John Savery

John R. Savery, Ph.D., passed away May 8, 2025, peacefully in Surprise, Arizona under the care of Hospice of the Valley.

John graduated from the University of Western Ontario, the University of Calgary, and was a proud PhD graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, Instructional Systems Technology doctoral program. He was a Professor at The University of Akron Education, where he was a dedicated teacher and Director of Instructional Services. He worked diligently to engage staff, faculty, and students in using technologies in the classroom.

Throughout his career, John made significant contributions to the Instructional Design field, particularly in problem based learning, online teaching, and fostering ownership for learning. He authored numerous research papers, academic book chapters, and journal articles.

John will be remembered as a positive man with a great smile, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, sons Eden (Christie Savery) of Northbrook, IL and Dylan (Jennifer Savery) of Calgary, Alberta; sisters Vicki Mclean (Anthony Mclean) of Ancaster, Ontario, and Janet Renner (Stephan Renner) of Cornwall, Ontario; grandfather of Preston Savery, Scarlett Savery, and Savannah Savery of Northbrook, IL; and Ava Savery of Sherbrooke, Quebec; and his two Vizsla dogs, Phoebe and Atticus. John was pre-deceased by his father, Jack Savery and mother Violet Savery of Cornwall, Ontario.

At John's request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley, Honor Health Hospitals, Wickenburg Community Hospital, Home Instead, and Dr. Mamami. Thank you to his academic colleagues and friends for their support; special friends Patrick Klecker and Kristen Manes; and neighbors of Wickenburg Ranch in Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to your favorite animal charity or food bank. John, you made a difference in this life!