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Obituary
Atto, John Thompson
Peacefully surrounded by family, John passed away on January 12, 2016. Devoted father to son Robert Atto and his wife Jacqueline. Loving Grandpa to his four grandchildren, Brody, Victoria, Adryanna and Jadyn. Cherished brother to Nancy (Tom) Leathong, Brenda (Peter) Vrba, Jill (Mark) Deakin, and Randy (Carolyn) Atto. John is the beloved son of Melva and John (deceased) Atto. He will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Throughout his life, John was proud of the company he built, Atto and Associates Ins. Brokers and his passion for horses and thoroughbred racing. A very special thank you to each of his caregivers, nurses, and medical staff.
For those who wish, memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
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| Bob @ Mary Ellen Pearson (Friend) |
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from Sarnia, Ont.
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Dear Nancy Tom and the Atto Family
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He lived life to it's fullest with his work, horses and family. May he rest in peace
Love to all of you
Bob and Mary Ellen [Pearson] |
| Cristina Montagnese (De Marzio) (Other) |
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from Brampton
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| My condolences to the Atto family. It was a pleasure to have met John several years ago and I am grateful for having the opprotunity to have been a part of Atto and Associates for 2 years. RIP Mr. Atto. |
| Tracey Stiffl (Family) |
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| Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. We fondly remember John and his kindness towards us. You are in our prayers. |
| Woodbine Entertainment (Other) |
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Our deepest sympathy.
The Woodbine Thoroughbred Race Office Staff |
| Tracy Roscoe (Friend) |
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from Toronto
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To the Atto Family and Collegues!...it is with a heavy heart and my sincere sympathies that i write this. I know he will be greatly missed and know that i am thinking of you all at this time in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tracy Roscoe |
| Nancy, Brenda, Jill & Randy |
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John was born on September 30, 1945, a beautiful blonde haired baby who grew into a mischievous and active little boy. "Jackie" as we called him then, had a great sense of fun, tolerating sometimes, not so quietly, the subsequent births of three sisters and then finally a brother 16 years later. He did love the big brother role though, as we do recall one year when he took us all with him on the bus in Waterloo to Kresge's and we picked out a lovely ceramic puppy dog to give to Mom. We all thought it was so beautiful and Mom actually still had it when she moved into her seniors residence, however, it was pretty chipped by then!
He loved to organize us but did like to do things his own way. One great Christmas, he set all the clocks ahead 3 hours so that we could get up very early and open gifts. Unfortunately, he forgot Dad's wrist watch, so his big plan was eventually foiled, and after opening one gift each we were sent back to bed.
Growing up in a big family we had lots of fun vacationing in Port Dover where he got dumped out of a canoe when he was not supposed to be anywhere near the water...arriving back at the cottage soaking wet! He had many adventures just like that, luckily often unknown by Mom & Dad.
Jackie had many friends growing up and enjoyed going to school only so that he could hang out with them. He was a good student but did tend to get into a bit of trouble, especially once he reached high school. The High School Principal during one of their many meetings, finally admitted to Mom & Dad that he was so smart that he always finished his work way ahead of everyone else and then quickly became bored so had to think of more things to do, and they were often not approved activities.
So a mischievous little boy became a smart, sometimes rebellious teenager, and then a fun loving, adventurous and driven man who loved horse racing and car racing all while building his own very successful insurance company, Atto Insurance.
He loved and was extremely proud of all of his family, especially Rob, Jacqueline and his grandchildren. He endured a number of medical issues over the past few years with his own brand of dignity and determination, right to the very end. He will be truly missed!
Nancy, Brenda, Jill & Randy
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