John Bacon (Jack) McDonald IV passed away suddenly on January 10th, 2025, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. He was born on October 31st, 1956, in Waukegan, Illinois.
John was predeceased by his parents, John and Lorraine McDonald; siblings, Hugh and Leah McDonald and his granddaughter, Rheanna Trepanier.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer; children, Angelina Turner (Paul), Marissa Trepanier, Gabriel McDonald (Chelsea), Colin Chamak (Moonsun), Adam Chamak and Gillian Chamak (Peter); grandchildren, Emma, Jade, Anthony, Jordyn, Benjamin, Noah, Callum, Connor, Nate, Nylah; great-grandchild, Hayes; siblings, Jill, Robert, Vickie, Sean, Colleen, and Somerled. He also leaves behind many close aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
John went to school in Port Alberni before going on to study at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC. Afterwards, he joined the military briefly, training in Alberta and Nova Scotia.
He entered the funeral service profession in 1980 and held licences as both a funeral director and embalmer. After dedicating decades to serving families in Edmonton, Nanaimo and Powell River, John joined the McCall Gardens family in 2001.
John was proud of his Metis and Scottish ancestry and his spiritual connection to his church. John enjoyed singing and is a former President of the Arion Male Voice Choir. His hobbies included golf, fishing, and spending time with his loving wife, Jennifer, and his dog, Violet.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View Street (at Blanshard), Victoria, BC on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm with a reception to follow at 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Many thanks to the paramedics, emergency room team and the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for working so hard to save him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Bulldog Society, a local rescue that was very dear to his heart. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
A Slideshow Tribute to John (Jack) McDonald:
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
27 Responses
I was saddened to learn of the passing of John McDonald and would like to offer my belated heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, many friends and all those who were comforted by his empathy and sense of compassion.
I worked with John, for years, at an Edmonton Funeral Home and was always impressed with his learning, wisdom and sense of humor. From time to time, while standing outside near a statue of the Patron Saint of a particular Church during a Funeral Mass, John would give me some insight into the life of that Saint.
I was very moved by the slideshow tribute to John; it sure brought back a lot of happy memories. Sincerely, Victor C. Ernst, Toronto.
I just learned of John’s death. He was such an inspiration to young people in the funeral work. I always enjoyed our encounters with him and his professionalism. My condolence to his family. The Ven. Lon Towstego, Anglican Priest.
So VERY sad to read of the passing of Johnny Mac. I worked with him many Saturdays and Sundays at McCalls. He was proud and strong and funny. He had so many stories to tell, some of them were true. When I think of my years in the funeral home I will think of him. He was the professional to uncountable families in Victoria. He lived his life fully doing what he loved with his family and friends and he will be missed by many and remembered by more.
Go peacefully JMac. My thoughts are with your family.
My deepest condolences to John’s family. I just learned of his passing and was saddened by the news. I worked with John for many years as he brought deceased parishioners to Our Lady of Fatima Parish for their final journey. I will miss John’s smile and his friendship. May he rest in peace. ♥️
I graduated with John in the funeral/embalming school..over 40 years ago..I always respected him.
Dad thank you for being my father and loving me and my children unconditionally. No words can describe the loss I feel now that you’re gone. With a love this strong your life and all the special memories we share will live on. When I sing, I will sing a bit louder and think of you. When I’m scared I’ll remember you telling me to be brave, be Métis tough. I know you’re up there with my sweet Rheanna, probably figuring out ways to joke and tease us down here.
Thank you for sharing your love of fishing and signing with me. Thank you for teaching me to be a humble and kind human being. When I think of you I will smile for I am proud to be called your daughter. Forever your little girl Missy ❤️
Until we meet again. ❤️
Jack! You left us way too soon. We had so many fishing trips planned for the future. And what about golf, I will never forget our endless banter and heckling of each other. Times were rare when we had pauses in conversation. Since 1976 you were always a source of knowledge for me through both are difficult times. I was so proud to call you my friend.
Until we meet again, JS