John Alexander McNevin

On Saturday October 8, John Alexander McNevin died peacefully at his adopted home of Trillium Lodge in Parksville, BC.  He was 92 years old and managed to cram more living into those years than many of us could even imagine.  Despite the ‘slings and arrows’ he encountered, he always took what life gave him and moved forward.

One of John’s hallmarks was his fierce commitment to the service of others, particularly the most vulnerable.  This hallmark was found throughout his work life no matter what he did, be it truck driver, smelter worker, boat builder, union organizer, labour administrator, worker’s advocate for WCB clients, shop steward, occupational health and safety rep, and plumber/pipefitter/sheet metal worker. He was a lifelong social democrat and served in many roles for the CCF/NDP, including running for the CCF in BC.

John spent much of his life on the Sunshine Coast.  He served as Chair of the Regional Board and later spent many years on Gibsons Municipal Council.  He was instrumental in establishing Soames Hill Park, waterfront improvement around the harbour, Dakota Ridge, and fought for parks and green spaces.  He loved reading and very much enjoyed his time on the Gibsons Library Board.  He continued serving his community through work with Habitat for Humanity, Gibsons Paddle Club, Meals on Wheels, Elves Club, the program for driving people to medical appointments, among others. 

John had many and varied hobbies and interests throughout his life. Although his handwriting nearly qualified him to write prescriptions, his work with charcoals and paints showed talent.  He had a pilot’s glider license and enjoyed building RC models.  He curled, kayaked, went camping, ventured briefly into parasailing, continued to build boats and canoes and sabots.  He built a rocking horse for one of his granddaughters and donated part of his thumb to building his grandson’s crib. 

His overriding passion was fishing--all types of fishing, all kinds of fish, and almost every place he went.  He valued every chance for fly fishing he could get, and used his bellyboat until it sprang a leak.  He could be counted on to add his voice in song in any gathering, right up until his last day.  John never met a doughnut he didn’t like, nor a marshmallow, nor a scotch--as long as they weren’t consumed together.

He loved his family, near and far.  He had four children by his first wife Josephine who now live in the Yukon.  When he met and married the love of his life, Jo-Anne, his immediate family was expanded by three, along with nieces and nephews and cherished in-laws. 

John Alexander McNevin was predeceased by his spouse Jo-Anne and his son Kenneth. Dad/Uncle John/Grandpa/Poppa/ is survived by Deborah (Jim Cahill) [Yukon], Cheryl Baron (Lorne) [BC], Malcolm [Yukon], Michael (Janice) [BC], Bruce (Rose) [BC], Allison (Des) [Yukon].  He will be missed by his grandchildren Jill McNevin, Ria, Ross Baron, Randi, Andrew, Jennifer, Reid, Ellen Thompson, and Brie, along with seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and special friend of the family Joyce Scotton.

John was, and his family is, grateful for the care and support and enjoyment at his last home in Trillium Lodge.  At his request, no service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to a social justice cause of your choice.  Comments and condolences may be left at https://www.yatesmemorial.ca/listings.