John "Jack" Alexander MacGillis

Jack has gone to sleep for the last time. He loved well and was well loved by family and friends throughout a good long life that was good to him. He leaves Kate (O’Hara), his life partner and best friend, deeply missing him with love and gratitude for the constant joy he brought to their life together.

Fondly remembered in the hearts of his children: daughters Tara (Rick Brant), Tanya (Dana Hall), and son Brent (Kara). He was a proud of his grandsons Ty and Ben Brant, and granddaughter Alivija (Livvy) Hall. Jack was the eldest of six and a wonderful big brother to Frank, Bernie (late Lois), Jim (late Elaine), Mary (Bill Izakowitz) and his youngest brother Bill (Eileen) who recently predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his parents William A. MacGillis and Christena (nee MacDonell), and Joan (nee McNaughton), the mother of his children.

Jack grew up on the farm in Lochiel in a close family, proud of their Scottish roots in Glengarry. Following high school in Alexandria, he began work with the Bank of Nova Scotia in Alexandria, then transferred with the bank to Montreal (where he witnessed the Rocket Richard riots in 1955!). On a visit home he was offered a job with MTO in Ottawa, and there began the career in engineering and construction that he loved. With MTO and then with private companies, Jack travelled the country for projects and meetings from North Bay to Akwesasne and Ottawa to Toronto. Jack’s work with Greer Galloway/JP2G is where Jack got to know Renfrew County – and Renfrew County got to know Jack. Jack loved meeting people and making connections, with every connection a new friend. And there were many, many friends made along the way. In his retirement, he was able to travel with Kate as she attended conferences from St. John’s to Victoria where they enjoyed good times with great people. We will miss Jack’s kind and generous nature, his beautiful smile, his humour, and his stories. Boy, could he tell a good story – and he entertained us with many of them.

Jack loved a good bonfire, Jolly Fryer chips, going out for breakfast, driving the back roads, his life at the cottage, sitting in the sun anywhere but especially on the cottage deck, a cold beer on a summer patio, being the master of the bbq, his red sweatshirt, the Ottawa Senators, the Ottawa Rough Riders as a longtime Southsider, happy hours with his beloved Golden Lake family, and hosting get-togethers and celebrations for friends and family at home or at the lake. And he loved, loved, loved his Katie.

The Wiserhood has lost a loyal member, diet Pepsi stocks has tanked, and the red solo cup is retired. It was a great ride. Jack would want us to raise a glass with good friends in celebration of our time with him and to remember the times we’ll never forget. Rest well Jackie, and we’ll see you on the other side.

We are most grateful to the entire staff at Valley Stream Manor for their care and compassion while Jack was with them, and to the good people at Basic Funerals & Cremation who took such good care of us during a difficult time.

Respecting Jack's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. If desired, donations in Jack's memory can be made to The Dementia Society of Ottawa & Renfrew County or the QCH Foundation. They were great support for Jack and Kate during the past few years.