JOHN FINLAY PETTY
Pioneer – Class of 2021
Physical Education Specialist P. P. H. S 1971-2002
Masters in Education and Minor in Administration – University of Ottawa
John Petty started his teaching career in 1965 in the small town of Val-d’Or, Quebec. Following two years teaching in Quebec’s mining town, John had stints at Aylmer High School and Philemon Wright High School between the years of 1967 and 1969. His journey as a Panther began at Pontiac Protestant High School in 1971 when John and his newly married wife, Betty, moved to Shawville with the intention of staying for only a few years. Fifty years later, his impact, knowledge, and love for health and sport is still being felt by many generations in our community. During his time in the Pontiac, John was an instrumental part of many successful activities both in school and in the community. Known for his motivational speaking and love for sports, Petty taught Physical Education and Biology at PPHS. He is best known for coaching sports such as cross-country and rugby, but his true passion was in Jr. Girls Volleyball where he ended his coaching career with multiple EOSSA Championships. Petty was in his element in the gym. Surrounded by high endurance physical activities and often leading by example, John loved demonstrating drills and techniques with his students.
His love for the outdoors continues to be an immense passion. He started the Outdoor Education Program at the school just years into his time at Pontiac, and would take his oldest daughter Shannon with him to scout potential canoe routes and sites during the summer months. John retired in 2002 following thirty-two years of teaching, the same day his youngest daughter Andrea signed her first teaching contract.
John’s commitment to others was also felt in the community. He was instrumental in starting the Terry Fox Run almost 40 years ago and was a member of the Relay For Life committee for over 10 years which helped raise over 1 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. He was part of the committee to save the Midget Hockey Tournament and coached Pee Wee Minor Hockey. Following his retirement, he continued volunteering his time coaching at Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School as well at his daughters’ schools where they teach helping to coach their volleyball teams. He is also part of the community Big Brothers program. In 2001 John received an award for Outstanding Leadership in Athletics. In 2015, was recipient of the Helen Keller Fellowship Award from the Shawville Lions Club recognizing his many achievements in the community, and in 2017 was presented the WQSB Citizenship Award from P.H.S.
John had a tremendous impact on PPHS students. His legacy is well-described by a former colleague,
John has been an inspiration to athletes in and beyond the halls of PPHS and PHS. His work in the school included being a Phys. Ed teacher to both genders and across all grade levels. He was the driving force behind the cross-country and running clubs. He also was deeply involved in Outdoor Education. John`s influence extended beyond the school walls. Since his retirement, John has been an active volunteer coach and also instrumental in forming the original Shawville Soccer Club. A true community pioneer.