John Harley Sidwell

John Harley Sidwell, age 79, of Sylvania Twp., passed away Monday, February 15, 2021 at Flower Hospital with his wife by his side. The son of Harley and Mary (Zotter) Sidwell, he was born February 6, 1942 in Spring Arbor, Michigan. A very proud graduate of the University of Michigan degreed in Economics, he retired in 2006, after having spent his professional career in retail management with JCPenney, Service Merchandise and Babies R Us. John loved spending time in his beloved garden, which he called his Happy Place; traveling with his wife to their vacation homes in Fort Myers, FL and Upper Silver Lake, MI and following the pursuits of his four grandchildren. During the summer months you could find him lovingly tinkering in his garden complete with a fish pond, botanicals of all varietals, herbs and landscape art. He was always available to his kids with sage home and gardening advice for their own homes. Known for his beautiful Christmas décor as well, he would begin his decorating process before the Thanksgiving holiday so everything would be ready when they returned home from their annual Florida trip in mid-December. And he was even daring enough to illuminate the outside BEFORE Thanksgiving. Since his retirement, you would be hard pressed not to find John on his phone playing Words with Friends or with a good book in hand as reading was always a special part of his day. He is survived by his wife Kim (nee Miller); children Taunya (Andrew) Reback and Brandt Sidwell; grandchildren Brennan and Marley Reback, Nathan and Rylee Sidwell; sister Marge Gregg and dear friends who will always hold him close in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Doug Gregg. Final arrangements are entrusted to Walker Funeral Home, Toledo, with a private online celebration of life planned. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his name are encouraged to consider Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; The American Heart Association; or Imagination Station, Toledo Science Center and can be forwarded thru Walker Funeral Home. John was kind, loving and so very considerate to all whom he cherished. That kindness and love is his legacy forever remaining in our hearts. Fond memories and condolences are encouraged to be shared on John's Tribute Wall on this page.