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January 10, 1933 - March 13, 2021
We are saddened to announce the passing of our father and grandfather after a courageous battle with cancer.
John will be sorely missed by his sons Ian (Narelle), Gerry (Deanna), Keith (Doris), Lyle and Bruce, his grandchildren, Graeme (Aja), James (Laurel) and Anne of Prince Rupert, Liam (Rebecca) and Sean of England and Siarna (Eric) of Montreal, his great-grandchildren Evander, Amelia, Sofia and the proverbial player to be named later, his sisters, Jean (Alan) Parker and Terry Lewchuk and his brother, Ross (Sharon) and their families.
He will also be missed by his sister-in-law, Kathleen (David) Harrison and their families along with his many cousins and their families.
John was predeceased by his loving wife, Grace, his father and mother, Fred and Edith McNish, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Kay Downey, his sister, Fay Logan, his brothers-in-law, Bob Logan and Tony Lewchuk and his son, Rod.
John was born in Smithers and grew up on the Headquarters Road family farm outside of Courtenay just down the road from the Crockett (his grandparents') farm.
He married Grace in 1955 and in their first 10 years of their marriage, they lived in Nanaimo, Vernon, Courtenay, Prince Rupert, Port Alberni, Kamloops, and Terrace before returning to and settling in Prince Rupert in 1965 where they took an active role in the community. John was devoted to his family and very supportive of them in all their aspirations.
John enjoyed people, sports, politics, public service, reading, supporting the arts at the Lester Centre, and a good conversation. He and Grace enjoyed hosting friends and family at their home. He was a long-time Rotarian and Chamber of Commerce member. He served as president of these organizations as well as being active in the community in various capacities as a coach, executive member and champion of various community organizations including the Prince Rupert City & Regional Archives and the Prince Rupert Handicapped Children Association.
We will miss his smile, the twinkle in his eye as he shared a story or a moment, his constant cheerful disposition, and his unconditional love for us all.
John's family would like to thank the PRRH nursing staff and Dr. John Fawell for their compassion and support of our dad. A celebration of life will follow later.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Coast Health Improvement Society, P.O. Box 326, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3P9.


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