The Ontario Regiment Honours A Hero

Captain John Richardson never considered himself a hero, but Oshawa and the Ontario Regiment always will.

On September 18, 1939, John Richardson at the age of 20 and a resident of Weston, joined the Ontario Regiment after attempting to enlist with the already full Toronto Scottish Regiment. John and several others travelled by train that very same night to Oshawa.

John was sent to Italy and served as a tank commander in World War II. He was wounded, but not seriously, and shortly thereafter rejoined his troops and continued to lead them. John and his troops also participated in the liberation of Holland.
John remained an active member of the Ontario Regiment until 1950 and achieved the rank of Captain prior to leaving active service, due to job demands. John worked for General Motors of Canada Sales Department for 31 years, retiring in 1980.

Captain Richardson remained a part of the regimental organization for the next 70 years. John was a mainstay, everyone knew him, even the new recruits. In November, 2012 John was honoured with an Honourary Life Membership to the Officer’s Mess. On May 28th, 2019, John celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends in the Officer’s Mess. John and his wife Eleanor of 74 years were also active supporters of the Ontario Regiment Museum.

On February 7th, 2020, Captain John Richardson passed away at Sunnybrook Veterans Care Centre. John is believed to be the last Commissioned Officer from the Ontario Regiment who served in World War II.

The Ontario Regiment conducted a military funeral in his honour on February 11th at the R. S. McLaughlin Armoury. John’s flag draped casket was wheeled onto the parade square by an honour guard, followed by family appointed pallbearers. The Regimental Padre presided over the service, John’s family members and friends spoke as well as Honourary Colonel Bob Chapman. They spoke of a loving man, a military man. A man who loved his family, his country, as well as bouncing babies on his lap no matter if they were his or not. Upon completion of the service, the honour guard handed Lt Colonel Derrick Sheridan, the Commanding Officer of the Ontario Regiment, the folded flag from the casket and John’s medals. Lt Colonel Sheridan then presented the folded flag and medals to John’s beloved wife Eleanor. The presentation was followed by a recession of the casket by the honour guard. This was a truly fitting service for a man who had given so much of his life to the Ontario Regiment. A reception followed in the Officer’s Mess.

Captain John Richardson touched the lives of so many throughout his 80 years with the Ontario Regiment. He will be truly missed. Rest Easy Sir.