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John MacGillis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John MacGillis
Christian Eduardo Arbaiza Mendoza
November 10, 2019
Un excelente profesor. De los mejores hermanos marianistas que tuvimos en el colegio San José Obrero de Trujillo. !!! Qué descanse en paz el popular y querido "Bugui Bugui"
Christian Arbaiza Mendoza
VIII Promoción SJO 1968
Naomi Gardner
February 16, 2010
Mr. MacGillis was such an endearing soul and a masterful teacher. I know he certainly touched my life in a profound and meaningful way.
I have such fond memories of him - even the times when he would playfully call me a scallawag or a recalcitrant when I would get a little sassy in Spanish class. Or the time when he promised to bring in the shrunken head if we behaved for the rest of the school year. The days in class seemed to slip away when he would relive trips to other countries that he had taken.
Sadly just the other day I said to my partner, after fondly talking about Mr. MacGillis, I hope that he is still alive. And today I find out that this is not the case. But I do have some solace in the fact that Mr. MacGillis will always be alive within me in my heart and my memories.
My sincerest condolences to family, friends, and acquaintances of Mr. MacGillis - thank you for sharing such a gentleman and a scholar with the rest of us.
Angelick Thomas
December 20, 2009
To the MacGillis Family I want you to know that Mr. MacGillis was a wonderful man. He was a fantastic spanish teacher who always inspired me to travel and never settle. May God bless you all.
Tina Baldwin (Root)
December 17, 2009
To the MacGillis Family,
Thank you so much for allowing all of us at MHSA to have gotten the chance to have gotten to know your dad and to have him as a teacher there. For he truly was one of a kind and will always be remembered by all that he know and whose lives that he touched thoughout his lifetime.
There's just so much a lot of us really didn't know about him and I for one, am Gald to see what kind of a person he was before I had him as a teacher at MHSA.
Seeing that he was a Grandfather you can always tell the kids that "When it snows, he's sending them Angel Kisses from heaven".
Once again I want to say Thank You for Allowing all of us to have gotten the chance to have gotten to know your dad when we all did. My prayers and thoughts will continue to go out to you all as we approach the Holiday Season.
Philip Hartlaub
November 20, 2009
I was a Marianist Brother a year ahead of John. I am not surprised at all the nice things I read in this guest book. I have had no contact with him for at least 50 years but was so happy Alex emailed me when he passed. I still have fond memories of him. I remember he came to the Novitiate with Tom Egolf and Jim Facette from Don Bosco. I look forward to meeting up with John in the next life.
Carlos Bueno
November 19, 2009
With all my sympathy to your family and friends....thank you for being the way you were.One anecdote I remember was a time in school when a classmate, "Chango" Calderon, liked to comb his long hair during class. Brother John took away his comb and said, "You come to class to learn, not to look good."
Carlos Bueno Promo.`64 -San Jose Obrero
TRUJILLO PERÙ
Jim MacGillis
November 19, 2009
Thank you to the many who have taken a moment to share a memory about my dad. Recollections from friends and former students of my dad have helped us, his family, smile through the tears at losing a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. John would have been pleased that the luncheon following his funeral was a celebration of his spirit, wit and kindness. ** Gracias a los muchos que han tomado un momento para compartir un recuerdo de mi papá. Recuerdos de amigos y antiguos alumnos de mi papá nos han ayudado, a su familia, la sonrisa a través de las lágrimas por haber perdido un marido maravilloso, padre, abuelo y hermano. John habría gustado que el almuerzo después de su funeral fue una celebración de su espíritu, ingenio y amabilidad.
November 19, 2009
To the family of John D. Macgillis, please accept my Deepest Sympathy on your loss. You have lost a "Great Man". He was always a pleasure to talk with, and I am a fomer St. Matthew Grade, Cousin of Tom Waier. John touched many lives, and I will remember him always.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy (Waier) Woods
victor luna victoria
November 18, 2009
Brother MacGillis we remenber always ,a great teacher in the first years of primary education, in S.J.O. de Trujillo . Perú .
siempre agradecidos por tus sabias enseñanzas.
November 18, 2009
Dear Jaq and Pierre,
There was no time for me to express my sadness at the loss of your dad and I needed to return to work following the mass. It has been an honor to know him since he married into the Ceolla clan and to say he will be missed is an understatement. Your family displayed such love and concern for Marguerite in this difficult time...how blessed she is to be part of the MacGillis'. Please know I will continue to watch over her and know you can contact me anytime should you need to do so [email protected]. Love, Diane
Paul Burke
November 18, 2009
Dear Marguerite and sons,
My condolences to all of you and yours.
