John F. Bligh
BLIGH, John – Passed away on Dec. 10, 2025 at the impressive age of 103, with his Guelph family by his side at Wellington Hospice.
He lived his life to the fullest, getting great pleasure writing every day and enjoying walks in the park.
John was the second of four children, born in the Jesuit parish of Roehampton, England. He became a Jesuit at the age of 17 at the St. Beuno’s College in North Wales. He did 3 years of philosophical studies at Heythrop College, then he continued his studies at Campion Hall, Oxford, taking a double first in Classical Studies and winning four University prizes. For four years he taught Greek and Latin at Beaumont College in Windsor and coached rowing on the Thames at Runnymede. After further studies, this time in Rome, he became Professor of New Testament Studies at Heythrop and visiting professor at the Universities of Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco.
At the age of 50 he left the Jesuits, migrated to Canada, and became a professor at University of Guelph teaching Shakespeare, Milton and the Bible as Lit. It was there, where he met his beloved wife Nancy, with whom he enjoyed a wonderful life traveling the world and enjoying all Guelph had to offer. Nancy still greeted her “Dear John” with a warm smile at their weekly visits at her facility in Kitchener.
John became a big part of the Melichercik family. We so enjoyed all the interesting stories from his past that he shared with us on the long rides to see Nancy each week. He always seemed to take great pleasure in having captivating discussions with John M. along the way, about world events, politics, science, and life in general. He also appreciated his visits from Jonathan M. and his family, and enjoyed being “Big Grandpa” to Anastasia and Sebastian. We will miss the joy he brought to us all.
John’s UK family are heart broken to lose their Brother, Uncle, and Great Uncle. He always took great pleasure in sharing the updates that he received from his family with those around him. He was so interested in the awards that Lisa and Anne won with their accounting business and was so proud that a Mom and daughter made such a talented team. John was keen on hearing about all the young peoples activities and marveled at the parents energy to attend all these events. He had a soft spot for Tommy who he had great hopes in helping more in his educational needs. He looked forward to Mary’s letters from home, these letters were his connection to his roots. All the photo’s from the family warmed his heart.
John bids a fond “arrivederci” to Laura, his steadfast friend who also helped John on a weekly basis, treating him with such kindness and respect. Her regular visits with him were one of the highlights of his week.
A special thank you to Donna and Steve, who stepped in many times to help out the Bligh’s over the past two years. We are also grateful for the many Driftwood residents, who made John feel so special in his home.
Your donations to Hospice Wellington in John’s memory would be sincerely appreciated. Hospice provides superior care to not only John, but to so many others who need care in their final stage of life. The family support they provide is so very comforting and appreciated.
No service will be held at John’s request. His final resting place will be in the Bailey Family Plot in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville, Ontario later this year.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of John F. Bligh in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.