Mr. John Ross McFee

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John Ross McFee on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the age of 84 years in Winnipeg, MB. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joanne; his parents Angus and Agnes McFee; and sister-in-law Constance McFee. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Judy (Roddy) and Cameron (Leah); grandson Ripley; brothers Bob (Jackie) and Gus; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

A funeral mass will take place on Friday, August 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Parish in Winnipeg, MB with Celebrant Fr. Anthony Austin. Interment to follow at Belleville Cemetery in Belleville, Ontario on August 26 at 11:00 am.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in John's memory to CancerCare Manitoba (as his way of continuing to honour his late wife, Joanne).

https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/Ways-To-Help/donate

John Ross McFee was born on November 17th, 1938, to parents Angus and Agnes McFee of Belleville, Ontario.

John was the eldest of 3 boys. He attended school in Belleville and had many happy memories of playing with his brothers and Fritzi the dachshund. He was a jokester and self-proclaimed troublemaker in his youth, as the Nuns at the Catholic school he attended could attest to. John enjoyed socializing with his school friends and remained close long afterwards. He attended class reunions for many years.

John had a passion for cars and would often reminisce about his old Mercury Coupe. John served in the Air Force as a young man; working at a munitions depot. After his discharge, he returned home to Belleville before eventually moving to Barrie, ON.

It was in Barrie that he met his future wife, Joanne. In 1978, he and Joanne were married on her family’s farm. They welcomed daughter Judy in 1980. John and Joanne decided to take a chance and left southern Ontario for the slower pace of Manitoba in 1982. They settled in Portage la Prairie, where John was employed as a furniture salesman at Woolco. In 1984, son Cameron was born. John was a proud family man who made it a point to be actively involved in the community, especially if it involved his children. He served on the Board of Directors of the daycare his children attended and continued to do so after they aged out of the program. John coached their soccer teams, and he spent many long hours playing catch with Judy in the backyard during softball season. When Cam applied for his first job, John taught him how to tie a proper double Windsor knot tie. He also taught both kids how to “drive stick” in the family’s Tercel. Many happy memories were made during family camping trips and road trips back to Ontario.

John had a determination to complete goals he set his mind to, regardless of his age and what was considered the “norm”. He returned to finish his High School education in his late 20s. He started his family in his 40s. In his late 50’s, he graduated from Community College.

When Joanne fell ill with cancer, he was steadfast and unwavering with his love and support. John and Joanne were proud and active members of the Catholic Church. They made many close friends. This community was a great comfort to them both during Joanne’s final years.

Following his wife’s passing, John made the move to Winnipeg, MB to be closer to his children. He eventually settled into River Ridge 2 Retirement Residence. He became a part of the community, where his humour was well known. He always had a Werther’s candy, a smile, and a joke for everyone who crossed his path.

In 2020, his grandson Ripley was born and immediately became “Grandpa’s pride and joy”. John especially enjoyed seeing Ripley’s boisterous and caring personality emerge. Family get togethers became his favourite outings, especially if a brunch or bbq was involved.

John never stopped loving and missing his wife, Joanne. His children mourn his passing but take solace in knowing that he’s with their mother, cracking jokes and lovingly annoying her to no end.

John is survived and ever remembered by his Daughter Judy (Roddy), Son Cameron (Leah), Grandson Ripley, Brother Bob (Jackie), Brother Gus, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.