Peacefully, John (Jack) McWhirter, passed away on October 26, 2023. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Mary, his father Burton, mother Jessie, and sister Muriel. Left to mourn are his children; Wayne (Dana), Sharon Bonar (Dan), Bruce (Anh) and Brian. His grandchildren; Ashley (Matt), Andrew (Asli), Ainsley (Mike), Ryan, Kyla (Jared), Brittany (Gary), Kallem (Rebecca), Hung (Vadsana), and Cuong. His great grandchildren; Angel, Logan, Lincoln, Mia, Wells, Abigail, Isaac and Charlotte. Step-brothers; Gary and Kenny and their sister Linda, along with many nephews and nieces.
Dad was born in Apple River, Nova Scotia on June 19, 1935. He grew up in the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia and at a young age worked with his father in the family logging business. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 17. He was eventually transferred to Edmonton and while starting his new assignment met Mom. Dad and Mom were married shortly after that on July 30, 1955. The first 3 children were born in Edmonton and in 1958, our family was posted overseas to Baden Baden, Germany. With 3 kids in tow and another added in Germany, together they raised four children. Over 67 years of marriage Dad and Mom lived in many places and finally settled in Portage la Prairie in 1967.
During their many years in Portage, he and Mom made many friends and enjoyed coffee time, fishing, snowmobiling and other activities around the community. On retirement from the Air Force, he continued working as Dad and Mom started up Jack’s Catering, serving workers around the city, and also ran the Delta Store for a number of years. Dad was well known in the community for his excellent skills in fixing anything mechanical and many a neighbour came over to the house with their equipment looking for solutions. Dad enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, skeet shooting, and anything outdoors. Later in life he and mom took up fishing and dancing all around the province.
The family deeply appreciates the care given to Dad at the Convalescent Home in Winnipeg during the last year. We were so fortunate that we were able to have him close to us. Their compassion will always be remembered.
Our family has chosen to celebrate his life with a private gathering. Rest in peace Dad!
In lieu of flowers donations would be greatly appreciated to Alzheimer Society MB, 10 – 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or to Heart & Stroke Foundation MB, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.
Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com
Omega Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.