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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!:(
Jack was absolutely a larger than life character and he will be missed. Jennifer, our sincerest condolences to you and the rest the 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!
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.