It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness, but also a lifetime of great memories, that Jeanne and her daughters Karen, Shelley and Ginny share the news that their cherished husband and father, John Brydges McBride has slipped the surly bonds of earth.
John was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario and received his Bachelor of Arts at Victoria College, University of Toronto, and his Bachelor of Journalism at Carleton College in Ottawa. He was employed for 10 years with Bell Canada in Montreal and Toronto in Public Relations. Upon moving to Barrie in 1965, John was employed with the Simcoe County Board of Education. In 1969, he was made head of the Guidance Department at Barrie Central Collegiate, a position he held until his retirement in 1992.
For 66 years, John was the beloved companion of his adoring wife, Marina Jeanne MacFarlane, and she is thankful for the loving and fulfilling life they shared. He loved, and was so proud of his daughters Karen, wife of Jeffrey Burns, Shelley, and Virginia, wife of Dong-Seok Han. Also mourning his loss and celebrating his life are his grandchildren Matthew (Lindsay) and Collin (Rebecca) Burns and Lizzie Han, and his great-grandchildren Brody, Cohen, Ivy and Addison Burns.
Next to his family, John’s greatest interest in life was music. He sang with the Knox Presbyterian Church Choir in St. Catharines, the Hart House Glee Club at U. of T., and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. In Barrie, he was a member of the King Edward Choir, the County Chordsmen (in 1979, he was named ‘Barbershopper of the Year’), the Parkview Singers, and Vocal Maturity. And he was known for leading the audience in a round of “Roll Out the Barrel” at the annual Central Christmas assembly.
John’s other big interest was travelling, and he and Jeanne so enjoyed their many cruises, as well as several long-stay holidays in Victoria B.C., Spain, France and Portugal.
John was pre-deceased by his parents Roy and Annabel McBride, brothers Robert (Ottawa), William (Acton), and Dean (St. Catharines), and sister Lois (St. Catharines). He leaves two sisters-in-law, Christine (St. Catharines) and Sheila (Ottawa), and several nieces and nephews.
He will be forever remembered as a much loved husband and father. His presence and humour (including his dreadful puns) will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Sincere thanks to the staff at Hospice Simcoe for the wonderful care that John received. He was laughing and joking with them all until the end.
According to John’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no service. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Simcoe. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. Online condolences and memories may be left via www.steckleygooderham.com
“For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with Kings.”
Summer is a fine season for a long journey.