John McDONAGH Obituary
John "Sean" Vincent McDonagh was born in Dublin, Ireland on August 4, 1934, son of Vincent and Marie McDonagh. Although his birth seems to have been unremarkable, his life was the opposite. While no physical tributes have been erected in his honour, he has pride of place in people's hearts and minds. He was a thoughtful and intelligent employee, a loyal and loving spouse to his first and second wives, a wise and generous step-father, and a warm, embracing grandfather. Yes, he would have been in serious danger of being boring were it not for his dry wit, always accompanied by a twinkle in the eye, an enjoyment of Guiness, and a predilection for the ponies. We have it on good authority that he enjoyed his time at the Irish Club. He was a breeder of Himalayan cats, and it was not unusual for neighbourhood strays to adopt him and find a happy home with John.
John passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2013. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie McDonagh, and his step-son Jason White. He is survived by his brother Frances McDonagh, of Dublin, Ireland and his niece Marie McDonagh and nephew John McDonagh. Here in Alberta, he is lovingly remembered by his stepson, Tim (Holly) White, stepdaughter Patricia (Greg) Mitchell, and step-daughter-in-law, Patty White, and step-grandchildren, Samantha and Ethan White, Joyanna Mitchell and Kristin Clark. He is also survived by his cats, Coffee and Muffin.
There has been a private interment. John requested that donations be made to the SPCA in lieu of flowers. There will a memorial service to celebrate his life at the Evergreen Funeral Chapel, 16204 Fort Road, Edmonton at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, November 13. All who would like to bid him farewell are welcome.
To send condolences or to share a memory, tribute or photo please visit
www.evergreenmemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
26 Entries
January 1, 2014
It was truly a joy to work in your building.You were alway there to crack a joke and make our day. It is a comfort to know that the pearly gates of heaven will have the best security guard ever. Lewwalls Painting and staff
cedric pridmore
December 31, 2013
never forgotten
December 31, 2013
always in my memory of your great frendship,miss you .cedric ex building operator IBM building
Eileen Smyth
November 28, 2013
Deepest sympathies to Sean's family and friends. We lived in Canada for a few years with Sean in 1963. Rest in Peace Sean from Eileen (Ginnell) Smyth and my brother Michael Ginnell, Oldcastle, Co Meath, Ireland
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Lori (aka Lorelei) Swanston
November 24, 2013
I will never forget you John as I will cherish your memory in my heart. It was over 20 years ago you introduced me to the joys of raising and keeping Himalayans. Eventually you decided to breed a pair of your Himies... one last time. So that I could have a kitten. Only one kitten came from that union which worked out "purrfect" all round. That darling cat lived a long life of 18 years!
I am still very upset and tearful as I just found out of your passing today. Now wherever I see a cat I cannot help but think fondly of you. I hope you are with God's grace and at peace. My deepest sympathies goes out to all your loved ones. Farwell my dear, sweet friend.
Lizette
November 12, 2013
Just wanted to let you know that I always appreciated the warm welcome and smile that John had for everyone who walked into 44 Cap. He was a kind, friendly heart and he is sorely missed. Sincere condolences.
Stu Wilson
November 12, 2013
My condolensces to John's family and many, many friends. It is my loss as well. A highlight was talking to Johnny every morning and throughout the day during my six years at 44 Cap and our too infrequent lunches and after work get-togethers. The sun in Heaven is a little brighter now. Rest easy, my friend.
Daren Johnson
November 12, 2013
Sorry to hear of John's passing. He will be greatly missed.
Patti White
November 9, 2013
Sean, this is for you and how you lit up and warmed so many lives! God Bless You and RIP! Love,
Patti
Patti White
November 9, 2013
Sean, I will NEVER forget you and what you gave of yourself. RIP!
John Healy
November 9, 2013
Our condolences to the Mc Donagh family.
bonnie Schram
November 9, 2013
John I had the honor of working with you for a yr ..in that yr you made me smile every day . You are a very sweet and funny man..I will miss you very much.may you rest in peace..we will all miss you john...
Seamus Donaghy
November 9, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the McDonagh family. Knew John from his long time membership of the Irish Club. He liked to come to watch Gaelic and Soccer games that were televised live from Ireland. Another thing was his pride and joy of bringing his grandchildren and their parents to the annual Christmas party. May he rest in peace.
Anita Robicheau
November 8, 2013
John, you've left a legacy of warmth. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to say goodbye. You'll be missed by many! Thank you for making my days brighter.
Paula
November 8, 2013
My sincere condolences to John's family, he always had a smile and a good morning to everyone at 44 Capital building. The world needs more people like John, may you rest in Peace.
Lynda
November 8, 2013
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. His endless supply of smiles and good mornings brightened the start to each day. He is truly missed. Sincerest condolences to family and friends.
“May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.”
Patricia F.
November 8, 2013
To John's family - two-legged and furry & four-legged - our sincerest condolences. John was a true gentleman and lovely person. I first met him at a cat show at the Bonaventure Hotel in the 90's and was delighted to meet up again on an almost daily basis in the lobby of 44 Cap. A lovelier man there never was -- he will be sorely missed; his smile, his dry wit and infectiously positive and optimistic outlook on life. For those of us who had the pleasure John's friendship, we are better people for it.
With sympathy for all and chin scratches for Coffee and Muffin,
Patricia & Niall
Mercedes Martins
November 8, 2013
My thouhgts and prayers to the family. Even though I've never worked directly with John, he was the highlight of my days at 44 Cap Blvd. from the moment I step into that building, for 6 years. Always ready with a smile and a hug for anyone who may need them. Even though I have moved on from that location, he still remembers me, as he mentioned it to someone 2 weeks ago... I miss you, John. Rest in peace, my good friend.
Harry
November 8, 2013
I will always remember and cherish the morning and afternoon banter with John. Our sincere condolences.
C Nelson
November 8, 2013
I would like to express my deep sympathy to John's family, friends and cats :( I will always remember his smile every morning and pleasant demeanor.
Roberta
November 8, 2013
My condolences to his family and friends. While I didn't know him personally he always had a smile and a good morning when I walked in the building :) I will remember him fondly.
Tony
November 8, 2013
Your warm greeting every morning somehow brushed away the cold of the winter mornings. You will be surely missed here at 44 Cap.
Michelle Stewart
November 8, 2013
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. McDonagh's passing. His "good-morning" was a big feature of my working day. I know all of us will miss him very much. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Kerryanne Doyle
November 8, 2013
John, you were like a grandfather to me. Thank you for the fun times we had together hanging out, seeing plays and the general tomfoolery we had. Missing you.
Trish Randolph-Beaver
November 8, 2013
John was a wonderful friend. I have missed him sassing me every morning as I came to work. I will miss him calling me trouble. His smile and his sense of humor greeted me every day and made my world brighter. The world is a sadder place without you John. But the flip side is that I know you are having a great time where you are-make sure my dad bets on a winner in the races up there buddy!
Aleah Hajar
November 8, 2013
To a wonderful and friendly person who will be missed, God bless John.
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16102 Fort Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 6A2
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