John Donald MacPherson was born on June 4, 1926 to JP and Barbara MacPherson. He grew up in Englehart, Ontario.

John married Ethel Blackburn and had four daughters - Kerrie, Bonnie, Heather and Jaye.

John spent the last 30 years of his life with Tillie Wylie and her children and grandchildren were like his own.

John was "a heavy duty equipment mechanic whose hobbies involved building things like steam engines and repairing everything from tractors to toasters".

"However, in typical John fashion, he continued to make the best of each day and lived the AA creed 'one day at a time.' John will be remembered for his humour and good wit, his skill on the dance floor, his amazing mechanical mind and abilities, his love of music and all things steam powered. He never hesitated to look for the best in others, help those in need or find the silver lining in any cloud. He will also be remembered for calling every woman in his life 'Honey' often because it would take a couple of attempts to get the right name otherwise. And, his expressions will live on 'Listen here Peaches' when a reprimand was in order, 'Pull up your socks' when encouragement and a little push were required and 'Dirty dying old dog-hair' to describe any somewhat sketchy situation." - from obituary

John suffered a stroke shortly after his surprise 80th birthday party and died on March 28, 2012 at the age of 85.

"The best thing one could do to honor John's memory is to call someone important to you today and tell them that you love them. John did that a lot, and we'll miss that most of all." - from obituary

"Papa - I learned so much from you - not to judge those down on their luck, because it could just as easily have been me; the importance of being gracious in victory and defeat; the need to admit mistakes, make amends and move on; and never to slurp my milkshake : ) I am inspired by the way you faced adversity and managed to find something to smile about in every day. I feel so incredibly lucky to have had you for my Dad. I miss you very, very much. Love you BD" - Bonnie lit a Memorial Candle | April 05, 2012

"You taught us much:determination, happiness and most of all love. We are incredibly fortunate to have shared our lives with you. Good bye is hard, but the memories are fabulous. Love always. And THANK YOU." - Kerrie and David lit a Memorial Candle | April 03, 2012

"I couldn't have asked for a better Dad. I love you."  - Heather lit a Memorial Candle | April 03, 2012

"i love you papa"  - skippy lit a Memorial Candle | April 04, 2012

John MacPherson - obituary

Born June 4, 1926 and having lived a full life in Englehart, Ontario, John Donald MacPherson passed on March 28, 2012. John suffered a major stroke just days after the fabulous surprise 80th birthday party at which he laughed and danced with many friends and loved ones. The stroke rendered the left side of his body with very limited movement. For a heavy duty equipment mechanic whose hobbies involved building things like steam engines and repairing everything from tractors to toasters, this physical impediment was extremely annoying. However, in typical John fashion, he continued to make the best of each day and lived the AA creed "one day at a time." John will be remembered for his humour and good wit, his skill on the dance floor, his amazing mechanical mind and abilities, his love of music and all things steam powered. He never hesitated to look for the best in others, help those in need or find the silver lining in any cloud. He will also be remembered for calling every woman in his life "Honey" often because it would take a couple of attempts to get the right name otherwise. And, his expressions will live on "Listen here Peaches" when a reprimand was in order, "Pull up your socks" when encouragement and a little push were required and "Dirty dying old dog-hair" to describe any somewhat sketchy situation. John was the son of Barbara (nee Hughes) and JP MacPherson and is also predeceased by sisters Helen (Draper), Barbara (Howie), Ethel and by brothers Randolph and Jim. His surviving sister Jean Barton lives in Huntsville. With Ethel Purbrick (nee Blackburn) John fathered four remarkable daughters Kerrie (David Gatchell), Bonnie (Rick Schubert), Heather and Jaye (Tarik Dean) who live in New York, Toronto, Calgary and Las Vegas respectively, all having inherited John's spirit of adventure and love of new places. For the past 30+ years Tillie Wylie has been at John's side and her children and their spouses Mark and Jill, Rob and Kim, Joe and Ellen, Susie and Kirk Fletcher were an important part of his family. It was here that John got to be a grandfather. He was also an uncle, a neighbour and a sponsor to many. He will be sadly missed. In accordance with John’s wishes, his remains will be cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. For those who wish to honour John's memory by way of a gift, cheques payable to the Englehart Community Centre Elevator Fund or the Wheelchair Bus fund will be collected by McDonald Funeral Home , 4th Avenue, Englehart, Ontario P0J1H0 or donations may be made on line to City Harvest https://giving.cityharvest.org/MacPherson. But, the best thing one could do to honor John's memory is to call someone important to you today and tell them that you love them. John did that a lot, and we'll miss that most of all.