McEOWN, John Harvey
December 7, 1923 – March 29, 2024
On December 9th 2023 Dad had his final wish come true – celebrating his 100th birthday with family and friends. The next day he attended a performance of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra who celebrated his Centenary with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to You”. His well planned life culminated with a Celebration of Life he got to attend and enjoy.
Fifteen Weeks later he passed away peacefully at home as he wished.
Dad was born in Saskatoon and spent his formative years in Winnipeg. He served in World War Two as a Pilot Officer in the RCAF. Following the war he completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Manitoba.
In 1946 he married Margery (Halliday) and they enjoyed 64 years of love and affection until her passing in 2011.
Shortly thereafter good fortune struck again. His second marriage to Marvie (Kennedy) provided him with more love and affection and adoption by Marvie’s extended family who doted on him and provided him with comfort and support when Marvie passed away on December 31, 2022 and throughout the rest of his life.
Like his Grandfather and Father before him Dad entered the insurance industry where he specialized in designing and brokering corporate group insurance and employee benefit plans for Great West Life, James Richardson and Sons and finally with Johnson and Higgins in New York where he became a partner and member of the Executive Management Group.
Following his retirement in 1986 Dad and Mom moved from Manhattan to Victoria. When his US friends asked why he’d chosen to move to Victoria his standard reply was :” If there were a better place to live, I’d be there!”
Dad and Mom loved their new home and immediately became involved in Victoria’s cultural and philanthropic endeavours.
The list of organizations that received the benefit of Dad’s time and financial support is extensive.
In recognition of his contributions he was made: an Honorary Life Member of the Boards of Our Place and the Victoria Symphony; an Honorary Governor of The Victoria Foundation; and in 2021 received the City of Victoria’s Honorary Citizenship Award for services to people experiencing homelessness. His JAYMAC funds have and will continue to endow many worthwhile endeavours here in Victoria.
He was a long time supporter of the University of Manitoba, The United Way of Greater Victoria, Broadmead Care, Threshold Housing, Parkinson’s Society of BC, The Belfry Theatre and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
He was a founding member of the Executive Resource Group and enjoyed frustrating himself on the links of the Victoria Golf Club.
He was witty, well read, and well liked.
He leaves his son Jeffrey McEown (Helen Smith) of Victoria, his daughter Catherine Beckman (Ed) of Lake Forest Illinois, his grandchildren: Gregory Beckman (Jenny and great-granddaughter Cooper), Jessica Beckman (Tim), Ian Beckman (Erin), Michael McEown, and Laura McEown, nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Patsy McEown and Marvie’s extended family.
Dad and Marvie were able to live in their home until the end of their lives due to the kindness of Marvie’s daughter Janet Kennedy who oversaw their care with skill and devotion.
Thanks also to Mirasol Buenaflor who assisted Dad during Mom’s final days, to Dr Ted Rosenberg and his team for their attentive care to Mom, Marvie and finally Dad’s medical needs, and to the many caregivers who assisted Dad in his final years.
If you wish to honour Dad’s Memory please do so by contributing to a community organization that is important to you.