I remember fondly some shared visits at Wonewoc long ago and once or twice since then in Milwaukee.
The passing of a contemporary, so thoughtfully respected and loved by so many on this book, makes one reflect on the preciousness and fragility of life, especially as one grows older. And to whisper a humble head-bowed word of thanks and appreciation for the brief time we all have in this world.
All best wishes.
Angela Zabel
November 17, 2009
My sympathy to his family and friends. He will not be forgotten. MHSA Student
Fernando Salmeron
November 17, 2009
Brother John was the best teacher I ever had. Regardless of what he taught, it was his charisma, his warmth and his passion what inspired me and thousand of other students in Peru. Rest in peace Brother John!
Eduardo Campos
November 17, 2009
Dearest Bro. John!!! whenever I think of him, I think of his kindness to all of us; his strictness towards us to make sure we grew up to be good men; his excellent good humor, always with that positive and contagious attitude towards life; and I suppose I could go on mentioning qualities I found in him, but the ones I have to mention are his humbleness and spirit of faith which made him such a good person and such a special Marianist.
I am sure he is very close to our Father now, especially after reading so many good things people have said about him. As it seems, I am not the only one who saw these things in him, it was obvious to all the lucky persons who have had the blessing of knowing him.
So, Brother John, rest assured that you will always be lovingly remembered; you did your work here, now you deserve your prize in Heavens, and please, don't forget to put in a good word with the Lord for us.
Tom Weaver
November 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with with you, Pierre, and your family. Last evening, while I was in Florida, a group of us prayed and honored the passing of John Macgillis to support his spirit to pass to the other side in a good way at an inipi ceremony near Jupiter close to the Atlantic Coast. May Peace, love and joy be with John's family and loved ones during this time of honoring and remembrance. Via con Dios. Tom Weaver AKA Dr Tom in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
Angela Oatis Ashby
November 17, 2009
He was an excellent teacher. I can still hear him banging on desks and repeating -O!, -AS!, -AMOS!, -AN! He helped me go on my first trip as an exchange student to Latin America in 1988, and I've been travelling ever since.
Julio Montero
November 17, 2009
Our love to you brother John will miss you,rest in peace
November 17, 2009
“Brother John, excelente profesor y guía espiritual, amigo, carismático y fortachón así te recordamos...Descansa en Paz”. Carlos Centurión C. IV Promoción Colegio San José Obrero –Trujillo-PERU
Carlos Encomenderos
November 17, 2009
Sorry to hear the sad news,my sincere sympathies to John's family.John was my English teacher back in Trujillo,Peru at San Jose High School, I have very good memories and stories,most of all,we had to tell the truth when he will come and face us with his deep blue eyes!We are lucky that he crossed our path. God bless him!
Kate Glaspey
November 17, 2009
Mr. Macgillis was an inspiring, nurturing, patient, fun, and amazing teacher. I have so many fond memories of games that he came up with to teach us language and culture.He taught me Spanish for 2 years and I went on to learn 4 more languages fluently and live in a number of different countries in S. America and Europe. I will forever be grateful to him for all the inspiration and guidance he offered me.
MHSA '94
November 17, 2009
John:
Thank you so much for setting an example of work, for teaching catholic faith, for your love for life.
I am glad we got to see each other in February, and reminisce.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Luis Alvarez
November 17, 2009
Pierre,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michelle (Buss) and Tony Lagowski
michael mooney
November 17, 2009
Mr. MacGillis...go mbeannaí Dia thú,agus go mbeannaí Dia a chuid oibre.
(may god bless you and your work)
Julio Rodriguez
November 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the MacGillis family at their greatest hour of need. Mr MacGillis was a very honorable and respectful man. He was a special gift to all those who crossed his life and will be greatfully missed.
Ernesto Vereau
November 17, 2009
Brother John, gran persona, gratos recuerdos, enérgico, simpático, amigo... Me decía A Ernestou. Recuerdan el "Puchi Buga"...?Descansa en Paz. -- Ernesto Vereau I. Colegio San José- 4º Prom. Trujillo-Peru.
CLIVE RAMSEY
November 17, 2009
pls accept my condolencies
CLIVE
Monica Weakley-Rodriguez
November 17, 2009
One of thebest teachers I have had in my life. He certainly made a difference in my life. To his family he truly was a remarkable person and will be missed! May the lord be with you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Monica (MHSA 89)
Ericka Reich-Fanning
November 16, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was my teacher for 3 years at MHSA. He was a great man with a big heart.He often called me a "no good nick" and always made me smile! To his family...know that he will forever live in the hearts of his students.
