Obituary of John Eldon McConnell
John Eldon Elijah McConnell
February 8, 1936 – December 12, 2024
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, the family of John McConnell announces his sudden passing at the Lanark Lodge on Thursday, December 12, 2024 in his 89th year. Best friend and loving companion of Shirley McLenaghan. Loved father of Cynthia and (Mark) Moyle, Bradley and (Helen) McConnell and Kim McConnell (Bob Heid). Grandfather of Morgann Moyle (Chris Chen), Whitney Moyle-Last (Steve), Zissis McConnell, Marilena McConnell, Olivia Heid and Mackenzie Heid. Great-Grandfather of Thatcher and Sawyer Last. John will be greatly missed by his brother in-law Garnet (Janet) Gray and Aubrey Gray and sister in-law Diane Gray. John was predeceased by his parents Howard and Clara McConnell and his first wife, Joan (Gray) McConnell. John is also predeceased by his siblings Ken (Peggy) McConnell, Leslie (Mary) McConnell, Jean (Lorne) Ritchie, his father and mother-in-law Alden and Ann Gray, sister in-law Sandra and brother in-law Keith. John will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.
John was welcomed with love and open arms by Shirley’s family in 2000. He was a special father figure for Dean (Krista) McLenaghan, Julie (Jamie) Schoular and Derek (Lisa) McLenaghan, who considered John to be an extension of their own family. John will be terribly missed by Shirley’s grandchildren Daniel McLenaghan, Drew McLenaghan, Morgan McLenaghan and Abbey McLenaghan, Shae-Leigh Gordon, Noah Gordon, William Schoular, Nathaniel McLenaghan, Owen McLenaghan and Ella McLenaghan, who all referred to John as “Poppa John”.
John was born and raised in Maberly, Ontario. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway for 10 years before finding his true calling at the Rideau Regional Center in Smiths Falls. It was here that John spent 29 years caring for others and being involved in Rideau Search and Rescue. He retired in 1994 after a long and rewarding career, rich with friendships and lasting relationships. Retirement allowed John to spend more time making memories at one of his favourite places, the cottage at Farren Lake.
John was a long-standing member of the Perth Lion’s Club, Probus Club of Perth and St. Paul’s United Church in Perth. After meeting Shirley, John discovered his passion for travel and they enjoyed many trips to Mexico, cruises all over the world and to Florida and Disney World with Shirley’s family. Shirley and John were special travel companions to Shirley’s sister and brother in-law Christine (Allan) McIntosh and her brother and sister in-law Keith (Jean) Livingston.
We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the special care providers who made such an overwhelming difference in John’s quality of life over the past few years. Dr. Liu and the staff at Elliot St. Clinic, PEP (Perth Enrichment Program), Home Care nurses Lesli Richmond and Kelly Moore and PSW’s Lesley Flynn and Carolyn Richmond, and special helper, Tammy Dowdall. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Yelle and the nursing and recreation staff at the Lanark Lodge for their compassionate care.
A celebration of John’s life will follow a service in the chapel at Blair & Son Funeral Home in Perth from 1:30-3:30 on Friday, December 20, 2024.
In memory of John, if desired, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Paul’s United Church in Perth or Perth Enrichment Program (PEP).
