Condolences
Betty, Jeff and family Late last week we found found out John had passed away about a month ago. We were obviously quite surprised and wanted to get in touch with you and offer our very sincere condolences. Over the weekend as I talked with both Melanie and Michelle and their families we had many fond memories of time spent, particularly with Jeff and Bazoian family. Although during the last number of years we haven't seen you, we still have talked often of the enjoyable times that we had. I do remember our golf game together (actually I still tell the story of Jeff's second shot on our fifth hole at Westmont). I think probably Jeff wants to forget it and maybe he has however it was good for a laugh at the time. I also remember seeing John a few times at the Branford golf club while I was there on a Rotary curling bonspiel. We do want to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and may you continue to remember all the good times. Sincerely Jeri, Bob and Family
John Bazoian was a devoted family man and gracious host. I observed both while being an invited guest at the Bazoian cottage over the last three summers. You see, Matthew and James have known eachother since Junior Kindergarden, and even after Matt moved to Connetticut, the boys have been attending summer camp at Kandalore together. Just prior to leaving for camp, they would spend three days getting prepped for camp at the Bazoian cottage with John, Betty, Sandy, Matt, and Syd. John was a dotting Grandfather to Matt and Syd. I observed this when he would indulge Matt by watching "Yes Man" yet again, or he would comment upon Syd's latest, hand-made necklace and bracelet ensemble. He would watch vintage DVDs of the Lone Ranger with them, waking up at the right moments when the kids would laugh. He studied with Matt for a Boating Licence, only to have Syd out-manouver both of them when she got her licence before the two of them did. He took the teasing of his Grandkids with good-natured humour, since they all knew that it was grounded in a firm foundation of love. As interested as John was in his Grandkids, he also aimed to please Sandy's every request. One morning this past summer Sandy mentioned that the vintage toaster was not operating like it once did. John began tinkering with it, and by lunchtime he announced its revitalized performance. As John proudly plugged the toaster into the outlet, it sparked and blew a fuse. I think that John was a little surprised that it didn't work. Sandy was taken aback and dramatically placed the toaster into the recycle bin. Well, unbeknownst to us all, John reworked the toaster yet again, and redemostrated its refurbished capability at supper time. This time, the toaster worked like a charm, and the sheepish, yet triumphant smile upon John's face even had Sandy smiling. In order to save face, Sandy then had to remind John not to set any "illegal" fires at the cottage in order to burn excess leaves and twigs. To onlookers like James and myself, this activity and conversation around it seemed to have been an ongoing family debate. Matt told James in secret that his "Papa" was a closseted pyromaniac. Sandy kept trying to counsel her Dad to refrain from doing so, while Betty merely smiled at the father-daughter exchange, and would remind John to load up the fireplace for the evening fire. Just as Jeff pointed out in his speech, John would place each piece of meticulously cut 14 inch wood into the fireplace, while conducting an in-service as he did so, explaining how and why the fireplace was loaded as such. It appeared to me that John wanted to have everything perfect at the cottage for those that he loved, and he loved every minute of making it perfect for them. John's greatest supporter and cheerleader was Betty. She would calmly smooth over any ruffled feathers by orchestrating actions or conversation from one of the tourquoise chairs in front of the fireplace. John always aimed to please Betty in every endeavour. I observed this when after I brought an Eumonyous tree to the cottage as a gift, John would move the tree around the cottage, seeking Betty's approval for her prefered location for the tree. In fact, I think that at one point, John must have tried every location around the cottage, that he must have completed an entire revolution around the place. Betty mentioned at the celebration of John's life, that he had planted the tree and made sure that it was well protected from the deer until the next season. That was just like John Bazoian, he always made sure that all was right with the world by always finishing any job that he set out to do. He completed it with devotion and love. James and I were very honoured to have been invited as guests of John and Betty's, since any friends of Sandy's or the kids was fully accepted by both of them. Together, they were a united whole! I know that we will all miss John Bazoian in our own way. He left us a legacy of being an humanist who left the world a better place than he found it. He was an example to us all. John, may your life journey into the next realm continue. Bon Voyage! Kathy Pelaia
Betty, Sandy, Jeff & Families, We were so very sorry to hear of John's passing and hope that all the wonderful memories of him will bring a smile to your face when you need one. He was a wonderful man and we know our parents thought very highly of him. Sincerely, Patti Latty & Tom Humble
Very sorry to here of your loss. Mark.
