Dr. John Harris Moffat

Dr. John Harris Moffat passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 31, 2025. He lived a long and full 95 years of life, most of which were spent in Galt (Cambridge), Ont. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Dolores (March 2025), whom he missed dearly.

John was a devoted father to Lorie (Bob) Wasylyshyn, Tinti, John (Paula), Michael (Nikki), Stephen (the late Janet Miklas) and Robert (Vicki); and a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Family was the centre of his world. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother, David (Beryl); his sister, Mary (Ron) Doty; and by Dolores’ family in Mexico, with whom he shared close and enduring relationships that spanned decades and borders.

Born in Hamilton, Ont., to Regis Harris and Jack Moffat, John moved to Galt as a child and would call it home for most of his life. He attended St. Patrick’s School in Galt before continuing his education at De La Salle College in Toronto, where he developed the values he carried throughout his life — curiosity, discipline, loyalty and kindness. He went on to graduate from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. During his surgical training at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, he met Dolores, who had travelled from Mexico City to take operating room training. Their meeting marked the beginning of a remarkable love story, and they were married one year later.

John and Dolores built a busy life together in Galt, raising six children and opening their home and hearts to family, friends and community. John loved being a surgeon at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, valuing not only the work itself but the people — colleagues, staff and patients — with whom he shared so many years. His commitment to community service was quiet and steadfast. He served on numerous boards, was a founding member of the Cambridge Community Foundation and the Can-Amera Games, and was a longtime Rotarian.

John lived actively and enthusiastically. He played tennis, volleyball, hockey, skied and golfed, always happiest when there was fresh air, friendly competition and good company. Summers at the cottage were especially dear to him. What began as a few weeks each year became entire summers filled with swimming, boating, golf, laughter, lively conversations, entertaining and being entertained.

"John loved being a surgeon at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, valuing not only the work itself but the people — colleagues, staff and patients — with whom he shared so many years."

At home, John was a man of many interests. He loved music and history, delighted in jigsaw puzzles and crosswords, took pride in his garden and was a voracious reader who often had several books on the go at once. In the late 1970s, when his children started moving away from home, he began writing “newsletters” to keep them connected to family life. Written with warmth and his ever-present gentle humour, these reflections captured everyday moments in a way that made people feel close, no matter how far away they were. Over nearly 50 years, those newsletters became a treasured record of family life and of John’s unique way of seeing the world.

John shared an especially close bond with his brother and sister. He and David spoke daily, exchanging ideas, observations and news on just about every subject imaginable. Mary showed her love in the most comforting of ways — keeping John well fed and, in most recent years, supplied with finely chopped beets and his favourite onion casserole, “just like mum made.”

Cremation has taken place, and a private funeral mass has been held by the family.

The family extends enormous gratitude to the wonderful PSW team — Brenda, Reina, Magaly, and Claudia — who cared for pop with tenderness, humour and respect. Their dedication allowed John and Dolores to remain together in their home and at the cottage, surrounded by comfort, familiarity and love. Also, the Cambridge Palliative Care Associates were instrumental in keeping John comfortable and well looked after at home.

John will be remembered for his kindness, his genuine interest in others and his gentle sense of humour. He made people feel seen, heard, and welcome. He loved his family completely and lived his life with grace, curiosity, and warmth. He was truly a gentleman and will be deeply missed.