January 4, 1925 to May 23, 2025
John Ahl, WW2 veteran, passed away peacefully at the Nipigon Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at age 100. Of Swedish descent, born in Nipigon; John loved God, community and family. He was a proud member of Masons for over 70 years, and an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 32, for 77 years. During his 41 year career with Domtar, he was the captain of the John I. Rankin tugboat until 1971, when the logging operations on the Nipigon River ceased. He then became Roads Supervisor, and as one of his retirement gifts, Domtar named the last road he built for the company, “The John Ahl Road”.
John was on the Town Council for Nipigon, as well as a member of the Committee of Adjustments. He was a lifelong member of the Grace United Church, serving many positions on council, including Pastoral Care. John was President of the Silver Club for many years where he was an avid Bridge and Euchre player. John received the Queen Elizabeth 2 Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for a lifetime of volunteering, as well as the Citizen of the Year award from the town of Nipigon. He was an outstanding hockey player in his youth, and was a lifelong hockey fan who never gave up on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Upon retirement and assisted by his nephew, Len Mukala, John built a walking trail near his cottage, which is now part of an official trail system.
Above all, John was a devoted husband to his wife Nellie of 49 years, and later, a loving partner to Ethel Martin until his passing. He was an inspiring father to Gord, Jolene and Ron, to grandchildren, David (Clare) and Rachel, and to great-grandchildren, Avery and Madison. John was a decent, kind, generous man with a unique sense of humour who could make any activity more fun.
John was predeceased by his sister Bertha (1938), his father Nels (1966) his mother Rosalia (1966), his wife Nellie (2006) and his sister Astrid (2009).
Thank you to the Paramed and Hospital PSWs who provided the care needed so that John could stay in his own home, and to the Palliative Care team during his brief stay and the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital.
John always appreciated the care given by the Salvation Army to the military during and after WW2.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Grace United Church, 166 Fifth St., Nipigon, on August 2, 2025 at 2:00pm.
In John’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or to the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, would be appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
