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John R McGill
1949 - 2017
John R McGill
1949 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1949
DIED
2017
John McGill Obituary
1949-2017
A Celebration of life for John McGill will be held in Maine at the Elks Lodge on Lisbon Street in Lewiston on January 20, 2018, from 3-8pm where we will "drink, tell stories and raise hell" as per his explicit instructions. If you knew John and fell prey to his charismatic charm and wit or were enamored by his storytelling and playful sense of humor, you are highly encouraged join us.
John did not "lose" his seven year-long battle with cancer; a stubborn fighter to the very end, he bid us all farewell on December 13, 2017, at his home in Winter Haven, Florida, surrounded by loved ones and his trusty dog, Layla.
John was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, to Thomas McGill and Annie Petty (deceased), the eldest of three siblings and brother to numerous half siblings. One with a thirst for adventure, John lived a storied life across Canada, overseas, Maine, and finally Florida. He modelled what work ethic is, oftentimes holding two to three jobs at once-from chicken plant supervisor to his final role as Director of Operations of Social Security Disabilities for The State of Maine, and everything in between. He was a skilled wheeler and dealer, gifted cook, and master of crosswords. He loved collecting and trading guns, motorcycles, enjoying all-you-can-eat buffets, and sniffing out a bargain.
He is survived by his incredible wife, Barbara McGill; his children Angus (Sarah) McGill, Molly (Erik) McGill/Flanagan, Angela (Jake) Additon/Doucette, Jennifer (Tad) Jacobs, Michelle (Shannon) Brooker; siblings Cathy (Dan) Cox and Ted (Charlene) McGill, Canada; 11 treasured grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends.
John's stories were gold, his positivity contagious, his strength colossal. Keep him in your thoughts, share stories, laugh a lot-that's how he'd want it.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in John's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carole (Small)Levesque
January 13, 2018
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!
Linda Little
January 13, 2018
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.
Marlene Froats
December 22, 2017
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.
Mary Boite
December 21, 2017
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
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Cathy Willoughby
December 21, 2017
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.
Bruce Dyer
December 21, 2017
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!!!
Marilyn Lugner
December 19, 2017
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.
Pat and Dave Wilkins
December 18, 2017
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.
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