|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KUBIS, John Keith, FRI, AACI, Real Estate Broker, Developer, RCNR (Able Body Seaman) WWII Veteran - October 17 1925 to October 21 2021 at 96 years of age. John was born in Mostisti, Czechoslovakia in 1925. He immigrated to Canada in 1936 to a farm in Inwood, Ontario with his father Andrej (Andy) Kubis, mother Anna (nee Gurin) and brother Steve (all predeceased). There, at the age of 11, John connected with the local Realtor, acting as translator and interpreter to the immigrants who followed. John signed on as a Merchant Marine in June 1942 travelling the Great Lakes preparing for the war. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in July 1943 and served on a destroyer, QU'APPELLE and then on the ROCKCLIFFE where they captured a German Submarine, U889 in the Atlantic off the Canadian Coast. John later worked as an officer for Canada Steamship Line, on the Noronic where he met his wife Doris Gouin (predeceased 2018). After their marriage in Sarnia in 1947, John, Doris and John's parents and siblings moved to Kingsville where they owned and operated Kubis Restaurant (Now Vernon's Tap and Grill). John changed careers in 1953, establishing John Kubis Real Estate and Insurance and then Kubis Realty Ltd. With only a grade 1 Canadian education, John went on to obtain his FRI (Fellow of the Real Estate Institute) University degrees from the University of Detroit and York University. John opened several branch offices in the County, worked as a Realtor, Past President of the South Essex Real Estate Board, Accredited Real Estate Appraiser (AACI which is a university level degree), Real Estate Developer and Business Man. John, along with his father and Brother Steve (aka Kubis Builders) were responsible for building several prominent structures in town namely the Post Office, Kingsville Town Hall, Gosfield South Town Hall, and the High School Addition. Always concerned about the economic health and well being of Kingsville and its citizens, John attracted several manufacturing companies to town. Together with his brother and father, they built the Precision Spring Factory, Rima Manufacturing Plant and Canadian Webcore, which provided many employment opportunities other than farming. John, along with his brother Steve and George Karry, also built the first of the towns planned Subdivision developments, Hillview Crescent and Millbrook Estates as Karnet Developments Ltd. John devoted his life to service in Kingsville. He served many years as Town Councillor, was a Lions Club executive, Jaycee executive, Junior Chamber of Commerce Senator, Mason, Deputy Mayor, member of Kingsville Hunt Club and a life member of the Walkerville Deep Bay Club. John was a proud member of Branch 188 Royal Canadian Legion and was responsible for organizing and helping fund the location and construction of the existing building. John was predeceased by wife Doris (nee Gouin), Brother Steve Kubis, daughter Tracy Taylor. John is survived by brother Lloyd Kubis and Suzanne, (St. Catherine's, Ontario), sister Betty Campbell and Don, Bethel, (Connecticut), son Kim Kubis and the late Melita Kubis, (Kingsville), Karen Kubis and partner Adrian Pontarini, (Toronto), Cindy Stewart and Don, Caye Caulker, (Belize), John Kubis Jr, (Kingsville), Karl Kubis, (Kingsville). Survived by grandchildren Andrew, Kate, Leslie, Sarah, Cairle (Megs), Nora and Mishka Kubis and Cole Stewart. Survived by 5 great-grandchildren David Kubis, Sophia Rego, Kaylee and Clark Haffner and Liam Kubis. Thank you to the Doctors, nurses, and staff at Royal Oak for their kindness and support. John was a visionary, a risk taker, and a unique and interesting character... he lived a great long life. He was social to the end and valued his many friends. His family thanks him for the life he provided for them and the service to his country to protect our freedom and liberties, the memory of that time overshadowing his many other accomplishments. Lest We Forget! He will be missed. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Kendrick Funeral Home, 91 Division St S., Kingsville. Masks and Covid screening are mandatory for all who enter the funeral home. If you wish, memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Kingsville #188 Brach Poppy Fund, PO Box 266, Kingsville ON N9Y 2E9 would be appreciated by the family. (The Windsor Star 30 Oct 2021)
Ships served in:
|
