Obituary of John Leslie Lynam

Suddenly, on June 12, 2024, with good friends Kevin and Rolland by his side, John passed away in his home.

John is survived by his legacies, his sons, Nikolas, Jarrett (Cassandra) and Jordan (Meghan) Lynam. He is also survived by his parents, Fergus (Tracy) Lynam and Rita Gilsenan, as well as his sisters Deirdre (Jerry), Carol (Peter), Michelle (Michael), Gail (John) and Tara (Brent) and their families. He is also survived by his partner Iona Gruskin and her two children, Julie and Benji.

John lived in Winnipeg his whole life and attended schools in the North End. He graduated from Tec Voc High School in 1987 having studied Graphic Arts. His first ‘adult’ job was with Canada Safeway’s print shop. In 1990 he began his career with Inter City Papers. While Inter City was bought out and amalgamated many times remained with the company where he made many important friends. He was planning to retire shortly after reaching 35 years with the same company, a goal of which he was extremely proud. He made it to year 34.

John met Kim Scammell while she was a youth playing baseball out of Northwood Community Centre. They started dating in 1988 and eventually married in 1993. While their relationship did not last they continued to put their children first allowing them to amicably co parent their sons.

John was loyal, motivated, goal driven, passionate, unapologetically honest, outspoken and opinionated. He often cheered for the underdog and loved to ‘debate’ with anyone who would engage with him. He also loved competition, not surprising given the fact he grew up in a family with six children. He developed a love of sport early in life playing hockey, volleyball, sponge hockey, touch football, softball and golf. He fostered his love of sport in each of his children and was their biggest fan. In the hockey years he coached and spent many hours in and out of the rinks taxiing them to the next venue. Hockey became their passion and life. He encouraged them to be the best they could in everything they did. He was so involved in their lives that he spent much of his time talking about their accomplishments instead of his own. He was very proud to be a father, and very proud of his three boys.

Around 2018 John found CrossFit. As with most aspects in his life when he was in, he was “all in”. John spent many hours working out, making healthier choices and trying to convince everyone around him they should love it too. This change in lifestyle brought many wonderful people into his life and was something he finally did for himself and not his children.

Around this time in his life John also moved back into Willow Park - the community he grew up in. He was proud to return to his roots, be near family and renew relationships with the community of his youth. It offered him a great deal of comfort and belonging. He was proud to be from Willow Park. 

Recently, with the addition of Iona into his life, John was truly content. He began to live in the moment, experience new interests and took an amazing trip to Rome. Iona really helped John leave his comfort zone and discover that life had more to offer than he realized.

John had truly found happiness in his last few years. We believe living by this quote: “We’ll never be ready to do something we’ve never done before. So from here on out, we’ll just start” as John really started embracing what life had to offer. Consider this quote in John’s honour as you navigate your own life’s journey.

According to John’s wishes, cremation and a Celebration of Life have already taken place.

If you were unaware or unable to attend and wish to honour John you can still do so by donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Kidsport Mb., or any other charity of your choice.