Obituary of John Justin McKendrick Culbert

CULBERT, John Justin McKendrick

We sadly announce the unexpected passing of Johnny Culbert, 5 days after his 50th birthday, on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026. His heart failed him and he passed away in his home in the comfort of his bed. Beloved partner of Donna for 10 years, cherished son of Anne and Ian, dear brother of Georganne (Joe), and fun uncle to Ben and Sophie. Johnny was also a caring stepfather to Erin (Will) and Owain (Aisha). He was predeceased by his inspirational and supportive dad, Ian, in 2015. Johnny also leaves behind many Scottish aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Johnny had a big personality wrapped around a tender heart. He was born on September 25th, 1976, in Stratford, Ontario to recently immigrated Scottish parents. The Culbert family moved to Burlington in 1978, and this is where Johnny and his sister Georganne learned to laugh, play, and grow into adulthood. Johnny had an adventurous spirit as a child, and our Sheraton Road neighbourhood was his playground. He rambled around the backyard and trees in the “big wide world,” rode his bike, and even made an invention to try to contact ET to “phone home” in our backyard. He was a lovable rascal as a teenager and had lots of fun with his friends and cousin David in Burlington and Toronto.

Johnny’s professional career took many turns. Since 2017, he had been a customer service representative with Camis, an online camping reservation company. He was a leader in his workplace and beloved by his coworkers.

Music was very important to Johnny, and this is what led him to meet the love of his life, Donna. They met through a mutual love of British, ska, and ’80s alternative music. They also shared their own music with each other and spent 10 years together loving and supporting each other through all of life’s ups and downs.

Johnny always had a soft spot for animals. He had cats growing up, a sheepdog named Mutton, hamsters, a rat, and fish, and he loved all animals in nature. He especially had a deep love for his cats Zoey, Choco, Izzy, and most recently, Max.

For those who wish, donations in memory of Johnny to the Guelph Humane Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family https://guelphhumane.ca/get-involved/donate/

A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held at a later date.

Be at peace, Johnny. We will always love you, and you have left a legacy of laughter and love in this world.

Arrangements under the direction of the Brombal Funeral Home, 1 Delhi Street, Guelph.