Obituary of John Robert Bishop

Age 77, of Greenwich, Kings Co., formerly of Hantsport and Falmouth. It is with heavy hearts we announce he passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with family by his side. He has joined his wife, Kathy who went before him four years ago. John was born on Tuesday, July 20, 1948 to Richard Sr. and Florence (MacPhee) Bishop, the youngest of four children.

John attended Hantsport School and then went on to earn his trade as an electrician. He worked for various companies during his career before starting his own company. He married the love of his life, Kathryn L. Caldwell, after she graduated from nursing school and they resided in Hantsport for many years. They raised two sons, Mike and Jeff who kept them very busy with all their activities.

In later years they lived in Falmouth and then in Greenwich. Sports were a big part of his life playing basketball and hockey, but baseball was his passion. He played for many teams over the years including the Hantsport Shamrocks, Hantsport Tides and represented Nova Scotia at the Canada Games in 1969 winning a bronze medal. In later years, he played fastball for Avonport and slow pitch for the notorious “Tack’s Terror” with their unforgettable yellow jerseys and custom-made hats. For many years he was a staple in the baseball community as an umpire and coached at many levels as his sons grew up playing baseball too.

He took great pride in his community, volunteering his time serving as President on the board of the Hantsport Memorial Community Center and a member of the Town Council. He was a wonderful friend to many and offered his help whenever he could. John was an avid storyteller and had a witty dry sense of humour. Ever the tormentor, he loved to tease family and friends alike, including his special buddy, Tom, but always with a twinkle in his eyes and a subtle grin. At first impression, many people felt intimidated by his gruff exterior, but his mother-in-law captured his true caring nature well bestowing a gift to him saying, “You are a good man John”. This is who he was. He loved solving puzzles, card games, tending to his lawn and in later years golf. He and Kathy enjoyed combing beaches around Nova Scotia, searching for sea glass together. A strong family man, he will be greatly missed by all who love him.  He took great pride in the accomplishments of his three grandchildren and was very happy at becoming a great-grandparent.

John is survived by his sons, Michael (Jennifer Skuffham) and Jeff (Marcia Gibson); grandchildren, Camden, Leah Newton (Brody) and Reid Ward; great-granddaughter, Mara Newton. He had absolute pride for his sons, and he enjoyed and loved his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He also leaves behind a loving group of siblings; brothers, Richard (Irene) and Brian (Shirley); sister-in-law, Marilyn; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Bernie.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of EHS, VON, NP Erica Maynard, Jo Anne, Bruce, Marg, Laurie and Gail for the care and support they gave to John. The family takes comfort knowing that John and Kathy are together again.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St. Windsor (902-798-8317). A private family graveside will be held in Riverbank Cemetery, Riverside Dr., Hantsport. The family will receive visitors for a celebration of life between 5 and 7 p.m., on Thursday, June 18 in the Wellwood Community Hall at the Hantsport Baptist Church, 6 Willow Street, Hantsport. In lieu of flowers, any donations in memory of John can be made to the Hantsport Memorial Community Center, PO Box 412, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.