John Cochrane Sweetland B.Sc. LLB. Q.C.

September 5, 1937 to September 9, 2018

Obituary

Passed away suddenly on September 9, 2018 in the presence of his two loving daughters. John Cochrane Sweetland B.Sc. LLB. Q.C.

Predeceased by his parents Ruban and Lily Sweetland (Rideout) and brothers Rev. Bruce Sweetland and Fred Sweetland (Shirley). Leaving to mourn his daughters Ashley Sweetland and Kristen Sweetland (Fred French), two grandsons, Reed and Miles French, sister Brenda (Les Cantwell) and a number of nieces and nephews, especially Barry Sweetland, who became his hunting and fishing buddy.

As a handsome young man ‘Johnny’ enjoyed playing hockey with the St. John’s Guards and had a wide circle of friends. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Xavier University and after a number of years working in banking and in architecture with Sir Christopher Barlow, attended the University of New Brunswick and graduated in 1972 with his law degree. He spent his early career as a Magistrate on Bell Island before returning to his home town of Corner Brook to open a private practice.

After he retired he spent a number of years living on the banks of his beloved Humber River and enjoying his passions for fishing, hunting and wood fires, from which the songs of the Three Tenors could be heard up and down the river. In 2013, he moved to St. John’s to be closer to his daughters but his love for nature saw him spending his final years in Chamberlains with a view of the ocean.

Visitation will be at Carnell’s Funeral Home 329 Freshwater Road Tuesday, September 11 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel at 11 am on Wednesday, September 12.

Schedule

Visitations

1-3 p.m. on September 11, 2018

5-7 p.m. on September 11, 2018

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral

11:00am, Wednesday September 12th

The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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Condolences

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Dear Ashley and Kristen,
I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your dear Dad. I have known him all my life and he was a very special friend to George. They had such good times together hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. I will never forget the joy he brought to his friends. Please accept my deep sympathy as I know from experience the pain you are feeling at this time. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. With love,
Patricia Hatch

To John’s daughters and family, I offer sympathy, along with my husband David, who is also a UNB Law School and X grad. I graduated from St.FX with John, also with a BSc and will be returning for XHomecoming Sept. 28. While there our Classmates of 1965 will be celebrating the induction of yet another BSc grad from 65, Allene MacPherson Goforth. She was the first deaf woman in Canada to graduate from university and will be revocnized accordingly in St. FX’s Hall of Honour. We will be remembering our departed classmates and their contributions to family and community. Sincerely, Jane (Baird) and David G. Barry

“Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love.”
~George Eliot~
I remember the first day I walked into your office looking for a job.
You called me that afternoon, and said,
“If you pardon the expression…I would like to give you a try.”
….little did I know then, that you would become one of the greatest loves in my life.
Like the exploding of a star, you’ve helped me to grow and change over the years.
Always there for me, always. I will always love you for that…
We have had so many conversations during happy and sad times, and shared so much with each other. So much so, that there wouldn’t be enough paper at the Mill to write our story. You allowed me to release all the turmoil in my life. You were there for me, and truly listened and felt in your heart ALL my life struggles. You were like a father to me…. You held me and kept me close to your heart as I faced the most difficult thing I have ever experienced with that pain I endured as I watched my father fade away right before me, and felt so helpless; I will always love you for that….
You and I have shared with each other stories about our childhoods, the happiest time I ever was in my life that I could remember was as a child. I will never forget that Christmas when I opened up the most wonderful Christmas Gift I had ever received…..the Portrait you had Tina Dolter paint of me and my childhood dog, Sarge. I so cherish that Portrait. I always knew you cared for me; but, that morning, as I gazed upon that portrait, I truly felt just how much. You gave to me that Christmas, more than just a portrait. You captured in my heart, a piece of me that only belongs to you my dear, dear friend John Sweetland. Every time I look at that portrait, I smile inside because I know how much my happiness always meant to you. I will always love you for that….
There’s a little piece of you everywhere in my home, I love that. You’re out smoking your pipe on my deck; you’re lying on my floor laughing with the kids; you’re in my kitchen cooking up a feed of lobsters on my stove, you are a picture on my wall that you gave to me for my birthday “Dance me to the End of Love.” I’m thinking now of how many times myself and Danny were at your house, the smell of a great big pot of moose soup on the stove, and how you and I would be dancing around your kitchen. Oh my, you so loved to dance. I remember that particular evening when you first played Andrea Bochelli & Sarah Brightman, “Time to Say Good-bye” and you turned up your stereo on blast, you were facing your patio doors, back on to us, and as that beautiful music flowed through the room, you swayed back and forth, back and forth, in all your glory! So happy….That’s how I feel about you, John. You are that beautiful music. I so love you, my beautiful friend. You and I have grown our own special relationship over the years that I treasure.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
I will always love you, John Sweetland, my Guardian Angel…
Thank you….for loving me.

