Obituary of John Shearer Astle

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of John Shearer Astle on December 18, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital Fredericton. Born in Montreal in 1931, John was the son of the late W. A. Percy and Jeannie (Wilson) Astle.

John grew up in the resort town of Metis Beach Quebec and worked for the family-run Seaside House Hotel where he met his future wife, Joyce McAllister from Bryenton, New Brunswick. The family still enjoys spending time in Metis.

He graduated with a degree in Commerce from McGill University in 1953, started an accounting career in Montreal and in 1955 became a Chartered Accountant and married Joyce. In 1970 John left his job as Director of Finance at the Royal Victoria Hospital and moved his family to Fredericton to work for the New Brunswick Department of Health. He advanced to Director of Finance for the Department of Health, Comptroller for the Province and finally Auditor General, retiring in 1993.

John volunteered as treasurer of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for 29 years. He held various leadership roles at the Church including Clerk of Session. He served as treasurer of the Fredericton YMCA, treasurer of the Fredericton Curling Club and a Director of Kings Landing. John held various roles in the New Brunswick Institute of Chartered Accountants including President and was honored with the distinction of being named a Fellow in 1985.

In retirement John and Joyce continued to be active in the church, were involved with the Fredericton Botanic Garden Association and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.  They enjoyed travelling, sightseeing, building a cottage, gardening and cherishing time with family and friends. John had a lifelong passion for jigsaw puzzles, ice cream and finding lost golf balls. He was quiet and kind, known for his honesty, integrity and sense of responsibility. He believed in a hard day's work and taking time to appreciate the results. To him a fresh coat of paint was like icing on a cake.

John is survived by his children, John W.E. (Alison), Elizabeth Rioux (Rodney), Hugh (Terri), and Mary Astle (Pat Ludwig); grandchildren, Kelsey, Logan (Gillian), Emily, Jasmin, Trent (Robyn), Sean (Sarah), Samantha, Kimberly, and Gregory; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Madelyn and Jolene; He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce and brother, Lorne Astle.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Dr. Basil Lowery. Interment will follow at a later date in Quebec. Donations in John’s memory may be made to Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice.

For those unable to attend the service in person, a livestream will be available via Zoom Meeting at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87527850211?pwd=4Nc5T0PNeTZWCfLjzwz7Xkc46w8Cav.1

Meeting ID: 875 2785 0211  Passcode: 023028