Obituary of John Richard McNabb

May 28, 1942 – Vankleek, Ontario

September 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

John Richard McNabb of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra (nee Schmidt) and her extended family, including her son John Schmidt, her daughter Kelly Knight, and her grandchildren, Kennedy, Emily (Lucien Schraeder), and Robert (Devin Light).

John is also survived by his son Ian (Lori Mitchell), daughter Kimberley (Ryan Perry), grandsons, James and Darwyn; granddaughters, Danielle and Lexi from his late first wife, Nancy Allen; and his two stepdaughters, Melissa and Nicole, from his second marriage.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Josephine (nee Perrault) McNabb; his older brothers, Norman “Butts” and Claud (Mary Byers); and Sandra’s eldest son, Peter Schmidt.

John loved to work and built a career to be proud of – sought for his expertise in the areas of Project Management and Controls Management. After starting with Teshmont Consulting LP in Winnipeg, MB, in the late sixties, he moved his family from coast to coast on multiple occasions, chasing the large oil and gas construction jobs; Husky’s Bi-Provincial Upgrader, Hibernia, and Keystone XL, to name just a few. John worked right up until his 82nd year. He had a devoted group of colleagues who followed him from project to project, many of whom became his lifelong friends.

Sandra and John met in their 50s and spent many happy years together. They navigated careers, travel, grandchildren, and more than one attempt on John’s part to retire, only to find himself asked back into another project. While John’s health presented many challenges over the last few years, he never lost his kind disposition, his loving nature, his sharp mind, and his sense of humor.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Bankview Community Hall (2418 17 St SW, Calgary, AB T2T 4M8) from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.

In living memory of John McNabb, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.