Courtney Ratka Koprowski
November 16, 2009
Senor MacGillis was my Spanish teacher at MHSA. Though I could never quiet pick-up the language he never gave up on me. Eventually we came to the conclusion that after two years I may be one of those people who wasn't able to master a foreign language. Even though his class was difficult for me-it was one of my favorites, He told us wonderful stories of Peru in his booming voice and always had that incredible smile waiting for us at the door. He will be deeply missed.
Brock Navarro
November 16, 2009
My thoughts, heart and prayers are with Mr. MacGillis' family and friends. I graduated from MHSA in 1993 and still have very fond memories of being in his Spanish class as well as many other times spent laughing with Mr. MacGillis. There are few people in ones walk of life who leave such a profound positive impact. Mr. MacGillis is one of those people. He was, has and always will be an inspiration to me. Gracias por todo Senor MacGillis, espero que su legado continuara en la vida de los que a enriquecido.
Julie Bunk
November 16, 2009
Mr MacGillis was a great man who always had a kind word and a laugh to give you. I will never forget though when he got mad one day at class he threw his keys to the back on the room and screamed "Dang Gumit" LOL He was a great man who will be missed. You will never know how many lives he touched. May he rest in peace
Nicole Jacobson
November 16, 2009
A true servant. A testament that to teach is to touch the world! Thank you for your contributions to Milwaukee - especially at MHSA.
Tracy (Meyer) Vetter
November 16, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was my Spanish teacher in 1987-88. It's great to read all of these wonderful entries from his former students. Hi everyone! ...how lucky we were to have him in our lives!
Mr. MacGillis not only inspired my love for language, he also inspired my love for people, culture and diversity. So much so that I became an interpreter. To say he touched my life is an understatement.
It was impossible not to smile when you looked at Mr. MacGillis. His bright cheery smile was contagious. To this day, I smile instantly just from thinking about him. And we all loved his humor. I will never forget how he answered the classroom phone when the office would call, "MacGillis's morgue!" It never got old and always made us laugh.
He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered and forever appreciated for the gifts he left behind that have touch so many lives.
Amy Benning
November 16, 2009
My prayers go out to your family... He was one of my absolute favorite teachers at MHSA.. May God Bless him.....
Rodolfo Rake
November 16, 2009
I will never forget Brother John, his crew cut and nice open smile, I am very sad he is gone, I always hoped to see him again, he was my teacher in San José Obrero in Trujillo, condolences to the family.
Rodolfo Rake (Peru)
Agustin Gamero
November 16, 2009
John MacGillis... siempre tenías una sonrisa y, porque no, hasta una risa muy contagiosa; te conocimos en el San José Obrero de Trujillo y luego continuamos viéndote en el Santa María de Lima Perú. Saludos a toda la familia MacGillis, sabemos que has dejado un bonito legado, tanto entre nosotros, que fuimos tus alumnos, como en tu familia.
Agustín Gamero
San Antonio de Los Altos
Venezuela
LuVerda Sayles Martin
November 16, 2009
My condolences are extended to the family and other loved ones of Mr. MacGillis. His smile, his laugh, his support and encouragement will all remain one of my fondest memories of my years at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. He has touched so many lives in the best ways possible...by being a beacon of hope and light to young people. He will live in our hearts forever.
Luis Gonzales Vigil and family
November 16, 2009
Like every one person in Perù and USA who had the privilege to know John I want to give my condolences to all the MacGillis family.
John was my teacher and my friend at San Jose Obrero school in Trujillo, at the north of Perú until 1967 . He was one of the best teachers and friend I had.
I mam sure that he is now in a better place We all in my family are so sorry with the notice.
Luis Gonzales Vigil
Fernando Zarzar
November 16, 2009
John will live forever in our memories and in our hearts
Colegio San Jose-Peru
Fernando Zarzar
November 16, 2009
John will live forever in our memoriee and in our hearts
Fernando Zarzar-Colegio San Jose
Katrina Tate
November 16, 2009
Mr. Macgillis help so much with my Spanish. I was student that truly struggled with the language, but he was always there to help. I remember during parent teacher conference that he told my mother her he realize how I struggled but told her not to put me in another class and he would give extra credit so I could bring up my grade because he had such faith in I never gave up. To the family I feel for your lost. Mr. Macgillis you will truly be missed.
