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Obituary - John George Stethem Shuter '72
John George Stethem Shuter '72
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We are saddened to share the news of the passing of John George Stethem Shuter on January 14, 2026, at the age of 70. John attended Selwyn House School from 1963 to 1969.
In the fall of 2017, John attended the annual Montreal Reunion, where the Class of 1972 gathered to mark its 45th anniversary, it was an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and share memories.
Born and raised in Montreal, John’s early years were shaped by summers on Lake Memphremagog and winters skiing in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. He attended Selwyn House School and Lakefield College School before pursuing undergraduate studies at McGill University.
Please find his official obituary below.
We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John George Stethem Shuter
John George Stethem Shuter
October 19, 1955 – January 14, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John George Stethem Shuter. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on January 14, 2026, aged 70.
Beloved husband of Susan (née Michel), his partner in life, love, and adventure for 42 remarkable years; and loving father to Stephanie, John Christopher, and Katie (Michael Goldie). John was predeceased by his parents, John Charles Hosmer Shuter and Pamela Holt Stethem Shuter; and is survived by his three sisters, Linda (John Gaston), Diana (Charles Stuart) and Margaret (Christian de Varennes). He was also a dear son-in-law to the late Marilyn Chamandy and the late Lucien Michel; a much-loved brother-in-law to Joanie (Piero de Stefani), Carol, and Mark (Carole Bilodeau); and a cherished uncle to his many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Montreal, John's early years were shaped by summers on Lake Memphremagog and winters skiing in Quebec's Eastern Townships. He attended Selwyn House School and Lakefield College School before pursuing undergraduate studies at McGill University. His time there was cut short by a rugby injury and, following his recovery and a season at Whistler, he attended Queen's. John's graduation was postponed after he extended a co-op semester in agriculture to support a farmer with his harvest. Well-intentioned and hard-working, during his co-op, an incident with John's tractor managed to destroy nearby hydro lines leaving an entire Manitoba town without power - not once, but twice - prompting a sensible reevaluation of his career prospects. He ultimately earned his degree at Bishop's University, followed by a brief but formative period working in Vancouver.
John ultimately found his professional footing on Bay Street. It was there, amid the opening of the new Toronto Stock Exchange, that he met a colleague at McLeod Young Weir - Susan. He whisked her away on his motorcycle and the romance blossomed, leading to a marriage proposal atop Harmony Bowl in Whistler and the motorcycle's early retirement. But not to worry-John quickly took up cycling, and could often be seen pedalling to Bay Street in full biking attire.
John spent four decades in the investment business, including roles at TD Securities and Beutel Goodman, where he was a partner for over 17 years. As part of a strong team, John was instrumental in developing Beutel's business in the province of Quebec, as well as in the rest of Canada. With his natural charm and warmth, John put people at ease, earning the respect of colleagues and the trust of clients alike. He retired in 2020.
John was magnetic. The first to hit the dance floor, and the last one to leave. He was someone who brought others together through his passion for life and his ability to live it well.
John was an avid skier and telemarker, finding adventure from the "Mountains" of Caledon Ski Club to the French Alps. If a perfect bluebird ski day is to be found somewhere beyond, John has already made "first tracks." When not skiing or dancing, John could be found enjoying a round of golf, a game he loved for its etiquette, tradition, and camaraderie. He was a member of Rosedale Golf Club, where he and his teammate proudly won the Captain's Cup in 2023, and the Toronto Golf Club, where he was known for his beautiful golf swing, his iconic hats, and his effortless silver flow.
He also earned accolades while wintering at his home in Palm Beach, as an active member of the Sailfish Club of Florida. His ideas were always ambitious and grand - earning him the Yachting Committee's When Hell Freezes Over Award for the "Sailor With The Best Ideas That Will Probably Never Get Budget." When not on the water in Florida, John could be found on the dock at Point Ideal on Lake of Bays, at the cottage of his best friends Mark and Judy, where he spent many memorable summers with their families.
He created countless happy memories that will be cherished by his three children, who affectionately nicknamed him "Global Dad" for always being everywhere at once and stepping effortlessly into every role. Whether travelling the world with his family or cooking for them at home, John did it all - masterfully.
