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3 tree(s) planted in memory of John McGale
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Nancy Graham posted a condolence
Monday, June 12, 2023
An introvert, my high school years were a challenge. John always included me & shared his love of music. I remember his flute - he brought it to class soon after he purchased it. I followed his career & took great pride in having known him. Sincere condolences to his family & friends. He was special.
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Cynthia Martin posted a condolence
Saturday, April 8, 2023
John was a great guy very nice and kind. I am glad that I have known him years ago.
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Liz Prescott posted a condolence
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Bill and I have wonderful memories of my cousin John and will cherish them as well as the CD's that he sent us over the years. We send our condolences to his family and relatives.
With love and sympathy,
Bill, Liz, Mike & Todd Prescott
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of John McGale
Sunday, December 4, 2022
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Charles & Huguette Pepin posted a condolence
Monday, November 21, 2022
.....The treasure of a life
Is a measure of love and respect
The way you live, the gifts that you give
In the fullness of time
Is the only return that you expect
The future disappears into memory
With only a moment between
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect
It's a measure of a life....
I came to realize that the lyrics of the song "The Garden", written by the late Neil Elwood Peart of the iconic Canadian music group Rush, points to John's life.
John, I'm quite certain that your joy is now multiplied by 1000's, playing music with "The Professor".
Our condolence to the McGale family & dear friends.
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Irene Feher uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 11, 2022
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Although it has been a long time since John and I have been in regular contact, John still holds a very special place in my heart. I first met John in the 1980s when he was playing with the Buzz Band. I was a naïve young woman with a passion for everything music. John literally swept me off my feet, and over time a deep friendship developed. I have many fond memories of John: his spontaneous visits which were always a welcome surprise (my mother and I remembered the hot summer days when we’d return home from work to find John cooling off in the pool), meeting his family in North Bay, how he made me laugh, his open generous manner, his sense of wonderment, and his love for people. A day with John was always an adventure. He inspired me to follow my heart, and today music is my life and work. John lived life with authenticity and passion, and spread more joy than anyone I know.
I will miss his music, his voice, his smile, his wonderful guitar playing, his laugh, his amazing stories, and his posts on Facebook which always put a smile on my face.
To this day my mom, Marguerite, tells me how much she respected and liked John. She describes him as natural, sincere, and warm.
Knowing John is a gift that I will always cherish. RIP dear fellow traveler! You have been taken from us much too soon!
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Dan T uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 11, 2022
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"Axle" 1971. John was instrumental in forming this band. We played and giged together from 71 to 74. Left to right, John with his new 71 Gibson SG, Ron Marleau with his Hofner bass, Dan Treleaven, seated is drummer Steve Marleau. What a blast we had as friends and band mates. RIP John.
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Anne Marie posted a condolence
Friday, November 11, 2022
Crossing paths...
I was born in 65 in a French Canadian family. In the late 70’s me and my friends were big Offenbach fans. We knew absolutely all their songs and had the posters in our rooms.
In 85, for my 20th birthday my parents got me tickets to see the ultimate Offenbach Farewell show at the old forum.
I went with 3 of my friends. We, the 4 girls only had eyes for John because not only was he the youngest of the band and the most handsome John was also the coolest in his striped tights and his Robin Hood shirt. When he descended into the crowd, guitar in hand and passed a few inches from us and I’m sure he winked at me. I blushed and thought I was going to pass out… My friend Sophie was convinced that the wink was meant for her. Get out Sophie! Okay maybe he was winking at everyone that night but hey! My birthday, my band, my show, my John, my wink!
Although I worked in the music industry from the age of 21, John and I never met until 1993 when I was asked to manage a tour for the Canadian Armed Forces in Bosnia. It was a difficult and dangerous tour but we did it and we had lots of time to talk and play some music. I had a certain singing talent and John often had his guitar in the countless vehicles that transported us from one base camp or airport to another. We became good friends.
A few weeks after our return to Montreal, John came to bring me a 4-track cassette on which he had recorded a song he had written for me. For me ??? Yes, for you. The most lovely and moving song ever. Boy did I blush. I have listened to it so many times and have kept it all these years in my treasure box. I had to stop listening to it because I was afraid of wearing out the tape. And yes, I did call Sophie who was then living in Vancouver and I played the song one more time for her over the phone.
My song, my wink! In your face Sophie! I had to clarify and it was unequivocal this time.
