Obituary of John MacPherson Ridley

John MacPherson Ridley, June 28, 1932 to June 1, 2018, passed away at St. Marys Memorial Hospital at the age of 85.Mac is survived by Ruth (Harris), wife of 61 years; daughter Louise Buck and special granddaughter Sarah Shaw (Jacob) of London. Brother of Jean Bowman (Bayfield), Beth Mathews (Calgary), Hugh and Marg Ridley (Stratford). Mac also leaves behind many friends, beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. Mac was predeceased by his parents, Carle and Grace (Clark) of Stratford, son-in-law Richard Buck (1995), and brothers-in-law Lorne Bowman (Bayfield) and Bruce Mathews (Calgary).Mac, born in the Gore of Downie Twp., farmed the family farm until he moved to the Centre Line North of St. Marys. He farmed there from 1961 until 2007 when he and Ruth retired to St. Marys. Mac lived hard and played hard. He loved a good joke, card games, fine stories and collected antique tractors and farm tools. He was devoted to his family and friends. Mac and Ruth are fondly remembered for hosting fabulous parties and extended family gatherings. In 2006 Mac received an Agricultural Service Diploma from the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies and loved walking his team of oxen in local parades, and showing animals and birds at fairs.Cremation has taken place. Private family burial at Christ Anglican Church Cemetery, Lakeside. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the ST. MARYS FREINDSHIP CENTRE, 317 James St. S., St. Marys, on Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 2:30 to 4:30 with words of remembrances at 3 p.m.Memorial donations may be made to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation “Dialysis Unit”, Kismutt Dog Rescue, or the St. Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation.