John died peacefully at home, surrounded by his 3 daughters. He lived a “big life” with vivacity, winning hands of bridge based on his idiosyncratic bidding, right til the end. He engaged everyone he met – he was charming, irascible, irreverent and infinitely curious.
He was born in Kelowna, BC. The family moved to Victoria in 1926, where he attended Monterey School, Oak Bay High School and Victoria College in Craigdarroch Castle.
After obtaining an honours degree in Math and Physics at UBC in 1941, he joined the army. He was commissioned and served in Canada and the UK as signal officer in various military units. He landed in Normandy on D-Day and finished his service in Holland. In 2005, he returned to Holland to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day.
He met and married Sheila Anne Duggan of Toronto in 1950, beginning a happily married life of 61 years.
John completed a MSc at UBC and a PhD in physics at the University of Toronto and then spent 7 years in the Radiology Department of Toronto General Hospital. He accepted the position of Chief Physicist in the Cancer Centre in London, Ontario where he stayed until his retirement in 1985. During this time, he held adjunct professorships in physics, biophysics, radiation oncology and medical imaging at the University of Western Ontario. He mentored many, his research was widely published and he travelled around the globe to share his expertise at international conferences.
John was on the team that pioneered a radiation therapy for cancer which, years later, was used to treat his own cancer. In his retirement, he helped develop devices to calibrate x-ray machines and helped countries develop radiation safety protocols.
John retired to Victoria in 1986, where he was a legend at Uplands Golf Course and on the tennis courts. Until Sheila’s death in 2011, John and Sheila cruised the world, often with sister-in-law Lois, returning with countless stories and new friends.
John is survived by his daughters – Sandy McBride (Terry), Alison Rose (Michael) and Jeannie MacDonald (Ian Ferrie); grandchildren – Todd (Allessia) and Callum (Katie) McBride, Chris Rose (Helen), Miranda Annett (Harry) and Simon Rose (Kim Nicholas), and Johanna and Colin Ferrie; and great-grandchildren – Sophie, Desmond and Seamus Annett, Matthew Rose and Shay and Frankie McBride. Among the many who are missing John are nephew Cam MacDonald and all of the much-loved Duggan cousins as well as special friends Rachel, Gary and Dorothy and his esteemed lunch bunch.
Thanks to Dr. Eugene Leduc, John’s friends and the special staff at Carlton House and some very caring helpers from Serenity Home Care.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 from 2-4 pm at Uplands Golf Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully received by BC Cancer.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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~ Rick, Jenni and the late Heather (Clarke) Axelson,
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Don Cameron & Family John was a close friend to me since his retirement to Victoria in 1986. We met playing squash, but this expanded to tennis, bridge and many years of socializing..
Sincere condolences to Sandy, Alison and Jeannie and their families..
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Marney My sincere condolences to your family. He was a dear, delingtful man.
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Ken H Lane There are those few individuals with whom you cross paths in a lifetime who seem bigger than life itself. John MacDonald was one such person. I can offer no higher compliment to the man, and now his legacy.
On behalf of the “Wednesday Lunch Bunch” . . .
Roses are red, skies are blue, you can leave us, but we will not forget you.
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Diana Douglas Sandy, Alison and Jeanie,
All the family in England send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. He and your mother were always close members of my family and such fun to be with.
Jock and Diana Douglas (Sheppard)
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Christian I got to know a great and a very special man; John I will miss you and thank for being a friend.
My sincere condolences to John’s family.
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Gary and Dorothy We send our sincere condolences to Sandy, Alison, Jeannie and families at this time of sadness. John was a very special friend to us. We shared so many wonderful times together and will always cherish the memories we have of him. We shall miss him terribly. Sending love to all the family.
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Libby McCallum Over fifty years ago I spent my high school years spending time at the MacDonald home in London. Dr. MacDonald was always a presence whenever he walked into a room. My condolences to my good friend Sandy and to her family. They were years I wouldn’t trade for anything.
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Sai Alison, Sandy, Jeannie and Family,
I feel very blessed to have been part of your father’s care team. He was always a delight to interact with and we shared many laughs.
Warmest regards!
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Peeker Sorry for your loss- big hugs your way-
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Lisa, Ira and kids Alison and family Sending you love and light- sorry for your loss
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Fiona Davies My sincere condolences. Wow, what a ride!
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Joyce Sekalala Alison and family. May the Good Lord comfort you during this period of grief. There is no right time for your loved one to depart, but may you always remember the good memories you shared with Him and May the Good Lord receive Ahis soul with melodies.
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Ellen & Merv Krause My sincere condolences, Alison and family, your father will surely be missed.
There are no words ❤
My daughter, Jenni and I, had the pleasure of meeting uncle Johnny as my late wife, Heather (Clarke), always and so very fondly referred to him.
Heather always made time to see Johnny whenever she could while visiting her mom Josephine Clarke. He was a special man. Jenni and I are honoured to have had his acquaintance. I am sure Johnny and Heather are striking up a passionate and riveting conversation at this very time.
We are both saddened at his passing and would like to send our love to the three daughters and family.
I hope we might meet sometime in the future.
Love from Rick & Jenni
raxelson@rogers.com
~ Rick, Jenni and the late Heather (Clarke) Axelson,