November 16, 2009
A mi querido "Brother John", como les acabo de comentar a todos mis companeros de la segunda promocion del Colegio San Jose Obrero, de Trujillo-Peru, el Brother John fue siempre un heroe para nosotros. Estoy seguro que esta noticia nos ha consternado a todos los que el enseno durante el tiempo que estuvo en Trujillo. Siempre fue un hombre integro, capaz de transmitirnos en todas las clases lo mejor de su persona. Quiero enviar un saludo muy especial a toda la familia MacGillis y que deben sentirse orgullosos de ahora se encuentre al lado de nuestro Senor.
Jaime Crosby Russo
Trujillo / Peru
Wa Xiong
November 16, 2009
He was truly a inspirational teacher. I loved going to see him before my french class. He always had a bright smile and always give me a pat on the back. I will miss him dearly. May God be with his family and guide them through this tough time. You're an Angel above still looking after all your students.
kevin haas
November 16, 2009
i was a student of Mr. MacGillis in High School. He was the favorite teacher in the school for his great sense of humor and down to earth, personable attitude. He will be missed. RIP Mr. MacGillis. :(
Guillermo Rake
November 16, 2009
Brother John was my teacher in Trujillo Perú, at San José Obrero high school, Marianist school. I keep grateful and warm memories of brother John, who was strict but very friendly, at that time 28 years old, dressed in red cap, jeans and red jacket drove to Trujillo where ladies almost jumped on his car as he drove by. He taught us various songs some of which I still remenber like "Don´t fence me in", "Oh Susabna". My sincer condolences to his a family.
stacey moyer (duschl)
November 16, 2009
mr. macgillis was also one of the more memorable teachers for me at MHSA. i excelled in spanish under his tutelage. it is wonderful to read of all of the other ways he touched people throughout his life. rest in peace.
stacey duschl
November 16, 2009
mr. macgillis was also one of the more memorable teachers for me at MHSA. i excelled in spanish under his tutelage. it is wonderful to read of all of the other ways he touched people throughout his life. rest in peace.
Fernando Zarzar
November 16, 2009
John:
You will always live in our memories and in our hearts
Fernando Zarzar MD
Colegio San José, Peru,1962
Eduardo Dargent
November 16, 2009
My condolences to all the MacGillis family. John was my teacher at Colegio Santa Maria in Lima, Perú during the late fifties and early sixties. Always remember him as a great teacher and better person.
Eduardo Dargent
Jacob Pfeiffer
November 16, 2009
I am so sorry to learn about the passing of Mr. MacGillis. Like countless students before me, He was one of my favorite teachers at the High School of the Arts and one of my favorite people that I have had the pleasure to know. He used to say that he had a great big afro of hair before teaching our class and we were the cause of his losing most of it...I would like to think that he is in a better place, teaching, inspiring and spreading humor and joy...with a great big afro of hair!
Andrea Tice
November 16, 2009
I was so sad to hear about Mr. MacGillis. He was a one of a kind person. I was one of his spanish students from the class of 1996 at MHSA. He always knew exactly what to say to make you smile. We all knew that this was not just a job for him, he really cared about us .
Kevin Purcell
November 16, 2009
What a great guy. I remember him tutoring me after class to help me catch up in second semester Spanish since I transferred in and couldn't fit first semester into my schedule. Not every teacher would do that. But what I remembered most was trying get more info about his trips to South America out of him.
Lara Covey (Groff)
November 16, 2009
If it weren't for Mr. Macgillis, I would have never passed my driver's test nor would I have even taken it. Thank you for being not only a wonderful teacher and neighbor, but someone to look up to and lean on. My thoughts and prayers to all his family, friends, and students that he touched. He will definitely be missed!
Julie Maloney
November 16, 2009
Mr MacGillis was instrumental in throwing the doors of my world open wide, to realize there is so much to explore and experience, but with compassion and a sense of humor. It was a privilege to have him as my teacher.
Amy (Baermann) Stockinger
November 16, 2009
Mr. MacGillis, mi profesor de espanol, you will be greatly missed by many. I live in AZ and speak Spanish with friends and at local businesses when I can, to practice, even though I'm embarrassed by how much I've forgotten over the years. Your stories about living abroad were the best. My deepest sympathies for your family.
Al Dziadosz
November 16, 2009
To Al and the entire MacGillis Clan,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your brother John. I did not know him, but the way others describe and loved him, he epitomized the MacGillis family. From your Dad on down to the youngest, real people. May God comfort all.
