John Edward MacDonald

February 9, 1943 - August 2, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
February 9, 1943 (Chatham ON) - August 2, 2022 (Sayward BC).
As evening faded to darkness, John drew his final breath and his soul left our presence to find well-earned eternal peace.
John will be loved beyond forever by wife Sue; Children: Heather Massie, John (Laurie), Christopher (Deanna); Grandchildren Christopher, Stephanie, Anthony, Scott, Kayleigh, Katherine, Logan, Jaelyn, Jacob; great-granddaughter Ava. John leaves a large extended family and circle of friends across Canada.
John quit school at age 17 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and proudly served our country for 41 years. His first post in 1962 to Holberg on Northern Vancouver Island was the beginning of a relationship with the remote, rugged, west coast lifestyle and all it offered the keen hiker, camper, explorer, fisher, hunter, and sailor. It was no surprise then, that he chose Sayward as his retirement destination.
Life had its share of difficulties, disappointments, triumphs, failures, and successes. Through it all, John continued to learn and grow. He was a man of his word, firm yet fair, always respectful, committed, and dedicated to his family, friends, community, and country.
John volunteered as Akela in the Boy Scouts of Canada, was a board member of Sayward Futures Society, member of Legion Branch 147, Sayward; was an Illustrious Master 32⁰ in the Grand Lodge of British Columbia with the Scottish Rite.
In retirement, John was drawn to Local Government, elected to Sayward Village Council in 2005, first elected as Mayor in 2008 and served until 2020 when he resigned due to ill health.
Affectionately known as "Major Mac", John spent his latter career years coordinating the training and development of young Cadets and Officers. His hope was they would join the military and serve our country.
As "Mayor Mac", John organized an Annual Mayor's Golf Tournament to raise funds for the local village donation to the annual Tour de Rock to support Kids with Cancer at "Camp Goodtimes". For those wishing to honor John's memory with a donation, please direct your gift to: Sayward Tour de Rock Committee 2022, PO Box 27, Sayward BC V0P 1R0. A tax receipt will be issued upon request.
A Celebration of Life to honor John will be held Saturday, August 27, 1:00 +pm at the Kelsey Center in Sayward. Please join us to share memories, stories, and refreshments.
The family extends their greatest gratitude and appreciation to Sayward's Health Care Team: NP Tracey, Crystal; Sayward Volunteer Fire Department, BC Ambulance: Aggie; First Responders, Village of Sayward Council and Staff; the Island Health Campbell River Palliative Care Team: Dr Ann Morrison, Coordinator Jeanna, Home Care Nurse Carmen; Campbell River, Comox, and Royal Jubilee Hospitals; Dr Will Tinmouth for 17 years of unwavering and devoted care; to Estelle, Kevin and Kathy at Thrifty's Pharmacy for so much kindness and compassion over the years; family, friends and neighbors for random acts of kindnesses.
A rose, fragrant, imperfect, but beautiful, even as its' petals fall.
The thorns are sharp, hold with care,
but hold with love.
Rest in peace, my love.