It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of John George Cucheran. John was born on the family farm in Boian, Alberta the first son and second child to Mary (Kelba) and George Cucheran. John was the devoted husband to Eugenie (Jean), the beloved father to Cynthia Gantner (deceased), Barbara (Michael Nowell), Wendy (John Mustard) and Laurie (Todd Morris). He was the devoted grandfather to Phillip, Jessica, Alexander (Emily) and Eric (Brittany) Mustard; Victoria (Tyler Bampton) and Katheryn Nowell; Stefan (Shalina) Gantner; Kyle (Samantha) and Collin Cucheran-Morris and doting Moshu to his great-grandchildren.
John joined the RCAF in 1952 and attended navigator training in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While stationed in Winnipeg John met the love of his life Eugenie Batke. John and Jean were married on April 18, 1953 and would have celebrated 73 years of wedded bliss this year. John’s career as a RCAF officer took the family to many interesting and foreign postings including K.I. Sawyer Michigan and Baden-Sollignen, Germany. While posted to Baden the family travelled extensively throughout Europe; skiing in Switzerland during the winter and visiting Spain, Italy, France and Holland in the summer. John’s transfer to 4 Wing also allowed our family to reconnect with extended family in Germany. Following his posting overseas John was transferred to DND-HQ, Ottawa, Ontario where he retired.
After a distinguished career in the RCAF John and Jean embarked on the ambitious project of creating J & J’s Big Rideau Resort. Beginning in 1973 John and Jean built a campground on the Big Rideau Lake from absolutely nothing to what it is today – a delightful bit of paradise. Through the years John and Jean developed many friendships with their J & J’s campers and cottagers.
John always loved having his family close and the resort gave him the opportunity to enjoy quality family time together with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everyday John could be seen driving his golf cart, with Jean by his side, around the “country property” with a big smile on his face. He would stop at each of his girls’ cottages to see what projects they were working on or what renovations they were undertaking. With his extensive knowledge and many, many skills (carpenter, electrician, plumber, mason, dock builder, etc.) he was able to offer valuable advice and guidance.
John was an avid golfer, golfing well into his 80’s. He was a longstanding member of the Rideau Lakes Golf Club in Westport. In order to enjoy golf and sunshine during the winter months John and Jean purchased a vacation home in Florida in 1999 where they made many close friends and golfed on a regular basis. John and Jean enjoyed visiting with their fellow snowbirds and kept in touch during the summer welcoming many to the resort to enjoy a meal or “buggy ride” around the resort.
John’s other passion was following the exploits of the Ottawa Senators and his beloved Toronto Blue Jays. During baseball season John’s day was organized around the Blue Jays’ schedule and little ever stood in the way of watching the daily game.
John was a strong, determined man and a lifelong learner enjoying the latest technology had to offer throughout his life. John pursued his university education taking courses in law, history and accounting until his retirement. John was always up-to-date on current events and would regularly engage in in-depth discussions about world events.
John, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather will be missed for his wisdom, intelligence, quick wit and his loving ways. We love you John, Dad, Grandpa, Moshu and will hold you in our hearts forever.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 7P4 followed by a reception at Beechwood in the Borden and Fleming Suites 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In memoriam donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.