Taronn Fitzgerald
November 16, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was one of those teachers that you don't forget and won't forget you. He intrigued me by his desire to want to teach his students and the dedication to know us on an individual basis. The last time I seen Mr. MacGillis was last year at Pick N Save on South 76th Street. He still had that special twinkle in his eyes... I'll never forget that moment when he called out my name. He remembered my name after all these years! It's one of those moments that I will always cherish.
November 16, 2009
May your memories help you find peace and solace.
Julie Wenner
Roseville High School
Kyle Taniguchi
November 16, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family and also a great loss to all of us who knew him. I was a former student of his @ MHSA. MacGillis was a warm hearted and very cheerful person. "Gilly" as some of us would call him was without a doubt one of my favorite teachers. To me he was a teacher in every sense of the word and also a good friend. I will never forget his smile and the phrase he would always say, "You're a Gentleman and a Scholar." He will always live on in my heart and also in the hearts of many others as well whose lives he has touched over the years!! We love you Gilly and you will be sorely missed. Once again my heart goes out to his family.
Abbi Crawford-Clissold
November 16, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was my favorite teacher at MHSA. He alwasy pushed me to do better, to be myself, to study hard, and to make a difference. He was a constant supporter of all our "downstairs" activities as he and other academic teachers liked to call our arts classes. While he joked about it he was always there to applaud us and congratulate us on our performances. He was truly a great man and touched SO many lives. My prayers go out to all his family and friends.
Andrea Burgos
November 16, 2009
My condolences on the MacGillis families loss. Be proud to know that through his years of teaching, he touched all those he came in contact with be it in class, the hallways or the lunchroom. Be at peace.
Teresa (Hoppa) Knoke
November 16, 2009
How heartwarming to read the kind words of so many people who were inspired by my Uncle John. He also inspired me from early on - to study abroad and to become bilingual. I always felt comfortable and special around him, and so proud to be his niece. Nunca te olvidare Tio. To all who grieve his passing, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Yvonne Eccher
November 16, 2009
Mr Macgillis was also my Spanish teacher at MHSA. I have nothing but fond memories of class with him, and seeing him, Mr Wright and Mr Schmidt (the three amigos) in the hallways laughing and joking. Mr Macgillis was always smiling...and I think that's what most of his former students will remember about him most. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends, I know he will be missed dearly.
Marian Brooks-Short
November 15, 2009
I also remember Mr. Macgillis from MHSA his smile ever-beaming at students whether his or not. I hadn't the opportunity to be under his tutelage but felt guided by his gentle presence and kindness. He will be missed and fondly remembered. His family is in my prayers.
Wendy Zaitz-French
November 15, 2009
Though I didn't take Spanish, I did take French at MHSA. Mr. Artley and Mr. MacGillis would stand outside their rooms talking together, waiting for all of us to pile into our classrooms. Mr. MacGillis always had such a wonderful smile and a kind word to say to me. I know that he was a good man, and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
Elaine Litzau
November 15, 2009
I attended MHSA. Mr. MacGillis was my favorite Spanish teacher. He was friendly and fun and made me want to learn. He is who I credit for my ability to speak Spanish today. My sympathies to his whole family. Thank you for sharing him--he was a beautiful soul.
Sheila Caesar-McDowell
November 15, 2009
Senor Juan MacGillis was my Homeroom Teacher and Spanish Teacher at what used to be Roosevelt Junior High School back in 1970. His love for the Spanish Language gave all of us in his class an appreciation for the Spanish Language. He also taught us catch phrases "IN SPANISH", that I still remember 30 years later. We would see him twice every school day. We loved him very much. He was an excellent Teacher in every sense of the word. My deepest sympathy to the Family.
Ed Piotrowski
November 15, 2009
John was a great guy who loved fun.A super classmate at Don Bosco and a fellow whom you had to love for his wit and humor and one person that you could not forget for all these years. Sorry to hear of his loss. May he rest in peace.
Lagina Living
November 15, 2009
Mr. MacGillis wasn't a teacher of mine at MHSA but his vivacious smile and upbeat demeanor is what I remember the most about him. He always reminded me of a priest for some reason! Wow...he will be missed. His family and our MHSA family are in my prayers.
Sarah Koneazny
November 15, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was my biggest cheerleader and gave a girl with low self esteem and a crazy life, a sense of normality and constant support and encouragement, love and hope for a real future. His smile and sparkle in his eyes were so life giving. My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, his beloved family and friends. His presence in this world was truly life-giving. He will forever be in my heart. May God be with you.
