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John Archibald Macdonald
July 16, 1938 - July 13, 2018
Tribute
John passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on July 13, 2018 just a few days shy of his 80th birthday. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Verna, sons Graham (Lori) of Gibsons, BC, and Charles (Rosemarie) of Edmonton, AB, and daughter Mary Helen (Rick) of Powell River, grandsons Andrew, Christopher, Alexander and John, and granddaughters Erin (Ted), Genève and Calais.
John was born in Vancouver where he met Verna at age 13. After graduating from UBC, he and Verna moved to Powell River, where John embarked on a long career teaching biology at Max Cameron school. John was an accomplished piper, beginning at an early age with the Seaforth Highlander cadets and then the reserves. In Powell River he was a member of the Highland Laddies and the Clansmen pipe band, serving as Pipe Major for many years. His other hobbies included gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and most recently raising budgies, a pastime he had also enjoyed in his youth.
John was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His gentle spirit, story-telling, and quick quiet humour will be greatly missed.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at Stubberfield’s Chapel on Saturday, July 21st at 1:30 pm, with a reception immediately following.
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Judith Cutler
Dear Verna,
So sorry to read of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family . Judith Cutler
From: Debbie
Hi. Im going to miss seeing you ur husband and dad. You guys i call you my second family. Everyone that we meet there
on our journey. Condolences to everyone in ur family. May ur dad rest in peace.
From: Jack,Betty ,Glen Tesch
Relation: Friends
So sorry to hear dear Mr. Mac.had to leave us. Our thoughts are with you in this trying time.
From: Jackie Tesch
Relation: Since I was a child
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Macdonald family. I have been blessed with knowing the Macdonald family for over 45 years since the age of six. I went to Kindergarten with Mr. Macdonald’s daughter Mary, and remain good friends until today. I got to know Mr. Macdonald (John) as a father, a teacher (as he taught me Biology in high school) and an outstanding citizen of Powell River. I always admired him for his gentle, kind and friendly personality. He was always calm, loved nature, animals, and very keen to share his knowledge with enthusiasm. I can remember as far back as one Father’s Day when Mary and I were kids and bought hummingbird feeders. It was her idea as her dad enjoyed birds and I thought it was the most thoughtful gesture for their special day. Mr. Macdonald was an excellent teacher both inside and outside of school. He was very knowledgeable and it was apparent that he loved to teach. He took the time to explain any questions about what he was sharing.
He was also one of the teachers that took interest in his students even after many years. He stopped to talk and ask how people were doing. This was an observation and appreciation by many of his students that I have spoken to over the years.
Although quiet and gentle, he could produce the most powerful sounds while playing the bagpipes. When we only had landlines to talk, I would often hear him practicing in the background while talking for lengthy periods with Mary on the phone. As he marched with the pipe band, he played with strength and confidence. His musical performance was memorable, meaningful. Another unique and wonderful quality is that Mr. Macdonald was quick to make a witty comment and carried a smile with the most enjoyable grin. He will be missed by many as we remember how much he enriched our lives.
May he rest in peace as we follow the great examples he displayed.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Tesch
Sidney, B.C.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
July 21, 2018
Beginning at 1:30pm
Location:
Stubberfield Funeral Home
7221 Duncan Street
Powell River, BC V8A 1W4
7221 Duncan Street
Powell River, BC V8A 1W4
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Chrysalis Flowers and Gifts
4801 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
Phone 604-485-7673
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