It is with profound sadness and loss that the family of John Paul March share the news of his passing, on November 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

John was passionate about family and friends and we were passionate about John. He will always be remembered and forever loved by Nina, his love, his beloved daughter Hayley, brothers Jeff (Samantha) and Jerry. In laws, Vivian, Julie (David), Gloria, John, Anna (Ron). A favourite uncle, John will also be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews: Delilah, Anna Lyssa (Andrea), David (Angela), Natasha (Jeffrey), Jackson and Lilah, Catherine, Cohen and Caleb. John’s sweet puppy girl, Marley is also missing John and their walks, shared snacks and the snuggles and belly rubs he would happily provide. John will also be greatly missed by his many dear friends.

John is predeceased by his mother, Vicki, his father, his mother-in-law, Vera and brother-in-law, Bob.

John had a big, beautiful life, full of laughter and love. John lit up any room he walked into with his quick smile, genuine interest in others, sense of humour and ability to have fun. “John was a great human being; one of the kindest people on this planet.” He had friends who he considered as close as family from Calgary to Halifax. John had a lot of plans and a lot to live for.

Hockey was John’s first love. His involvement in hockey grew throughout his lifetime. As an accomplished player, teammate (21 Division, Blue team, International Police Hockey Tournament, any team with his brothers) and experienced referee (GTHL, Oakville MHA and OMHA), his vast experience led him, with his business partner, to create a much needed and successful investigations company with the core value of “Keeping the game safe and fun for players and their families.” John knew first-hand how sport could positively impact players’ lives, and through their company, he wanted to make a lasting impact on and give back to the sport he loved that gave him so much.

John was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan and a dedicated Blue Jays fan. A favourite pastime of his was to go to a game to cheer on his team. He loved and also played many sports, including golf. His love of a great round of golf was only rivalled by his love for the many dear friends he played golf with in their annual golf tournament that has been going on for decades.

Anyone who knew John knew that when John was around there would be music. John not only had a vast knowledge of all things music, he also loved to perform. Being the singer and frontman for Retro Boogie with his “brothers” in the band was another of John’s passions and John was never happier than when the crowd was singing and dancing and having as much fun as the band was.

As an adult, John learned much about and valued his First Nations background. For more than 20 years (until his passing) John was honoured to be president of Nishnawbe Homes the First Nations nonprofit housing organization, providing safe, secure housing for inadequately housed members of the Aboriginal community in Toronto. John was an integral voice that led the board to make a lasting impact in the growth of much-needed Indigenous housing. John’s compassion and belief in human dignity were evident in his work as a member of the board of directors with Nishnawbe Homes and the Indigenous community.

In 2014, Detective John March retired from the Toronto Police Service, following 31 years of proud service to the city he was born, raised and lived in. He was a very skilled officer, with wide-ranging experience who was respected by his colleagues, the community he served and members of police services across the province.

In retirement, John enjoyed the roles he took on and new friendships he made at the companies he worked with, including the TSCC 1591 board of directors, Safe Sport Risk Management, Domain Logistics, OBN, and Nin.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of John, our family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to:

Nishnawbe Homes Inc.
*a memorial dedication can be added on this donation page

Or

Kidsport Ontario
*if you would like to make a donation to Kidsport, please select Kidsport Ontario
*a memorial dedication can be added on this donation page

Please click on the "Donations" tab which can be found in the top right-hand corner of this page to make a memorial donation in John's name.

** A link to a livestream of John's Celebration of Life will become available at the top of this page on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 at approximately 12:45 pm.

** We invite you to listen to some demo tapes from John's time performing with Speed Wobble; they are located in the "Music" section, under the "Media" tab found at the top right hand corner of the page.