It is with infinite sadness that I learned John had gone to heaven. I went to retrieve the tape but once I took it in my hands, I realized that I had no technical means to play a 4 track cassette at my disposal anymore. That’s when I heard a beautiful voice in my head. The voice said: « Check on Internet maybe? ».
I took my cell phone, opened the Safari app and typed: John McGale-space-my first name: there it was!
John, for the second time in 3 decades, you blew me away! I didn't know you put my song on your album tribute to your family. It is a huge privilege that I take very humbly and with deep respect. Of course I bought the album! but instead of blushing this time I cried rivers.
Since unlike the tape there is no risk of damaging a virtual album, I've been listening to it on repeat for 12 days now; in my house, my car and on the street with my headphones. I now know all the songs by heart. I also found out that your sweet sense of humour came from your father. It is a treasure trove of family stories which woke up the little quarter of Irish in me (by my maternal grandmother Agnes May Murphy). Hearing you laugh and talk with your loved ones, hearing you sing and play is a soothing balm. Thank you John.
If it is true that the voice is the reflection of the soul, John yours is magnificent. Beyond your immense talent as a musician, composer, mentor and friend, beyond your kindness and your unforgettable smile, I believe that it is your soul that will be missed most by all those who love you and there are many of them. Your soul, you put it in everything you did.
My sincere condolences to your Mother Rosie and all of your family and friends.
I’ll see you up there John... in a few maybe 3 decades ?
Anne Marie ❤️
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Dan Treleaven posted a condolence
Thursday, November 10, 2022
I fondly remember our time together at the age of 9 and on. John and I met at the movies, "The Sound of Music" Didn't that play out! We learned guitar together, spent time with each of our large families. We had a common bond of having a downs syndrome sibling, John's younger sister and my older brother. It seemed for a while that a family without a downs child was abnormal to us. We went on to form bands for backyard gigs and gatherings. On in to high school we connected with Steve and Ron Marleau and formed our rock band "Axle". We grew together as a band and friends till near the end of high school when John's calling to be a professional musician launched him to another level. I reflect back on all our time together and all the amazing experiences we had together. I will see you on the other side. Dan Treleaven
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Stéphane Daoust uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, November 10, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the family, friends and his music fans. He paved the road to many musicians among us.
I’ll remember him as a devoted son.
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Maureen Lavilette posted a condolence
Thursday, November 10, 2022
With deepest Sympathy
from Maureen Lavilette
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Maureen Lavilette planted a tree in memory of John McGale
Thursday, November 10, 2022
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JANET Loise Gerolimon posted a condolence
Thursday, November 10, 2022
John will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was a very talented musician and an even better Human Being. My thoughts go out to all his Friends and Family and may they always have his music in their hearts. Janet Gerolimon
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Brent laBrosse posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Mrs. McGale, Dan and Deb. Was totally shocked to hear of John's passing as were so many others. My lifelong memories of knowing John from my young childhood with this gentle soul John being our Nugget boy to going to hear his first band with Dan Treleaven and playing his first gig in the backyard of Jayne Leroux's for her 9th birthday will stay with my forever. To all the future shows I saw John playing in North Bay, Montreal his presence on stage will never be forgotten. John's personality never changed throughout his life always down to earth and with a warm greeting for whomever was around. So glad I had the opportunity to sing with this awesome musician and kind person knowing that he will continue to share his talents in heaven with his family and so many others. There's one more angel in heaven looking down on all of us!
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Carol Lang posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
I never new anyone who lived life to the fullest like John McGale. He experienced much of what life had to offer. He loved that music and never missed an opportunity to experiment and create whenever, wherever, however. He touched many lives and was a friend to all. John was a force and driven by some kind of passion we could only hope to have. My heart goes out to his family and to his brothers in music. And to you John...thanks for putting all that great music out to the universe.
A Memorial Tree was planted for John McGale
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Martyn Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of John Charles McGale uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
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Martyn Funeral Home
464 Wyld Street
NORTH BAY, ON P1B 1Z5
Fax: 705-472-9381
Email: info@martynfh.com
Funeral Establishment Class 1 - Business License No. 308
Martyn & Sloan 'Mattawa Chapel'
530 McConnell Street
Mattawa, ON P0H 1V0
Email: info@martynfh.com
Funeral Establishment Class 2 - Business License No. FE-1137
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