John Canning Obituary: With heavy hearts and immense sorrow, we share the news of the sudden passing of John Canning, a man who embodied the very best of what it means to be a friend, a mentor, and a community cornerstone. To know John was to feel supported, valued, and uplifted. His passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him—one that will be felt in countless conversations, racetrack weekends, ballfields, and quiet moments when we least expect it.
Affectionately known to many as “Happy Harrys”, John was a longtime resident of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, and someone whose love for his community ran deep. He was more than just a supporter of those around him—he was a cheerleader, a motivator, a coach, and a friend who never let a good deed go undone or a kind word go unsaid.
From the start of our journey with Wood Family Racing, John was there—often the first to show up, always the last to leave, and never short on encouragement, advice, or a good laugh. He was one of our earliest and strongest supporters, believing in us before we even knew what we were capable of. His faith gave us courage. His words gave us focus. And his presence gave us strength.
John’s love for racing wasn’t just about the speed, the engines, or the wins. It was about the people. It was about community. It was about helping the next generation find their footing, their fire, and their future. That’s who John was—someone who saw potential in others and made it his mission to help bring it out.
He recently shared a piece of advice with Brayden, just a few weeks before his passing. It was simple, honest, and straight from the heart—about the value of hard work, the kind that speaks louder than words. While John may not have been the first to say those words, they will always echo in his voice from now on. We’ll carry them with us, quite literally—etched on a decal inside the car—so that every time the engine starts, his memory rides with us.
But John’s influence wasn’t limited to racing. He was a great baseball coach, a mentor to young athletes, and a role model who taught the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. He didn’t just coach for wins—he coached for growth. His players didn’t just leave the field better athletes—they left better people. John taught life lessons disguised as curveballs and grounders, and those lessons will live on in the hearts of countless young people who had the privilege to play under his guidance.
What made John so special wasn’t just what he did—it was how he did it. With patience. With laughter. With integrity. With a genuine interest in the lives of others. He had a knack for making you feel like you mattered. Whether you were family, friend, teammate, or someone he just met, John made space for you. That rare, quiet kind of leadership—the kind that doesn’t shout but resonates deeply—was what defined him.
In Stewiacke and beyond, John was known as a pillar of community support. He volunteered his time freely, supported local initiatives without hesitation, and always seemed to show up when it mattered most. Need a hand at the rink? Call John. Need a cheer in the stands? John’s already there. Need a heart-to-heart, some old-school wisdom, or a good laugh over coffee? John was your guy.
His sudden departure has shaken us. It reminds us all how fragile life is and how quickly things can change. But as we grieve, we also remember. We remember the countless ways John made our lives better. We remember his steady presence. His encouraging words. His infectious smile. We remember the stories he told, the jokes he cracked, the passion he brought to everything he touched.
To John’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. We cannot begin to imagine the pain of your loss, but we hope you find some comfort in knowing just how many lives he touched. John was not just your hero—he was ours, too. He made all of us feel like family. We grieve with you, we remember with you, and we thank you for sharing him with us.
To his friends, teammates, players, and fellow racing fans—may we carry John’s legacy forward. Let us live with the same kindness, the same conviction, and the same joy that he brought into every day. Let us keep showing up for each other, keep cheering each other on, and keep offering a hand when someone needs it—just like John did.
And to Brayden and all the young people John mentored—hold his words close. Let them fuel your passion, guide your actions, and remind you of the man who believed in you, even before you believed in yourself. We will never forget John. His absence will be felt, deeply. But his impact—his true legacy—will be with us forever. It will live in every race we run, every game we play, every time we choose to lift someone up when it’s easier to walk away.
John, you were one of a kind. A humble giant among us. A friend, a fan, a coach, and a true believer in what people could become. Thank you for your laughter. Thank you for your lessons. Thank you for your loyalty. You’ve left us with full hearts and memories we’ll hold onto for the rest of our lives. Rest easy now, friend. We’ll carry the torch. And every time we hit the track, we know—you’ll be riding with us.
