Obituary of John Bernard 'Red John' McGillivary, New Waterford

The Family of John Bernard 'Red John' McGillivary regret to inform you of his passing on Saturday, August 31, 2019.  Born in New Waterford on September 16, 1947 to Charlie and Lucia (MacIsaac) McGillivary, John was a loving spouse, and beloved Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend.

John worked for the last 15 years with the Labourers Union, Local 92 in Fort McMurray. Prior to going out west, John was a carpenter who was always around to help renovate a room, build a house, fix your car or to lend a hand. John met the love of his life, Lucille, in 1971 and history was made. Together they had three children and seven grandchildren.  His family was his life and his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He loved to teach them to draw, fish, bake, and a funny story or joke was all that was needed to make them smile.

Dad lived the life he loved and its been said that those born on September 16 are known to have a reserved, sensitive and artistic nature. John’s appreciation of beauty and art is profound, as he always seemed to have a strong emotional connection to these things. He was a talented artist who loved to oil paint, whittle wood into canes, carve trees into interesting figures, make folk art, and fiddles.  On the weekend, he loved to go to the cabin in Loch Lomond with Albert and Charlie MacDonald or going for a coffee in the evening with Cat Brenna. He could always be found at Tim Horton’s in the morning having a coffee and talking to whoever was around.

John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lucille (Rigby) McGillivary; daughters, Jennifer (Jimmy) Heffernan, New Waterford, Yolanda (Brad) Dumais, Fort McMurray, and Rosa (Eric) McGillivary, Dutch Brook; his precious grandchildren, Sara Kate, Alex, Tori, Lachlyne Raine (Jordan), Andi Nicole, Madden John, and Lena Kate; brothers, Charlie, Stevie (Jackie), Micky (Angel), Willie (Jenny); sister, Rose MacDonald; in-laws, Kitty, Tommy, David (Leila), Joanne (Melvin), Peter (Janey), Vickie (Brian), and many nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his brother, Tommy McGillivary, nephew Micky McGillivary and close friends, George Donovan, Brian Bates, Sylvain Brenna, and Gully Hutchinson. The family would like to thank Dr. Azer, the nurses, and staff on the second floor of New Waterford Hospital, where dad spent the last eight months. The care and concern shown was heartwarming, and to the security staff that were on patient watch with dad, the care and respect you've shown was above and beyond the call of duty.

Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass to celebrate John’s life will take place Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 10 a,m, in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard's Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the IWK or charity of one’s choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

“When Someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”