John Stavroff

My heart and prayers are with your family, today especially. A D&G colleague just informed me of the shocking news. Please know it is a loss to many. John was a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend who will always be remembered for his intellect and keen sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Heidi Balkema

I just stumbled upon the notice on John, shocking me to the core. John was one out finest Marketing minds when we worked as colleagues at American Cyanamid, Davis & Geck (now Pfizer) back in the 80's and 90's. His Low-key nature masked a zany sense of humor (as attested to by the entries and photos on this site). He mentored many employees coming up the pipeline at the company (including MBAs from top 10 schools). All revered his mind and wit. He commanded respect up and down the organization, with no exception. His first priority was always the needs of his family. My heartfelt sympathies to the entire family. He touched many. Wayne Bjerregaard, PhD

Dear Cathy and Family: We are very heavyhearted.The passing of John, a 'business-colleague/buddy' for many years, is extremely saddening to both Pauline and me. Shocking. Our SALUTE to John: both Pauline and I have very fond memories of John's visits to our abode on his way home from work....featuring maybe a few cocktails and a huge amount of laughs. We remember. John was a real car-nut, as I am, in fact we each purchased 'twin' brand new 1984 Camaro Z28s at the Chevy dealer near our Toronto office. We both hacked-out great deals. I remember. And, the "sugar" incident in John's Camaro, when a quick stop....I believe due to one of the boy's in-car unfit behaviour....caused John's everpresent sweetened coffee mug (stowed in his car's cup holder) to fly forward into the stereo cassette slot....costly affair. I remember. And, John and I wondered if we had limited-slip differentials in our Camaros. So....we tested them in our office's underground garage by "pealing rubber", and viewing the two stripes on the garage floor concrete. Yes, we both truly had the option. I remember. John was a super friend, and a bright, creative manager at Davis&Geck surgical. We will remember. Cathy and the boys....be strong. Reflections from Mac and Pauline Cross - Scarborough, Ontario

I met John in September 1969. It was Frosh Week at Brock University. I was a small towm farm girl out of my comfort zone but determined to broaden my horizons. I was at the dance at the end of the week with a group of girls from my residence. I didn't want to be a wall flower so I stood by a pillar close to the stage. Much to my surprise this cute young man asked me to dance. He turned out to be John Stavroff: second year geography major - bad boy from Toronto. Little did we know that night that we would become best friends, fall in love, and embark on a 43 & a half year adventure.They say opposites attract & it must be true because we were different in almost every way. I think we both became better from what we learned from each other.We had good times and bad, we were richer - we were poorer, we had sickness - we had good health, and now death has parted us. John gave me the best gifts in the world: 3 wonderful sons and, to quote Princess Bride, true love. I love you, John.