JOHN ELLIS MACLISE

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JOHN ELLIS MACLISE It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John MacLise on Monday, September 14, 2009 at the age of 82 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Hubert James MacLise and Susan Paterson; and siblings Hugh MacLise and Jean Porritt. Remaining to forever cherish John's memory are his wife Eleanor, son John (Shelley Morris) and grandson Eric; daughter Shelley (Nick Arseniuk); brother Doug (Eileen) of Nanaimo, BC, and sisters-in-law Debbie Worley (Dwight) of Kipling, SK, Elnora Olan of Weyburn, SK, and Audrey MacLise of Williams Lake, BC. John, know as Jack to many, was born on May 11, 1927 in Elfros SK. He followed in his father's footsteps and joined Canadian National Railways as a station agent, retiring in 1981 as a Service Representative following a career of over 37 years. He enjoyed travelling to rural communities meeting customers, many of whom became good friends. John met Eleanor when he was posted at Kipling, SK, and they were married in 1956. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed participating in his children's activities and celebrating their accomplishments. In his early years he loved to hunt and became a certified Hunter Safety Training Instructor, as well as serving in the Lions Club. John was an avid curler, skier and hockey player. Health challenges in his latter years never affected his zest for life. He continued to be active, volunteering at Park Manor Personal Care Home, handing out sponges to runners at the Manitoba Marathon and was a member of Kilcona Masonic Lodge. His favourite pastime was tapping out the Morse code with retired colleagues from the Winnipeg Chapter of the Morse Telegraph Club. Some of John's most enjoyable experiences were train trips across Canada with Eleanor and his daughter Shelley and flying in his brother Doug's plane from Nanaimo to Williams Lake, experiencing the beauty of the Rockies. A memorial service for John will be held on Friday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Avenue West. The family would like to thank Drs. M. West, N. Barrington and J. Silha for their medical expertise and the staff of GA4 at HSC for their care and compassion during John's final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, Room D1003, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H2A6 or Health Sciences Centre Foundation Rm MS107, 820 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3A1R9. Wheeler Funeral Chapel in care of the arrangements, phone 224-1525.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2009