John McFadden

John Edward McFadden

1929 - 2025

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Obituary of John Edward McFadden

John “Jack” Edward McFadden passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 95.

 

Born on April 7, 1929, in North Bay, Ontario, Jack was raised by loving parents with three brothers and a sister. Surrounded by extended family, Jack learned the value of community from a young age.

 

In 1949, Jack entered the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), first training as a radio officer and eventually as a navigator. Jack recalled his time with the RCAF with fondness and pride. From resupplying Arctic weather stations and commanding a Distant Early Warning (DEW) line sector, to being part of the first United Nations Emergency Force and working with NATO in Europe, the RCAF provided Jack with the means to travel and see the world.

 

It was while stationed in Trenton, Ontario that Jack met the love of his life, Eva Gibbons, who was serving as a flight nurse. They married in Trenton in 1973 and lived a full, happy life together, first in Ottawa, Ontario before settling in Waterloo, Ontario in 1984.

 

After retiring from the RCAF as a Major, Jack established a successful technical writing career. His ability to turn complex technical details into clear and accessible language earning him the respect of colleagues and peers.

 

Jack will be remembered for his great capacity for kindness, friendship, and love. Wherever he and Eva went, they quickly became a valued part of the community. Whether arranging neighborhood gatherings in Waterloo and St Petersburg Florida (where they spent many winters), church events, volunteering, or having meals and games nights with friends and family, Jack and Eva loved to bring people together.

 

Jack is predeceased by Eva (1937-2022) and his son Joe McFadden (1950-2023). He is survived by his daughter-in-law Katy, granddaughter Erin (Josh) Porter, great-grandchildren Elise, Caitlyn, and Isaac, and extended family. He is also survived by his surrogate grandchildren Chuck and Catherine Spinak, and great-grandson Jack.

 

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 3 pm to 6 pm. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11am, followed by a reception directly after the service.

 

A special thank you to the long-term care staff at Parkwood Seniors Community for their kindness, care, and support.

Friday
31
January

Visitation

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday, January 31, 2025
Erb & Good Family Funeral Home Chapel
171 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Saturday
1
February

Visitation

10:00 am - 10:45 am
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Erb & Good Family Funeral Home
171 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Saturday
1
February

Funeral Service

11:00 am - 12:00 am
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Erb & Good Family Funeral Home Chapel
171 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada