Wilfred Alexander John MacArthur

At 71, John had lived a full and adventurous life. He told me once “I have done everything I’d dreamed of when I was a boy”. And he did. Unfortunately his retirement was short, having only stepped down in February 2023.

A sailor, a Coast Guard, air traffic controller, logger, RCMP, he worked for-the US Dept of State and the Australian government. John spent several decades as a Human Resource professional and at 65 started on his Master Science in Human Resources. He was a proud Scott, and we married in 2004 on the Island of Islay.

He was a biker spending his wild and crazy teens in San Francisco. He partied with the Grateful Dead and saw all the cool bands. He adored Donovan and Moody Blues.

For the past 23 years he was the best riding partner I could imagine: whether south to California, across the western states and provinces, he was amazing. We rode our Harleys up and down the coast, through mountains and prairies. And everyone he met seemed to have a connection with him. He was a Freemason, and a proud Widows Son rider. He’s leaving behind hundreds of friends and brothers.

John or Mac as many knew him, lived and worked all over Canada. He was fearless, hilarious, brilliant and had a wicked memory. His appetite for knowledge was bottomless, and he could cite history, comparative religion and philosophy. Books were a passion. He was deeply spiritual, and upon reflection he gave me hints and signs of his impending death. Sadly I wasn’t always quick enough to see it until the day after, too late.

He is predeceased by his dad Bruce and his mom Kathleen as well as his youngest son Bryan. His two sons Alex and Dave survive him along with several grandchildren, his Sister Kathleen and many nieces and nephews. His U.S. family were always a priority and he loved them dearly.

His closest friends will make arrangements for a Celebration of Life this fall. I loved him deeply and fiercely , he taught me to enjoy every day, and to stay fearless. He was my favourite person in the world, taken too soon, now on a new journey from which no man returns.