Ashley and Kristen . So saddened to hear of your Dads passing. We have many happy memories of our times together at our house, Monaghans kitchen, or his place on the Humber, ( usually around a fire ). It was always a pleasure to be in his company, and we still miss the smell of his pipe. He was always a gentleman who always loved the better things in life, and to him you were both one of those better things in life.

Ashley and Kristen. I am so srry to hear about the passing of your Dad. It’s been a few years since I last saw him. I believe it was one of our early memorial golf tournaments celebrating my Dad’s life that we last chatted. All of my memories of John (or Johnny Cochrane as we liked to call him as we became adults) were good ones. Particular fond memories were our many years growing up on Cobb Lane and our parents hanging out together, skiing, golfing, partying. After Peter, Andrew and I moved away from Corner Brook and settled in Halifax and Vancouver respectively we would visit from time to time and Dad and Gordon Tizzard would sit on our deck at 16 Cobb Lane with John, sipping Old Sam and Cokes into the night. They would tell stories and try to solve the political problems of Newfoundland, all with a lot of laughs mixed in! My Dad enjoyed “Sweetland’s” company very much. He often remarked to me about how great it was playing golf with John due to his patience and calm demeanor. “Give one back to the golf course Monaghan!” was one of his lines when my old man would spray a ball into the woods. What a wonderful playing partner he was.
I know how difficult it is to lose a Dad. I will be thinking about you guys and sending you positive vibes. Please take some comfort in knowing how much your Dad loved you his whole life. I haven’t seen either of you in probably 20 years but it doesn’t feel that long since you were our neighbours down the road. Maybe our Dad’s are somewhere sipping Old Sam and Cokes together and plotting a Newfoundland revolution! Lots of Love from Vancouver. – Tom

So sorry to hear of John’s passing, we were very close growing up, my thoughts are with you

Condolences from the class of 1954 Corner brook public School

Ashley, Kristen, & families .We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. We know you and your families will miss him terribly. Sorry we couldn’t visit or attend his funeral, but due to illness it was unavoidable. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Betty & Tom

I met John through my sister Lisa Myles. He was a very kind and pleasant man. He always made me laugh when we met. His sense of humour was spectacular. My heart is with his girls and family at this very sad time. RIP my friend

Norma ( aka Tudd) ❤️❤️

I am deeply saddened by the news of Johnny’s passing. He articled with me in Grand Falls during which time he became a good friend and compatriot. We shared many good times and he always had a good word to say.
My condolences to his family, especially Ashley and Kristen.
May he rest in peace.

