John R McGill

I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. I have followed his struggle with cancer with Barb on FB and marveled each time he conquered another obstacle. He was definitely a fighter and gave it his best shot. Barb, I know he did it in great part because of you. I know he didn't want to leave you. You were awesome in staying positive for him and such a wonderful caregiver. I know it wasn't easy. I remember a few pranks John played on me and other coworkers. He was a very fun loving guy and I know you must have made wonderful memories with him. Treasure those memories always. I am unable to attend the celebration of his life as I will be out of state but please raise a glass to John from me. I will miss him!

I only knew John through his wife, Barbara but came to admire his strength and sense of humor as well as his love for his family through the stories that Barb told in person and on Facebook. Whenever the hustle and bustle of life would be weighing me down it never failed that I would see a post about John's continuous fight to survive and would be humbled and very often amused. From the crazy hats or the outrageous hair he just kept amazing me. I was also amazed at the strength of Barbara and his family. I know it had to be hard to see him suffer. You are all an inspiration to so many that saw your posts. John will live on in each of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I only knew John for a few years but he lived up to his larger than life reputation. My husband knew John in university and John always figured in the stories that Phil and other old friends told when they were gathered together. John was a kind and generous man and a good cook! Not many other men would come to your house and offer to cook dinner. To you Barb I offer my deepest sympathy and I extend that to all of his children, you were lucky yo have had him in your life.

I met John, like so many others, at Trent University in Peterborough ON, in 1968! He was part of our Trent Family and always will be even though over the decades we lost track of him. We were thrilled to catch up again several years ago; it was as though we had met yesterday - the same sense of humor and love of life, always. Also wonderful to meet Barb, his very special wife, and to introduce him to my husband as another Trent legend. His family will miss his laughter.
Mary Boite and Tom Hoag, Hemlock NY

John and I shared some weird and wonderful times at Trent. I'm so glad we got together a few years ago at Phil & Marlene's.

John was a very positive person. He was pretty much a legend at Trent University. I enjoyed him tending bar at the Dedbeare Revivals and going to the horse races with him. John was indeed a good storyteller and he loved to recount jokes. He will be missed!!!

I so enjoyed working with Barbara at DHHS, and appreciate the time she and John took to talk motorcycles with me when I bought my first one. What a lovely pair. Barbara, I'm sorry for your loss.

Molly, Angus and Barbara and the rest of the McGill clan, so sorry to hear of John's passing. He has now moved onto his next great adventure.