Obituary of William John Kemp

William “John” Kemp, 72, of Kingston, Ontario, passed away on June 12, 2021 after a battle with cancer. William, better known to his friends and family as John, was born on August 28,1948 in Wolverhampton, England to William and Enid Kemp. He emigrated to Canada at age 5 with his family settling in Kingston. He met the love of his life, Diane in the 1970s and enjoyed 25+ years of marriage. John graduated from Queen’s University in 1982. He started his career as a high school teacher but once he had children he decided to open his own mechanic shop to be closer to home until his retirement in 2003. In his spare time, John spent many happy days sailing Lake Ontario on his bright yellow 30 footer. Like MacGyver, he was able to fix anything - he could fix an outboard motor with chewing gum and a playing card. He is remembered fondly for his wit and sense of humour but most of all, his love for his family. Predeceased by his loving wife Diane in 2003, John will be greatly missed by his children, daughter Erin, her partner Kyle (who was like another son), and son John (Andrea). A proud grandfather he leaves behind two granddaughters, Hayley and Gracie as well as his sister Rosemary, nephew Will and lifelong friend Derek Higgins. The family will be holding a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to CATARAQUI CEMETERY AND FUNERAL SERVICES.