John loved his family fiercely, treasured his friendships, and approached life with openness and an authentic joie de vivre. He faced cancer with bravery, grace, and a persistent sense of humour that lifted the spirits of his family who faced it by his side. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to John's devoted caregivers, Grace and Michael, for their compassion, kindness, and extraordinary care, as well as to the doctors and nursing staff at the Odette Cancer Centre.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Odette Cancer Centre, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, or the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation.
Details of a memorial to be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, will be shared with family and friends.
Beloved husband of Susan (née Michel), his partner in life, love, and adventure for 42 remarkable years; and loving father to Stephanie, John Christopher, and Katie (Michael Goldie). John was predeceased by his parents, John Charles Hosmer Shuter and Pamela Holt Stethem Shuter; and is survived by his three sisters, Linda (John Gaston), Diana (Charles Stuart) and Margaret (Christian de Varennes). He was also a dear son-in-law to the late Marilyn Chamandy and the late Lucien Michel; a much-loved brother-in-law to Joanie (Piero de Stefani), Carol, and Mark (Carole Bilodeau); and a cherished uncle to his many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Montreal, John's early years were shaped by summers on Lake Memphremagog and winters skiing in Quebec's Eastern Townships. He attended Selwyn House School and Lakefield College School before pursuing undergraduate studies at McGill University. His time there was cut short by a rugby injury and, following his recovery and a season at Whistler, he attended Queen's. John's graduation was postponed after he extended a co-op semester in agriculture to support a farmer with his harvest. Well-intentioned and hard-working, during his co-op, an incident with John's tractor managed to destroy nearby hydro lines leaving an entire Manitoba town without power - not once, but twice - prompting a sensible reevaluation of his career prospects. He ultimately earned his degree at Bishop's University, followed by a brief but formative period working in Vancouver.
John ultimately found his professional footing on Bay Street. It was there, amid the opening of the new Toronto Stock Exchange, that he met a colleague at McLeod Young Weir - Susan. He whisked her away on his motorcycle and the romance blossomed, leading to a marriage proposal atop Harmony Bowl in Whistler and the motorcycle's early retirement. But not to worry-John quickly took up cycling, and could often be seen pedalling to Bay Street in full biking attire.
John spent four decades in the investment business, including roles at TD Securities and Beutel Goodman, where he was a partner for over 17 years. As part of a strong team, John was instrumental in developing Beutel's business in the province of Quebec, as well as in the rest of Canada. With his natural charm and warmth, John put people at ease, earning the respect of colleagues and the trust of clients alike. He retired in 2020.
John was magnetic. The first to hit the dance floor, and the last one to leave. He was someone who brought others together through his passion for life and his ability to live it well.
John was an avid skier and telemarker, finding adventure from the "Mountains" of Caledon Ski Club to the French Alps. If a perfect bluebird ski day is to be found somewhere beyond, John has already made "first tracks." When not skiing or dancing, John could be found enjoying a round of golf, a game he loved for its etiquette, tradition, and camaraderie. He was a member of Rosedale Golf Club, where he and his teammate proudly won the Captain's Cup in 2023, and the Toronto Golf Club, where he was known for his beautiful golf swing, his iconic hats, and his effortless silver flow.
He also earned accolades while wintering at his home in Palm Beach, as an active member of the Sailfish Club of Florida. His ideas were always ambitious and grand - earning him the Yachting Committee's When Hell Freezes Over Award for the "Sailor With The Best Ideas That Will Probably Never Get Budget." When not on the water in Florida, John could be found on the dock at Point Ideal on Lake of Bays, at the cottage of his best friends Mark and Judy, where he spent many memorable summers with their families.
He created countless happy memories that will be cherished by his three children, who affectionately nicknamed him "Global Dad" for always being everywhere at once and stepping effortlessly into every role. Whether travelling the world with his family or cooking for them at home, John did it all - masterfully.
John loved his family fiercely, treasured his friendships, and approached life with openness and an authentic joie de vivre. He faced cancer with bravery, grace, and a persistent sense of humour that lifted the spirits of his family who faced it by his side. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to John's devoted caregivers, Grace and Michael, for their compassion, kindness, and extraordinary care, as well as to the doctors and nursing staff at the Odette Cancer Centre.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Odette Cancer Centre, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, or the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation.
Details of a memorial to be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, will be shared with family and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 21 to Jan. 25, 2026.
