Beloved husband to Jacqueline DiGiovanni, Dad to Jessica Smith (Steve) and Katherine (Alison Fraser), Papa to Evan (Lauren), Lucas and Sam, and Great Papa to Lincoln. Also survived by siblings Jeannie, Gerald and Sherry.
During his long career at Manulife Financial, John did a lot of traveling, and developed a very refined and cosmopolitan taste for a variety of cuisines and cultures. After retirement, he loved to travel all over the world. As he aged and mobility issues arose, cruising became a favourite option, along with trips to Paris and London. He did the transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary multiple times and was looking forward to one last trip before his final encounter with cancer.
John loved entertaining his friends and family and was a gourmet cook. He mastered both Julia Childs and Thomas Keller, and never met a recipe that was too complicated. Of course, there had to be good wine to spice up the evening, especially some well-aged Bordeaux. He was an excellent and generous host to all guests.
John loved classical music, including opera, but also had his car radio set on Broadway show tunes. A history graduate of Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, he was a complete news junkie, reading digital versions of 3 newspapers every morning, topping them up with several hours of tv news and commentary each night. Then, he moved on to favourite shows like The Crown and Downtown Abbey.
When Jessica and Katherine were young, he would entertain them with the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow. With great sorrow, we have now sent John over to the Rainbow Bridge, where he will be met by his long-lamented Scruffy and his late, much loved dog, Lucie. They have been waiting for him and will now escort him home.
If desired, donations can be made to Red Door Shelter in Toronto.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the MACMILLAN family.
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