Obituary of John Alexander McKenna

With family at his side, John McKenna passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at the age of 85.

 

John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years Ruth McKenna (nee Kukta), and his daughters Sybil McKenna (Pietro Palanca) and Katherine McKenna (Nicholas Watt). He was predeceased by his parents John and Sybil McKenna (nee Hogg), and his brother Michael McKenna (Janet Trzcinski).

 

John grew up in Toronto and graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. He and Ruth moved their young family to Waterloo in 1970 to open Westmount Place Pharmacy along with his partners the late August Sherban and the late Bryce Liddle.

 

John lived life well and fully. He was an avid squash player, sailor, and alpine skier, before turning his focus to golf in later years. When not working, playing, or travelling the world with Ruth, he could be found making his way through a stack of books, or extending his and Ruth's hospitality to their many friends in Muskoka and Englewood, or at their Waterloo home. John was a devoted and doting father. His intellect, insightfulness, and wit, his self-effacing charm and his smile will be missed by all who knew him.

 

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Guelph General Hospital for the compassionate care they gave to John.

 

Cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, condolences and memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Food Banks of Waterloo Region may be arrnaged through www.erbgood.com .