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John McALLISTER
John McALLISTER
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John McALLISTER Obituary
October 5, 1951 – July 21, 2014
"Gone too soon, Johnny Mack - father, teacher, and musician."
John was born in Düren, Germany, immigrating to Canada when he was seven and moving to Calgary when he was nine. He raised two fantastic sons, and was immensely proud of their accomplishments. John taught high school in Calgary for 31 years, retiring in June 2012, which means that more than 5000 young minds enjoyed his expert guidance. He was co-editor on a book of poetry, which was regularly used in classrooms across the country. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues who knew him for his compassionate approach and his deep understanding of the power of language. John was involved with the Calgary Chinese martial arts community, beginning in the early 1970s, and worked on several publications with his teacher, Master Kin Min Ching. A long-time student of Shaolin Wushu, he was well respected by his Shaolin brothers and sisters. John was also an accomplished musician, playing guitar in a number of bands. He sang and wrote songs with unrestrained joy, and all who played with him will attest to the magic that was created when he was in the room. A gentle and thoughtful soul, he will be greatly missed by his many friends and family, including his sons, Brendan (Melissa) and Alec; his partner, Janette Ewing; his sisters, Gabriele (Richard) of Whitehorse, Barb (Glen) of Nanaimo, and Kathy (Gerald) of Pitt Meadows; his nephews, David, Michael, Tristan, Wade, and Jackson; his niece, Annika; and his lifelong friend, Lauri (Manfred). John will be forever in their hearts and always remembered. A private Celebration of John's Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded
to the family by visiting
www.edenbrookcemetery.ca. Arrangements entrusted to EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE (17th Avenue SW and Lower Springbank Rd).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
20 Entries
Zachary Hogan
March 13, 2021
Oh dear..... john, I was one of your students in 2010. I was in grade 10. I remember you going out of your way to make sure I passed the course when I was struggling. I did pass thanks to your help. I'll never forget your kindness and believing in me for as long as I live. Thank you and God rest your soul, sir.
Erinn Barnes
March 20, 2015
John... You were my mentor and the best teacher I ever had...I will miss you every day of my life...love, Erinn
February 13, 2015
Hey, John, whenever I play "Farewell Blues" on the old 5-string I remember it was one of your favorite tunes. I'm so sorry we lost contact. Farewell, my friend. /John&Marilyn
Darla Blake
November 11, 2014
To Gabby, Barbara and Kathy
On just reading of John's passing I wish to send my deepest condolences for your loss. Although some 40 years have passed since I last saw you all I will always remember John with love. He was a very special man and he obviously made a great contribution during his life. I am deeply sad to hear of his passing. . Love to you all
Darla Blake
Bella Coola
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Jennifer Opperman
September 16, 2014
It was my great pleasure to work with John, one of the kindest most compassionate colleagues. So sorry for your loss.
Ricarda Kauert
August 21, 2014
Engel moegen Dich ins Paradies geleiten, mein lieber Cousin Hans- Wilhelm. Wir haben uns nicht mehr kennenlernen duerfen auf dieser Erde, aber die Liebe, mit der von Dir gesprochen wurde, hat mir vermittelt, wer Du warst. Mit grossem Respekt lese ich die Nachrufe Deiner Freunde hier und spreche allen Deinen Lieben mein tiefes Mitgefuehl aus. Die Welt ist aermer ohne Dich. Aber in den Herzen bleibst Du lebendig durch die Liebe, die Du geschenkt hast. Deine Cousine Ricarda
August 16, 2014
Hey Johnny Mack - Today we celebrate a life well lived - just the way you would have wanted it, with good friends, food, drink and live music.
A fitting way indeed to celebrate someone who was a motivating force in so many peoples lives. A teacher, a writer, a musician, a leader, a follower, a good friend to all and a supporter of all of our various endeavors. A keeper of the good heart.
Our lives will simply not be the same without you and we miss you already.
We will gather tonight, August 16th 2014 to raise a glass and a "tribal ruckus" in your memory. We'll celebrate all of the enduring memories that you gave to each of us. Your friends, your family, your students, your co conspirators in the dance of life.
Thank you my friend.
Michael Dangelmaier
Rick Frey
August 13, 2014
John, you will be missed my friend. My deepest condolences go out to your family. Such a tragic loss. Your gentle and caring manner made you adored by so many. You always took the time to talk to me whenever our paths crossed at Churchill. Unfortunately you never knew how I appreciated those moments. You were such an sincere and genuine person.
Rest in peace John!
Kathy Shong
August 11, 2014
Still can't believe my big brother is gone. John was such an inspiration to me in so many ways. He will always be alive in my memories. Miss you John!
Tina Arndt
August 10, 2014
John,
You were a wonderful teacher and a kind, gentle soul. It was a privilege to work with you. You will be missed.
Debbie Watson
August 7, 2014
I will miss John as a friend, fellow teacher and music lover. He provded a ready smile and enthusiasm in his dealings with everyone. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends. He will definitely be missed.
Janette Ewing
August 6, 2014
You, John McAllister were my rock! You could always find a good in anyone or any situation. We laughed together and we cried together. I will miss you every day of my life, my friend, my lover...you showed me there are wonderful people in the world and for that I will always love you. Until we meet again.
Greg Watson
August 5, 2014
Go in Peace John. You have impacted the lives of so many people. Your gentleness, grace and caring nature made you so unique. I enjoyed meeting you most mornings in the SWC parking lot, walking in with you as company thru the bus doors and how positively you looked forward to every day of teaching. The kids were so fortunate to have you as their mentor. You were the master teacher and the kids talked very fondly of you on our PE 30 camp trips. Everyone is the poorer for your absence. Your boys must be so proud of you and I hope this helps them appreciate how much you were admired and respected.
Blair Munro
August 4, 2014
I was one of Mr. McAllister's students from 1994-96. His passion for literature was one of the inspirations for my own academic career in English. In particular I recall his wide-eyed, childlike excitement as he read to us from one of his favourites, Cervantes' Don Quixote. After I graduated, I had the pleasure of being his neighbour in Silver Springs. He was a wonderful teacher and a kind and funny man. I am saddened by his passing and send my deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Mr. McAllister.
Jolene Llewellyn
August 3, 2014
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Mr. McAllister, as I knew him, taught me English in 1991 and 1992, and I've never forgotten him. Sincerely, he was one of the very most influential teachers in my life, and I'll forever be grateful for all he did for me.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please know that he changed the lives of so many.
Sandra Joe
August 3, 2014
Brendan, Jeanette & Johns family - I am so sorry for your loss... I only had the privilege of knowing John for a couple of years through Jeanette and I thought he was an amazing - smart - funny - sincere & down to earth man. Most of our visits were Sunday afternoons with the three of us relaxing , talking, laughing & admiring his back yard sanctuary. John was very hospitable & genuine - he loved & celebrated life.
Gabriele Watts
August 2, 2014
I miss you, John.
Love from your sister,
Gabriele
Arlene Cross
August 2, 2014
May the compassion, joy, and artistry with which John lived his life sustain you through this difficult time. He was a wonderful colleague and will be sorrily missed.
Hugh and Donna Gray
August 2, 2014
Gabby, Brendan, Lauri and family, I haveno words to tell you how deeply sorry we are to hear of John's passing. We will always remember the many hours of music and friendship we shared over many years. Although we have not been in contact for several years John was often in our thoughts. I will deeply miss my singing partner.
With our deepest sympathy and much love
Hugh and Donna Gray
Deborah Booth
August 2, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you who loved John. He will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
24223 Township Road 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2
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