Obituary of John Frederick MCAVOY

August 12, 1943 – Calgary, Alberta

December 16, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

A kind, gentle man! Though his body grew weary his heart remained forever young. John Frederick August Anthony, only son of Edward and Katherine, little brother to Judith Zwanko and Nancy Gajdosik, big brother to Mary McAvoy, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2019  at age of 76 years, surrounded by the family who lovingly cared for him in his final years.

John was born on August 12, 1943. He was a lifelong fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers; love of sport ran through his being, making times shared together and over the miles by telephone a collective joy. Among John’s happiest times and indelibly imprinted in our hearts were outings with Uncle John to McDonalds. These were special highlight moments for his nieces and nephews and continued well beyond their early years. Going to McDonalds with John became a cherished tradition whenever family visited. John loved to ski. Outings to Lake Louise and Canada Olympic Park not far from home in Calgary became regular destinations and brought him hours of joy. He gave to others by volunteering his time to teaching disabled skiers.

An avid, sometimes, rabid sports enthusiast John and our dad Edward created what had to be the original ‘man cave’ in the basement of 8704-11th Street where, with one TV perched upon another they would ‘consume’ a couple of games at the same time. High volume cheering and groaning, along with no shortage of ‘blue’ invectives would make their way through the ceiling to the tender ears of Katie, who took them all in good stride.

John will be cherished forever and lovingly remembered by his sisters, Judy, Nancy and Mary; his nieces and nephews, Lynne, Debbie (who shares his birthday), David, Katie, Christina, Sheila, Talitha, and Matthew; and his chosen forever family, the McKenzies who loved him like a brother and like an uncle, Peter (Pat), Claire (Alison), and Stewart.

He is now joined forever with our parents, Edward and Katherine; his ‘other’ sister Pat McKenzie; nephews, Johnick and Edward Zwanko; niece Alison McKenzie; and other dear family and friends who have gone before him.

There will be no formal service at this time. Rather we will celebrate John in a special way throughout this season of Christmas and as we welcome 2020, and a new decade. A celebration of John's life with a special Mass will be held at the Father Lacombe Care Centre which was home to John for the past few years. This will be followed by a good old fashioned time of love, laughter and remembering. And likely a feast of Big Macs~!

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Sharing our loss, as they shared so much of our lives, the McKenzies add the following:

“For 52 years the family of “McAvenzie” was truly what today is referred to as “A Blended Family”, and remains as such till this day.

John was a key link in our family’s ‘adoption process’, and for that we will be forever thankful”

“We have never forgotten the Christmas's when John handed out Mexican Burial Cookies - his coaching efforts for us to master Shuffle Board, or begging for a ride in his magnificent red Porsche 914 .”

“‘Uncle John’ you will always be with us”

 The McKenzie Clan, Claire, Clare, Stewart, Angela, Gideon, Milo, Jacob, together with Pat, Alison & Peter

A tree will be planted in living memory of John McAvoy. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, Ab, t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403- 256-9575.