John Colin Barton

BARTON, John Colin

John Colin “JC” Barton, 85, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Born to Arthur and Peggy in Wallasey, England, on October 13, 1940, John immigrated to Elora, Ontario, with his parents and sister Wendy in 1948. Following school, he attended military college, graduating from RMC in 1963 with a BSc in Mathematics and Physics. He later received a Masters in Education from Queen’s and a Master’s in Mathematics from Western.

John served three years as a MARS Officer in the RCN, releasing in 1966 to begin his second career as a teacher and soon after, as Head of the Math Department at Port Perry High School (PPHS).

John loved mathematics. He was enthralled with tackling Mensa puzzles and teaching students to excel at math competitions. His passion was validated when he changed his license plate from BODMAS to BEDMAS when the curriculum was upgraded. Further proof of his dedication to the art, John and his team, along with Reg Phillips at RH Cornish Public School, created an enrichment program to advance a class of students to graduate Cornish with grade 9 and then continue their studies in mathematics at PPHS at a grade 10 enriched level. That program of excelling in mathematics continues still at PPHS. Many of his fellow teachers spent their lunch hour mastering bridge and backgammon, both of which John later played competitively. Many of those same teachers remained life-long friends of John’s.

John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen “Scotty” Scott, and they were together for 25 years until her death. They raised their four children on a small hobby farm just outside Blackstock. The whole family enjoyed skiing every winter at Skyloft and jumping from the roof into the pool and riding horses in the summer. One highlight each summer was the Math Bash which brought the math teachers from his department and their families to the farm.

John was fortunate to meet and marry his second wife and best friend, Sharon Elizabeth Macadam. Over 38 years together, they built a life filled with family, friendship and travel adventures. One of their first adventures was a year-long teaching exchange in Bundaberg, Australia, which they thoroughly enjoyed. They also travelled to Antarctica, Africa, Brazil and Iceland, to name a few. They took river cruises around the world and particularly enjoyed sailing on several replenishment ships along the coast of the Americas and around the Caribbean. John enjoyed the smaller vessels with a more personal atmosphere afforded by having fewer passengers and dining with the Captain and crew. Another great (and terrifying) adventure was a safari in Africa, during which their group was attacked by a rhinoceros while they were hiking with their guide.

John was an intelligent, kind, charming man who never needed to be the center of attention. His integrity, quick wit and sense of humour made him a joy to be around. He was a fan of all sports, especially tennis and hockey. An avid cyclist, John routinely rode around Lake Scugog and once cycled around Lake Ontario. Both John and Sharon kept active with daily walks, activities and exercises. They were loyal supporters of local theatre and music in Peterborough and enjoyed attending events with family and friends.

In his final weeks, John shared many favourite stories and memories with family and friends. These conversations were a precious gift to be treasured.

John will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Sharon, his children, Terry (Sharon), Mike (Lynn), Steven (Lou) and Kathy; his step-children, Ritchie (Eve) and Susan Dejeet; his brother, Wally; his twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Wendy Birtch (Ralph) and by his parents, Arthur and Peggy Barton.

A life well lived, a story well told and a man who will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

As per John’s wishes, no funeral service will take place.