John McEvoy

A very special, caring and wonderful man, a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather has peacefully left this world’s journey at the age of 96 years.

John is survived by his son Terry (Flora) of St. Albert, Alberta and his five grandchildren, Sarah, Christine (Jim), Karen (Chad) all of Calgary, Graham (Katelyn) of Edmonton and Shaun of Vancouver, and three great-grandchildren Ellee, Mila and Max, as well as extended family and friends. John was predeceased by his wife Helen (nee Bachiu), his brother Lloyd and sister Jean Trainor.

John was born and raised in Ottawa and was a prominent junior hockey player before turning pro in the Quebec Hockey League. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1940 and served in North Africa, Italy and North West Europe whilst seconded to the Royal Navy. John spent his post-war career with the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. He was also a hockey referee for many years including refereeing the Memorial Cup, the Allen Cup, U.S. Collegiate Hockey and was one of Canada’s referees for the Olympic Games in Grenoble, France in 1968. After retirement, John served at the Court House in Ottawa and as a volunteer at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

By his zest for life and people, John was a great inspiration to all who knew him and was blessed with having many close friends including Father Bill Penney, Monica Scribner, Sue Morneau and Richard Van Tassel.

Father Bill Penney will preside at a mass of Christian burial at St. John the Apostle Church 2340 Baseline Road, Ottawa on Monday, the 14th day of March, 2016 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior to mass.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers of R2N at the Perley and Rideau Veteran’s Centre for their devoted and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Room H2408, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4W7, or the Perley and Rideau Veteran’s Health Centre Foundation 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1J 5Z6 would be appreciated.