It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Jan-Willem (John) Pauli, who passed with his family by his side at St. Joseph’s Hospital on January 14, 2026, at the age of 69.
John was born on April 11, 1956, in The Netherlands before immigrating to Canada in 1958. He was a devoted father to Vanessa Descamps (Mike), Nadine Pauli (Matt) and loving husband to Cheryl. His greatest pride was his family, and the title he recently cherished was being Opa to Miles and Nate. John will be deeply missed by his brothers Klaas, and Michael, sisters Maria Lackey, Gladys McMorrow and Wendy Milmine, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
John believed deeply in the love of family, kindness to others, and eternal life. He was known for his generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering work ethic. Those who knew him will remember his love of all things mechanical—time spent in his shop, tinkering on his Corvette, and solving problems with care and patience. He found joy in music, camping, fishing, and riding motorcycles, and was a lifelong learner who took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with others.
He will be reunited in death with his best friend and father Willem Pauli, and mother Ariena Pauli.
The family would like to thank the ER nurses at St. Joseph’s for their compassion and care during his final hours, and the staff at Heritage Green Nursing Home.
The family will receive those who wish to pay tribute to him at a visitation and funeral on Tuesday, January 20th at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton. Visitation will take place from 12 p.m. till 1p.m., with funeral service immediately proceeding, followed by burial at Mount Hamilton Cemetery.
Please use link below to register for livestreaming.
https://my.forever.link/register/BayGardens/jan-willem-john-pauli
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Hamilton - Bay Gardens Funeral Home
947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON, CANADA, L8W 3M2
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Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Funeral
Hamilton - Bay Gardens Funeral Home
947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON, CANADA, L8W 3M2
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Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Burial
Mount Hamilton Cemetery
260 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON, CANADA, L9B 1C3
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