November 15, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was my Spanish teacher. It is funny, I was just thinking of him and my first vision of him was his smile. My prayers to all friends and family who will miss him dearly.
Dave & Judy Johnsen
November 15, 2009
Marguarete, Jim, Alex, and Pierre: Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We will always remember your John as a great friend, with a smile as wide as a mild....and the most compassionate person we have ever known. You have our deepest sympathy.
Dawn Stark
November 15, 2009
I was a student of Senor MacGillis at MHSA. What a treat those hours were. I have such fond memories of his stories. His huge heart and jovial spirit shone through in all the lessons he taught - whether Spanish or life. Peace to his family.
Joan Fernandez-Nobles
November 15, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was one of my favorite teachers at MHSA. I remember we discovered that he taught at the same school in Peru as my great aunt. I felt that we had a special connection, he guiding me through those years with humor and grace, but I feel that he did that with all of his students. He gave me a new appreciation for the spanish language, but more importantly for living life fully. Gracias por todo mi Viejo.
laura kuxhause-Meacham
November 15, 2009
our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Mr. Magillicutty was a favorite and will be missed by many of his students.I will always remember interupting his hallway time with Mr. wright to banter and laugh. He is in my prayers.
Sarah MacGillis
November 15, 2009
John D. MacGillis was my father-in-law and a man I deeply admired. He was the consummate host, a good storyteller, and a person with deep interest and empathy for the human condition. He was simply a good man who loved deeply and acted with great faith and conviction during his life on this world. He touched our lives in ways too numerous to count. We will miss him dearly.
Grandpa, Ian wants you to know that he will miss your lap, your applesauce, your creative words, your gray jacket with the crest on the pocket and your big hugs. He will undoubtedly feel your spirit and know that you are watching over him as he grows up. Guide him well.
Erica Jasna Struble
November 15, 2009
Mr. MacGillis was an inspirational teacher who encouraged me to study abroad when I was a senior at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. He was always upbeat and his classes always made my day. All students were truly blessed whether it was by his teaching or just his compassion that he exhibited towards others. My life is better because of him. He left a positive mark on my life and I will always hold that dear to my heart. My condolences to his family and his MHSA family.
Jack Leonard
November 15, 2009
When John became your friend, it was with such complete wholeheartedness that it could last, as it has for me, for 40 years, even if 30 of them were long-distance after my move to Los Angeles. In all those years I never once agreed with a political position John espoused, but we were soul mates when it came to the basic motivations for life, caring deeply for those near and dear to us.
I am happy to see that some of the first visitors to this guest book are his students. John had "Teacher" imprinted on his soul; it was one of his major ways of sharing.
I hope that the enormous love he had for his three sons continues as a motivating gift for them at the core of their souls.
Tracy Stockwell
November 15, 2009
Senor MacGillis was my Spanish teacher at MHSA. He not only taught us Spanish, but often English too (to his great lament)! In addition, he was one of the most compassionate teachers. He saw many of us through difficult times and issues related to our lives outside of school. He was truly hilarious and told us many stories of his travels abroad, connecting us to the learning of language through his life-experiences. I wish you could see FaceBook today. There is a group of 30-something MacGillis alumni sending, peace, love and blessings to Senor and his family! His influence upon many was tremendous. ~ Tracy (Bickel) Stockwell
Trina Halsey
November 15, 2009
Please accept my thoughts and prayers for your family. As an alum and teacher of MHSA, please know that the stories and laughter regarding MacGillis are still being told at the school. I am so glad I got the chance to speak with him again this summer at Ms. Christy's retirement party. He was an inspiration to many of us! Peace be with you at this time.
Carolyn Sonnentag
November 15, 2009
Our sincere symapthy you in loss. Even though we did not have the opportunity to know John better, he was extremely friendly, informative and made you feel so comfortable around him. I'm sure the family will miss him deeply.
Sincerely, John & Carolyn (Punke) Sonnentag, Mt Dora, FL
Valdemar Sanchez-Lombardo
November 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of John MacGillis. I remember him from High School. He was never a teacher of mine but I remember him always smiling and laughing and spreading joy and kindness to everyone he came in contact with. May he fly high and free.
Esther Ortiz
November 15, 2009
Mr.MacGillis was my teacher for Spanish class and so much more. He would affectionately call me muy-muy which he claimed meant tiny frog. His sense of humor and capacity to care overwhelmed me always. He was a good man truly. God bless you always. Esther Ortiz
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Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners11111 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130
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Obituary Examples
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