M. Lismer (André Carr) of Ottawa, Gloria Lismer of Waterloo, Tom Lismer (France Tartaix) with Ariane and Tristan of Ottawa and Nancy Lismer of Toronto. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Frank and Bernice Lismer, and Albert and Rose Garski. Raised in Winnipeg, John studied art from a young age and graduated from Tuxedo-Shaftesbury High School with recognition for outstanding achievement in Art. He also studied piano through the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music and enjoyed writing poetry. John pursued studies in fine art at the University of Manitoba where he earned a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree, followed by a Master of Architecture degree. Awards: Arthur Buckwell Memorial Scholarship from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for High Standing in Architecture - Distinction in Design and the David Jenkins Memorial Award. John worked at several architectural firms in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Toronto throughout his professional career and was a long-standing member of the Ontario Association of Architects, while continuing his artistic practice in painting and experimenting with digital photography. John was an original spirit who will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his wit, irreverent humour and comic relief, his charismatic presence that enigmatically sparked anticipation of something new and revolutionary about to happen, his positive attitude and wonderment of life, his concern and care for others, not to mention his relentless creative exploration. The world was a better place for so many when John was around. May his presence live on through his art, poetry and our memories. Private interment in Winnipeg. Blessings by Fr. Mark Tarrant of St. John Brebeuf Parish. Thomson "In the Park" www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2014