John William McCannell

Mr. John McCannell, beloved husband of Frances, dear father of Randy, Karen, Gary, Brad, Kevin, Heather, Tim, and Laurie, passed away peacefully at the Melita Health Centre on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the age of 93.

John William McCannell, was born on September 23, 1928 at Elva, MB. He married Frances Marie Coates on April 3, 1957 in Melita. They lived with his mom and sister until the fall of 1957 then they moved to the present McCannell farm, SW 36-2-28.

John and Frances farmed and raised their five sons Randy, Gary, Brad, Kevin and Tim and three daughters Karen, Heather, and Laurie in the Elva area. John farmed from a very young age with his mother, brother and sisters until the kids were old enough to help out. John’s pride and joy were his horses, chariot racing, curling, card games, meat draws at the Legion, and his many hours spent with and watching his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren figure skate, play baseball and hockey.

John is survived by his loving wife, Frances; son, Randy (Tammy) and their two children Marcy (Grant Duncalfe) and Chad (Megan); daughter, Karen Strutt (Rick Kilfoyle) and children Amber (John Rutherford), Kristen (Tyson Eckel), and Mitch (Mikayla Belhumeur); son, Gary (Linda) child Ashley (Ryan Steffensen); daughter in law, Shirley (Neil Gobelle) children Taylor (Brad’s son) and Sydney; son, Kevin (Carla) and four daughters Shayna, Bailey, Hallie, and Hannah; daughter, Heather (Rob McCutcheon) and children Keesha and Zach; son, Tim (JoAnn) and children Rachelle and Shane; daughter, Laurie (Brent Dalziel) children Brad (Lily) and Wade. 

Twelve great grandchildren: Daylan & Shayla Duncalfe, Austin & Autumn McCannell, Slade & Jayce Steffensen, Eli & Coen Eckel, Isla & Liam Rutherford, Bria Strutt, Lexi Rheault, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by parents, Malcolm & Catherine McCannell; brother, Donald McCannell (La Verne); sisters, Margaret & Elsie McCannell; friend, Monica Wiemes, son, Brad McCannell; great granddaughter, Rilynn Duncalfe; in laws, Tom & Ethel Coates, Alvin & Marg Coates, Sylvia & Glen Holmes, and Joyce & Ervin Steinwandt.

A private family funeral service was held at the Pierson Community Hall, Pierson, MB. on Saturday, March 26, 2022 with (rev.) Heather Sandilands officiating. The interment followed at the Pierson Cemetery.

Donations in memory of John can be directed to a charitable cause of one's choice in the Pierson/Melita area.

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