Obituary of Rev. Dr. John Neville Shannon

Heartbroken by our loss but consoled by his gain, we would like to inform friends, family and colleagues that Rev. Dr. John “Jack” Neville Shannon was promoted to Glory on Father’s Day in his 88th year. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Jack’s childhood revolved around the fun and games of the “Balsam Blue Bombers”, the songs and stories of his Irish background and the touchdowns and home runs of his many athletic endeavours. As an adult, Jack was a member of Delta Tabernacle and currently of The Gate Alliance Church in Niagara Falls. He first served with the Christian & Missionary Alliance as pastor of the Beach Gospel Chapel in Hamilton, Ontario. He then went with his wife, Jean, to Buenos Aires, Argentina where he was a beloved professor shaping the lives of students in the Buenos Aires Bible Institute for forty years. He did the same for three years in The Alliance College of Theology in Canberra, Australia.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Jean (nee Martin) of 63 years, his sons Daniel (Elizabeth), Washington, D.C., Juan Martín (Melissa), Australia, Steven (Elisa), Argentina, and daughter Elisa (Rich) Brown, Ecuador, as well as his brother Sam (Alice) and sister Elizabeth (Wayne) Hill. His fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandson will lovingly miss hearing Grandjack sing the Tinker Boxer song.

Jack was an avid runner and a regular on the tracks of the YMCA. Throughout his life, many went to him for his great ability to listen to them, understand their struggles and offer sound advice. Deeply aware of the injustices in our society, he was a lifelong believer in the transformational power of God to bring about social justice as well as individual redemption.

It is with great appreciation that we extend our deep thanks to Dr. Wan, the Personal Care Workers and staff at Garden City Manor for their exceptional care and kindness during the final chapter of his physical existence. Our colleagues, many friends and students who have accompanied us with their functional support, prayers and expressions of concern have been an invaluable aid and now comfort to the family, and we are eternally grateful to them.

Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic, a memorial service will take place at a later date.