John Anthony McGivney

McGivney, John Anthony, peacefully in the palliative care wing at Sunnybrook Hospital, Tuesday June 6, on what would have been his father’s 116th birthday. Dad was a presence, he filled a room with his personality, with his interest in the company he was sharing, with his stories from childhood, from work, and from home, and with his gregarious nature. He was a singular wit, and we grew up as students to his turn of phrase, sometimes incorporating versions of his favourites in our own conversations. He managed to find humour in all situations, even in his final days in hospital; he used it to disarm a room, and to brighten everyone’s mood, often at difficult times when we needed it the most. It didn’t always land perfectly, but it was always backed up by his generous spirit and giant heart, and a warmth that was heartfelt and infectious. He genuinely cared for all the people in his life, and always wanted everyone to have a good time, even if they weren’t yet cat people.

Dad had a long and storied career as a teacher and administrator with the Toronto District School Board. First, he deciphered math for students at Malvern, Northern, and Lawrence Park, before becoming Vice Principal at Castle Frank, where he developed a great relationship with staff and students and continued to act on his passion and commitment to education, particularly where students faced challenges in their daily lives, or needed additional support to succeed. He proudly shared his students’ accomplishments with us and introduced us to the Castle Frank community at student showcase nights. He continued his career, focusing on roles with unique challenges, heading up City Adult Learning Centre, in rented spaces at the Central YMCA at College and Yonge, before setting it up in its permanent home across the DVP from Castle Frank, in the former Parkway Vocational School, where his dad had served as its first Principal. Dad took posts as Principal at Lakeview Secondary School and at Malvern Collegiate, before finishing his career as the Supervising Principal for Continuing Education.

Dad had a strong faith and was active in the church his whole life. He was an Extraordinary Minister at Blessed Trinity for decades, and a Lector, and took part in every aspect of the church community, serving with Sheila as a mentor to young couples preparing to get married. An incredible role model, he cared about people - individuals he knew and loved, and in a global sense, challenging views and attitudes that sought to marginalize or exclude people in society, or in the church, and he didn’t shy away from speaking his mind on the subject; rather than diminishing his faith or commitment to the church, it strengthened both, and the example he provided, guided our own faith.

Dad was a gifted athlete, a gymnast, baseball and basketball player in high school, and a uniquely competitive swimmer in university – he was spry into his adulthood, particularly when trying to impress his kids or grandkids, often successfully. He spent years coaching us in hockey and baseball, and was a constant, vocal supporter in the stands at arenas and ballparks all over the city and province, whether we were up one or down a dozen, or in a sometimes-welcome rain delay.

In retirement, Dad sharpened his focus on family, enjoying the role of part time daycare provider for various grandchildren, while always welcoming all fifteen of them into the house as often as they would come. He loved being Grandpa and celebrated every grandkid’s accomplishments and milestones with extreme enthusiasm. He attended baseball, soccer, and hockey games, he went to dance recitals, concerts, and graduations, and he proudly watched them all grow up to become wonderful young men and women, perhaps recognizing, as we did, that he had been an integral part of that happy development. He travelled the world with the love of his life, Sheila, taking her to all the places she wanted to see when she retired, and together, they constructed a photo-record for the ages of each landmark, tourist spot, and oddity they found on every shore,

Dad appreciated his many doctors over the years and was particularly grateful for the care he received from his GP, Dr. Chan, and from his surgeon, Dr. Roche Nagle and his staff. Most recently, he received great care at North York General Hospital, particularly from the palliative care team and from the wonderful staff at Sunnybrook. We were very appreciative of the extra attention that was paid to his comfort in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sunnybrook, or any local palliative care unit.

Predeceased by his dear sisters Pat and Ev, Dad is survived by his wonderful sisters Mary and Joan, and he will be fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law, Tom and Austin, and sister-in-law, Marita. He was a cherished uncle, great uncle, great great uncle, and cousin, and was a devoted and caring friend to many, including his lifelong friends, and those lucky enough to meet him along the way. We are particularly grateful to Fatima, who helped him and Mom so much over the past few years. Dad was predeceased by Sheila, his beloved wife of fifty-nine and a half years,and he is survived by his five profoundly grateful children: Kevin and his wife Maureen, and their kids, Abby, Claire, and Erin; Tom and his wife Mary-Lou, and their kids, Sarah, Emily, and Aidan; Phil and his wife Helen, and their kids, Thomas, John, Michael, and Ryan; Kate and her husband Jason, and their kids, Conor, Jenna, and Brynn; Neil and his wife Janette, and their kids Liam and Sean. ‘..Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way…’. We love you, Dad.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 8088 Yonge St, Thornhill, L4J1W3. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 9:30am at Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Ave., Toronto, M2M3R7, followed by a committal service at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 8361 Yonge St., Thornhill.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family through the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home website at www.KaneJerrett-Thornhill.ca.