John R McGill

1949-2017

A Celebration of life for John McGill will be held in Maine at the Elks Lodge on Lisbon Street in Lewiston on January 20, 2018, from 3-8pm where we will “drink, tell stories and raise hell” as per his explicit instructions. If you knew John and fell prey to his charismatic charm and wit or were enamored by his storytelling and playful sense of humor, you are highly encouraged join us.

John did not “lose” his seven year-long battle with cancer; a stubborn fighter to the very end, he bid us all farewell on December 13, 2017, at his home in Winter Haven, Florida, surrounded by loved ones and his trusty dog, Layla.

John was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, to Thomas McGill and Annie Petty (deceased), the eldest of three siblings and brother to numerous half siblings. One with a thirst for adventure, John lived a storied life across Canada, overseas, Maine, and finally Florida. He modelled what work ethic is, oftentimes holding two to three jobs at once—from chicken plant supervisor to his final role as Director of Operations of Social Security Disabilities for The State of Maine, and everything in between. He was a skilled wheeler and dealer, gifted cook, and master of crosswords. He loved collecting and trading guns, motorcycles, enjoying all-you-can-eat buffets, and sniffing out a bargain.

He is survived by his incredible wife, Barbara McGill; his children Angus (Sarah) McGill, Molly (Erik) McGill/Flanagan, Angela (Jake) Additon/Doucette, Jennifer (Tad) Jacobs, Michelle (Shannon) Brooker; siblings Cathy (Dan) Cox and Ted (Charlene) McGill, Canada; 11 treasured grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends.

John’s stories were gold, his positivity contagious, his strength colossal. Keep him in your thoughts, share stories, laugh a lot—that’s how he’d want it.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in John's name.