
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
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Marissa Trepanier
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James St.Cyr 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
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Stuart and Doris Carrol John was one of a kind. A hard worker who happily accepted any request, when able, to perform any service required to assist Families and the Staff at McCall Bros.
He was a pleasure to be around with a sense of humour at work, always kind and gentle with those whom we served.
John will be sadly missed and remembered by all those of us who worked with him for years and those who are currently members of McCall Bros.
God bless his family, he completed his Mission on Earth with Faith and Love.
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Tim Woznow Heavan has gained the gold standard for angels. Thank you John for your comradeship and laughs. Your wise words helped me during my overseas tours my friend. Our last get together in December was a gift that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I have lost a brother in arms and your family has lost an amazing husband, father and grandfather. We will always have you in hearts as your soul lives on for eternity. I know we will always have you watching over each of us. God speed my friend and soar with the eagles.
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Fr. William Hann Hann My deepest conddolecnces to family and friends and co-workers of John. I had the priviledge of working closely with him over the years at many funerals. May forever memories comfort and may he rest in Peace.
Blessings
Fr. William
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Zach Power John was so very welcoming to me as a young singer joining the Arion Choir in Victoria. He was always so friendly and full of life, making each rehearsal a joy to attend. Thank you for all your kindness and support, always.
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Stephen Lee I had the pleasure to sing with John when I was with the Arion Male Voice Choir and also served with him on the Board when he was President. I especially remember his wonderful smile, sense of humour, and quick wit. He will definitely be missed by all. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Allan Mawdsley Jennifer, what a terrible loss. My heart is with you, your family and friends. John will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. I sure miss him from work and Arion Male Voice Choir. My heart goes out to all of you.
Unfortunately, my health won’t allow me to join in celebrating his life.
Love and Best Wishes
Allan
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Kathy Donahue and Family Heaven has added an angel, my cousin Jack!! He was such a kind person,he always knew what to say whenever I had questions about my personal journey in life! He always replied straight from his heart!! Someone SO special can never be forgotten, may his soul rest in peace
With you all in sorrow!:(
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Tristan and Jennifer Black Jack was absolutely a larger than life character and he will be missed. Jennifer, our sincerest condolences to you and the rest the family.
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Doug and Pam Black and Family To Jennifer and Family our heartfelt condolences.
Jack had a way of lifting you up of helping and caring for everyone. He always put actions for good and enjoyed the fun along the way. He offered Hope to many and wasn’t afraid to take on any bureaucrat. We think he actually enjoyed it! He will always have a special place in our hearts. Jack you are Loved and deeply missed!
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Kris Walker Johnny was the backbone of our McCalls family. He always was so kind and funny and welcoming to everyone. I don’t think I ever worked a shift without a friendly hello from Johnny. He often took on extra shifts to allow others family time. I was there on his last shift and I am so sad there won’t be another one. His personality and smile lit up a room.
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CindyDosen To Colleen and Family
My condolences for your loss.
Jack was a gentle giant and had a heart of gold. He was a kind person and was a fun to be around.Though I didn’t spend a lot of time getting to know him, when I was out with the family he would stand out for his heart.
Miss you John,
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Benjamin Turner Grandpa, I miss you so so so much. I always wanted to go fishing with you but we never did but we still had lots of fun together. Love Ben
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Meghan Weber I had the pleasure of working with John (JMac) at McCall’s for nearly four years. He gave his best to every family we served, and he was the steadfast help I could always count on.
His absolute heart of gold, genuine care and concern, his mischievous side, beautiful singing voice, and his powerful presence are the the things I will always cherish.
My next visit to McCall’s will feel very hollow without his presence there, but I am ever so grateful to have had him as part of my life.
Jennifer and family, you are in my thoughts at this most difficult time. Sending you strength and love for the journey ahead.
Fly high JMac. #Metis tough
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April and Peter Dear Jennifer and all family and friends whose lives have been touched by Jack. I have been blessed to have him as my cousin. Jack was always there to listen, advise, be a shoulder or bring much needed laughter. We loved Jack so much as did each of my children with their incredible memories of him. Jack made everyone feel loved and accepted no matter what. Thank you dear cousin for your love, kindness and being there for us all. Your life will always be remembered and cherished ❤️
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Rod and Kim Our deepest condolences to Jen and all of the family. I had never met anyone quite like Jack who was very funny , passionate about his hobbies and very knowledgeable about life and all of the curveballs it throws at us all. We really enjoyed our many dinners with Jack and Jen at Romeo’s and other fine Victoria restaurants which were filled with laughter , excellent political conversations and of course so much fun. Rest in peace our good friend, we love you Jen xxxooo
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Megan Sampson Fly high, Jmac. My thoughts are with your wife (your soulmate, with whom you shared so many amazing adventures), your family, friends, and sweet Violet as they navigate this sudden and heartbreaking loss. It was truly a gift to have known and worked with you. I like to think of you being greeted by Rheanna with open arms, the biggest hugs, and that perhaps her spirit truly needed you. The thought of you reunited with your beautiful young granddaughter brings a small comfort amidst the sorrow. Rest easy, knowing the love and infectious sense of humor you brought into this world continue to shine through those who cherished you.
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Jane Brajkovic With our deepest sympathy to Jennifer & family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
John will be remembered in so many wonderful ways, his kindness,amazing personality and
smile would brighten anyones day. Words cannot express the loss but may the fond memories of John bring comfort to your family.
We have been fortunate to have known John for many years at McCalls. He will be greatly missed.
Fine Floral Designs
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Bonnie and Bill Thibault To Our loving Jennifer and all of your and Jack’s Family, we send our deepest God given prayers. We loved Jack with our hearts and always will until we meet him in heaven. We will miss all his campfire stories and well meaning jokes that we laughed at so heartily. So tender was his heart to those people that needed his compassion, no matter who they were he gave the kindest advice. God bless you Jen, and all your families and all people who met or knew Jack.
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April Switzer My deepest condolences to Jennifer and the rest of John’s family. Together, may you find peace, comfort and strength in sharing warm memories of him and continuing on his legacy.
John had a personality larger than life. His smile lit up every room, and the ripples of life and love that he cast will echo forever in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known him. He had wisdom from experience, a kindness that was unparalleled and a mischievous spirit that brought joy, frustration and much laughter to his coworkers.
JMAC, thank you. I am proud to endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of knowing you. Till we meet again, my friend.
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Angelina Turner Dad, Ican’t believe you are gone. I still have to tell you about my recent trip and share with you the new church I went to. You have meant so much to me and have touched so many peoples lives. You were the connection to my Métis heritage and the person who I go to ask religious questions, you always had an answer! I can always count on you no matter what. I miss you and love you so much.
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. ❤️