Betty, Sandy and Jeff, we were so sorry and shocked when we heard that John had suddenly passed away. It was only a few weeks past since we had spent a fantastic evening at your cottage discussing the summer and many past memorable summers at the cottage. John and Betty attentively listened to multiple conversations long into the evening, as always John was very interested in what everyone was doing and what was happening with our families. Spending evenings like this with John will be missed and we are very happy that we had this time together. The McLeods
Betty and family, I was deeply saddened to hear the news from Peter. As soon as I saw his face, I knew something terrible had happened. Such a shock for all of us, and so dreadful. You have had such great times together here at The Point with family and friends, and I am so grateful for that. It was always a pleasure talking with such a handsome couple. If there is anything that I can do to help you at the cottage, please don't hesitate to ask. I too, admired Jack's "perfect" woodpile--it now has a whole new meaning--thank you. Sincerely, Lynne
John my friend, you will be missed by us all. John and Betty have been family friends for over 50 years. Betty was my babysitter as I grew up in Paris. John and Betty always spent Christmas Eve with us while in Paris. John died the way he wanted. Hod be with you.. Richard
In this time of sorrow our thoughts are with you. John will be truly missed by all. In memory of John we have forwarded our donation to the Samuel Rizzo MRI Fund at BGH. From the Partners and Staff of Millard, Rouse & Rosebrugh LLP
Jeff and family, Our condolences on your loss. Thinking of you Mark Preston and all the gang from McKay Hall, McMaster
Dear Bazoian Family, While I and all of Jeff's colleagues at work never had the opportunity to meet John, we see each day in the actions and behavior of our dear colleague, Jeff, that both his parents must have instilled in him a great value system and strong moral fiber. We collectively extend our deepest sympathies to all of you for this sudden and tragic loss; please know that there are many people, close to Jeff, who are thinking of all you at this moment and ask that God help heal your pain. Our sincere condolences, Eraj
Ruth & Gary Bechtel re (Eagle Auto Body Ltd) give condolences to Betty & Family on their loss of John. May God give you strength & health to bear this loss. God Bless !
Dear Betty and Family I am very shocked and truly touched by the news I have received this morning. I think I am still in shock. I have so many fond memories of the warm and loving man you all are so blessed to have had in your lives. Truly to me, he was giving and caring and so thoughtful. He was also a man of wisdom, whom I often called upon for advice when I did not know what to do, whether personal or business related. You have both been a solid rock for me through times of hardship and also such close friends in times of happiness and sorrow. I am truly touched today and deeply sad inside and out. I love you Betty and hope to hug you soon. To all of your family what a pride you should know you gave your papa, your dad and father in law he loved all of you sooooo deeply. Jenny
I'm reading his name on this website, but I can't quite believe it's him. I know many of you are feeling that way too. I would like to share two things I learned, two of many, from my dear father in law: One... he was a fantastic dancer. He could move a gal around a dance floor, like Astaire could Rogers. I will never forget a combined birthday celebration for Betty and John at the Rainbow Room in New York City... I literally could have danced all night with John Bazoian. If accountants were Stars... he'd be on the show!! The second thing is more symbolic, and it occured to me this summer. We all noticed more and more how John found peace and contentment at his wood pile behind the cabin at the cottage. All kinds of family dramas could be happening around him, and he'd just quietly get up and retreat to burn. Perfectly cut pieces of wood, perfectly stacked, tidily burnt... he could do this for hours. I remember saying to my sister (in law), Sandy, in one of my "I used to be a news anchor, now I'm a housewife" moments of frustration; "I need to find my own stick pile". And so, in honor of John, and his wisdom... I'm going to keep looking. John... I will miss you so much. Thank you for your love and generosity. Crista