It’s taken me a few days to wrap my head around all of this as I’m still in shock with John leaving his earthly life. It’s so hard to encapsulate a personality of someone who has meant so much to me, to his family and to so many friends. Oh yes indeed … John had a relaxed demeanour especially when he leaned back in his chair with his pipe! I can still smell it! And yes indeed … John was one of the most caring, down to earth and thoughtful gentleman I had ever met! Always greeting me with a “hey beautiful!” Everybody and everything in his life was beautiful especially the both of you Ashley and Kristen and then his two buddies Reed & Miles that he bragged about and loved passionately. So many wonderful and precious memories that we all have … I can guarantee almost all of us can remember the first moment we met John! I too remember the exact moment … It was the year 1999 and I remember our last visit a little while ago. And after his move about 4-5 years ago I was thankful for Messenger and Facebook to keep in contact! We became really truly good and loyal friends over time and this continued after his move to be closer to “his girls.” I remember after his Mom passed in 2005 he visited me and told me he, as well as his brother Bruce, Fred and sister Brenda, would be forever grateful for being there for him, his family and especially making his Mom comfortable over the last years of her earthly life. But honestly it was John that I would be forever grateful for. Through him I learnt a lot of things about life, others and myself. Many long in-depth chats. He supported me through one of the most painful and darkest times of my life. He said he felt my hurt (and I truly believed him) and I remember crying on his shoulder but there was something about his hugs that I felt secure as true friends. I too lost my parent and for his love and support I am grateful. I also learned from John the qualities of a trustworthy and devoted friendship cannot be written. They can only be experienced and I had these experiences with him. Many afternoon cups of coffee and beverages were shared at his house. Too numerous to list. He loved his “Humber” spot (Home) on the river where he’d say “the fish are right there.” It just occurred to me his profile picture of his spot never changed since he put it up on Facebook! I clearly remember his love of nature … even interrupting one of our coffee visits to go feed the birds around his property. I’m sure he had a name for each of them. John loved the sunshine, the sunsets, the rain and nature, he loved books and music. I remember his sincere appreciation of a CD of opera music I gave him as a gift which he played during visits. I’d like to end saying that John left us with more than memories. He left us with qualities which will rest like a hand on our shoulder for as long as we each may live. John you are my friend, I loved our friendship near and far and I will miss you badly. I pray that God will give you eternal rest and may God bless your family and the lives of everyone you touched here on earth.

Ashley and Kristen, my condolences on the loss of your dad. John was a dear friend. Not many days go by that I’m not reminded of some astute observation he made about life. And his love for his girls and nature was plain to see by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. It eases my heart to know he was surrounded by both at the time of his passing. Thinking of you and your families.

Kristen and Ashley – so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad… Keeping all those treasured memories and happy times close to your heart will bring you comfort every day. Thinking of you both and sending hugs your way…

Ashley and Kristen
I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You will miss him terribly and now you must remember all the happy times you had and how much love you shared.

Ashley and Kristen – Thinking about you at this sorrowful time in your lives. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Thinking of you all as you go through this difficult time. I played golf a few times with your Dad at the Blomidon Club many years ago.

So sorry to hear this news. Had lots of debates with Johnny back in the day. Sincere condolences to all family and friends.

We are deeply saddened by John’s passing. Brenda has such great memories of growing up as ” Johnny’s Sister”. John had a passion for life and a great sense of humour. Our condolences to his wonderful daughters, Ashley and Kristen.

A life well lived and a man to emulate. Sympathy to his friends and family. He will be missed.
John Brown
Bay Roberts

Ashley & Kristen,

My heart goes out to you guys for your losing your dad. Wish I could be there to pass along my respects. Take care of one another.

John and I had many pleasant encounters during my years in Corner Brook. Good memories all.
Sincerest sympathy to his family and his many friends.

My condolences to all John’s family and friends. Fond memories of his clever rule making at the Lawyers/Doctors golf grudge matches. We all loved him.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time.

I really enjoyed John’s friendship.. When I visited him at his home he loved to talk about hunting and fishing ; I loved to listen and learn. Rest in peace.

My heart goes out to the family of this wonderful man. I will never forget John’s kindness and professionalism to his work.. I will never forget his since of humor. Thank you John for all you done my dear friend. May you always rest in peace until we meet again. God bless you Buddy.

Ashley and Kristen, my thoughts are with you and your families. Your dad, John, was the kindest man I have ever known but what I will remember most is his love and devotion to you both. Family was everything to him.
I will remember him with much fondness. Friend and mentor.

Hugs

My heart is full tonight! Knowing that these final years were with the true loves of his life, his 2 girls! God bless you and hold you as you move forward through his loss. He was a great man! Condolences to you both. xx