John Campbell Currie, 81, of Inverness, IL, passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2023. After seven years of courageously battling dementia, his long journey ended surrounded by loved ones.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially his loving wife of 52 years, Lorrie (Lorraine) Currie, his sons Jason (Marlaina) Currie and Shawn (Christine) Currie, and daughter Amy (Ryan) Foley.

He will also be greatly missed by his six amazing grandchildren, Cailyn Currie, Will & Eli Currie, and Charlie, Brady & Jackson Foley, his sister, Jocelyn Murray, and his brother, Tony (Sandy) Currie. In passing, John joined his mother, Helen Currie Ruggiero, his father, Daniel Currie, and his brother-in-law, Art Murray, as well as countless loved ones who surely welcomed him home with music, laughter, stories, and hugs.

Born in Lochgilphead, Scotland in 1941, John spent his early years in a small seaside town in the grips of World War II. Seeking a better life for their children, Helen and Dan brought the Currie Clan to the United States in 1946 and eventually put down roots in Des Plaines, IL, where John graduated from Main West High School in 1960.

John graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1965. In 1968 John co-founded Engineered Fluid Power Products, where his sunny personality and keen engineering expertise made him a natural salesman. The business flourished, and he eventually took over the company.

After 50 years in the business, John retired in 2018 with the satisfaction that he had solved many engineering problems and had established many great relationships along the way. John brightened every office, machine shop, and production facility he ever visited.

Few things brought John more joy than music. He was an avid guitarist and singer. He loved Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Marty Robbins. Following in the footsteps of his father, a world champion bagpiper, John joined the Chicago Highlanders at age 16 as a Side Drummer, where he played alongside his dad. He eventually became Drum Sergeant, marching in countless parades and playing in bagpipe competitions.

John and Lorrie were married in December of 1970, and children soon followed. Nothing was more important to John than his family. He doted on Lorrie and his kids. He coached soccer, led Indian Guides, and drove the family station wagon on road trips.

Later in life, John enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and watching them play sports from the sidelines. Countless stories and precious memories were made over 17 years at his beloved lake house in Whitewater, WI.

John loved people. Anyone who ever met him was greeted with a huge smile and a fun story. He loved to chat and share his life with others. At parties and gatherings, he always found someone in need of company and sat down next to them.

About seven years ago, John was diagnosed with dementia related to Alzheimer's. He never let the diagnosis slow him down. He continued to work (for several more years), travel with Lorrie, and spend time with family and friends, even as the disease slowly stole him away.

At John's wishes, his body will be cremated. When Lorries goes to join John, her ashes will be placed with his so they can be reunited forever both on earth and in heaven.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 3 at Holy Family Catholic Church on 2515 W. Palatine Rd., Inverness, IL. There will be a visitation in the chapel at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral mass in the church at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org) so researchers can continue to find ways to prevent this disease from causing further pain and suffering.