JOHN ROSS MACPHERSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN ROSS MACPHERSON August 17, 1924 March 3, 2015 With great sadness we announce the passing of John Ross Macpherson after a lengthy illness, with his children at his side. He leaves to cherish his memory his son John Macpherson (Pat) of Saltspring Island, daughters Carol Macpherson (Michael Johnson) and Laurie Hayes (Glenn) of Winnipeg, grandsons Christopher Hayes and Kevin Hayes (Samantha) and his great-granddaughter Avery, of Winnipeg. He is also lovingly remembered by sister-in-law June Macpherson, niece Barbara Macpherson, nephew Ross Macpherson and their families, nieces Cathy Harvey and Anne Nickerson and their families as well as Pat's family and Michael's family. He was loved and known as Great Uncle John and Great-Grandpa John by the youngest generation. John was predeceased by his former wife Joan, parents Ewart and Isabel Macpherson, his brother Alan Macpherson and sister Barbara Lockhart. Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, John grew up in Regina. He served in the Canadian Army, graduated with his Bachelor of Commerce at U of A and then was employed in Winnipeg by the Great West Life Assurance Co. and Nesbitt Thomson. John was a devoted father and family was "Numero Uno." John was an athlete throughout his life, enjoying many years of racquet combat at the Winnipeg Badminton Club and Canoe Club we often teased him about his resting pulse of 40! Always a health nut, he thoroughly enjoyed comparing the latest diets with his brother Alan. He enjoyed many years of connecting with the extended Macpherson clan as "John the Elder of Clan Ewart" at The Great Macpherson Annual Bocce Bash in Ontario. He was a lifelong reader and also a keen chess player who still took pleasure in trouncing whoever would be brave enough to take him on in the odd game of chess! Dad had a lifelong love of music and, having learned to play piano by ear, used his gift to reach out to all he met. He generously volunteered his talents for decades to uplift residents at Deer Lodge Center, Riverview Health Centre and recently at Lion's Place. He was also a member of Church of the Way for many years and made friends wherever he went. Dad always said he hoped he could make others happy and those who met him loved him. John was a true gentleman of integrity, loyalty, generosity and kindness. He had a quick wit, quiet strength and great courage, and was a pillar of stability and abiding love for his family through good and difficult times. He will be dearly missed but we are so thankful for having him in our lives and he will always be loved. The family would like to thank the many friends and family who cared during his illness. He appreciated calls from his sister Barbara and his sister in law June who often reminded him "not to do anything daft." Special thanks to his health care team - Dr. Kim at CCMB, Palliative Care Coordinator Brenda, visiting nurse Carol and HCA Rhomer, and the Riverview Health Centre palliative care team whose caring and kindness will always be remembered. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Johnson, Glenn Hayes, Christopher Hayes, and Kevin Hayes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Deer Lodge Center, Riverview Health Centre, Salvation Army, CancerCare MB or any charity of choice. A Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Deer Lodge Centre, Worship Centre, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2015