John R. MacLeod
Died: April 3, 2025 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Visitation
Friday, April 11, 2025
2:00 – 4:00 pm
7:00 – 9:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
To celebrate a life well lived, please wear cheery colours.
Service
Masonic Service
Friday, April 11, 2025
6:30 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 12, 2025
10:00 am
St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church
397 Springbank Drive
London, Ontario
N6J 1G7
To celebrate a life well lived, please wear cheery colours.
Interment
Woodland Cemetery
London, Ontario
Obituary
MacLeod, John Russell
Peacefully, at University Hospital on Thursday, April 3, 2025, John R. MacLeod of London, in his 94th year. John was born in Galt on Labour Day, 1931, the third child of Russ and Mary MacLeod of Preston. He married his beloved Margaret Rose in 1953, and had 54 wonderful years together. He is survived by his sons Robert (Martha Jean) of Bali, Indonesia; Don (Helen) of Westlake Village, California, and Dave (Cheryl) of Crediton. Beloved brother of Andy, Molly, and Judy; Grandpa of 11 grandchildren, and great grandpa of 16. He is also remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews. His family is scattered around the globe, from Bali, Solvang, Vancouver, WestLake Village, Formosa, Lucan, Princeton, Cambridge, and Worthing, but united in love.
Like anyone who has lived a long, happy life, John was proceeded in death by his wife Marg, daughter Shannon, his parents Russ and Mary, in-laws “Irish Bob”, Dorothy, and Shirley Pollock, brother Don and sister Marjorie, “Uncle Joe” Johnson, friend Viola Byron, and so many others. We sent him with our love, and know he had a wonderful reunion when he arrived.
John served in the Militia for 18 years, starting as a 16 year old private in the H.L.I or C., and retiring as a Captain in the R.C.A.P.C.. He was awarded the CD. John was an insurance manager and broker for 41 years, and retired in 1999 after selling Highland Insurance Broker.
John was a Warden of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, and held a deep and abiding faith which allowed him to meet his death with confidence and dignity.
John was an active, dedicated Freemason, a proud member of Centennial Lodge No. 684, and Middlesex Lodge No. 379. He served as Master of both Lodges, and was the District Deputy Grand Master of London East in 1999. One of John’s greatest joys was to assist his son Dave to install his grandson Don as the Master of Middlesex Lodge in 2023. He was an active Scottish Riter, an outstanding ritualist, a Past Most Wise Sovereign, and an Honorary Inspector General 33o. John also was a proud member of the Mocha Shrine Ritualistic Cast, and a supporter of the Shrine Hospitals for Children.
John became the President of the London Valley Consistory Club (Scottish Rite Freemasons) in 1989, and helped expand our outreach program which provides medical and mobility equipment, free of charge, to those who need it. Thousands of people have benefited from his hard work. Many visitors to the Consistory Club will remember his compassion, his willingness to help, and his hugs (and an offer of a free donut). When Mom died, the Consistory Club was his salvation, to provide relief and consolation to others – and to work with a wonderful group of volunteers.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street S., London on Friday, April 11th from to 2:00 – 4:00 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A Masonic service under the combined auspices of Centennial Lodge No. 684 and Middlesex No. 379 A.F. & A.M., will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 pm. The funeral will be held at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, on Saturday, April 12th at 10:00 am, to be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. To celebrate a life well lived, please wear cheery colours. Tax deductible donations can be made to Sleeping Children Around the World. Donations to the London Valley Consistory Club (c/o 160 Victoria Ave East, RR 1 Crediton, N0M 1M0) are also appreciated, but are not tax deductible. Dad was a hard working man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The number of people who have reached out to the family in his recent illness is a testament to the positive impact that he has had on so many lives.
Dad was a hugger -he loved to give hugs, because you usually get one back. He never hesitated to tell people he loved them; when he died no words were left unsaid, and for that gift we are truly grateful. Please, as you read these words, give a hug to someone you love, and tell them you love them.
“He giveth his beloved sleep”
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Bro John MacLeod was my compass as I set my course in my Masonic Life and personal Life . John lived the life of a Mason and exuded those virtues daily with everyone who had the opportunity to cross his path or know him personally. John Thank You
Anne-Marie and I pass on our condolences and prayers to the MacLeod family God Bless
Ill. Bro. John was a great mentor to me and a guiding light when I started through the chairs of the Rose Croix. I will miss his guidance and friendship. As time goes on. David, your Dad was a great man and Mason, and he will be missed by all.
Our Masonic craft has lost a dear friend and brother. R. W. Sir was a dedicated Mason who could perform our ritual with the utmost professionalism.
He was a member of Moffat Lodge No. 399 for many years.
As secretary, John and I had a special relationship. I would mail John his monthly summons, and several times I would spell his surname as McLeod. He always reminded me of my error, but I enjoyed the back-and-forth conversations, and I think John did as well. He missed up my surname as well.
For many years, I continued to send him his summons with the incorrect spelling. There was one occasion when I spelled his name correctly, and he asked me if I had gotten smarter (I replied that the joke had run its course). I will miss his sense of humour, which I found enjoyable.
My brother and friend, may you rest in peace.
Dave, Cheryl, and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. John was joy itself. He was kind, generous, and he had the greatest sense of humour. Traveling with him to Europe in 2008 with our adult group brings up so many wonderful memories – him and “Uncle” Joe singing war songs on the bus, visiting the many historical sites with him, listening to his stories, and hearing his laughter. Any time we would meet, he greeted you like you were the best person in the world. May the many memories you have shared with him bring smiles to your faces and peace to your hearts. Thinking of you all. ❤️❤️
Paul and Tracy McLennan
David and Family: Be assured of my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We are never prepared for the death of a parent! I have greatly enjoyed John’s friendship and company over the years of our membership in Centennial. John and I both served as M.W.S. and as members of Mocha’s Ritualistic Cast, creating a great bond of mutual friendship which was also supported by our shared Christian Faith. Our conversations usually included both Faith and Masonry. I regret that I will not be able to be with you for the Celebration of John’s life.
John was truly a Christian and Masonic gentleman! He will be missed by all who knew him!
“Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.”
David and family! Sending our deepest sympathies for the lost of your father. John was a great neighbor for many many years where my husband Ed enjoyed many good talks with him along with many jokes. We’re keeping good memories from living so close to him over the years. One of the best neighbor anyone can have! May you rest in peace John.
We are very sorry to learn of John’s passing. We had the pleasure of spending time with he and Viola several times over the years. He was kind, and jovial, and genuinely cared about people. You really felt like he was interested in getting to know your story. He always spoke so highly of his family, and was proud of each and every one. We would like to send our very deepest condolences to all of you.
With love,
Kenneth, Tara-Lynn, Matthew and Julia Byron
To the Family of John R MacLeod: I’m sorry about Johns passing. He was a great man in Lodge. We always enjoyed his company at Middlesex Lodge 379 June Barbecues. Thinking of you during his difficult time.
Sincerely Tom and Loretta Needham
My heartfelt love goes out to the family. I worked for John, he was always telling loving tales of his family.
Having just learned of John’s passing, we extend our condolences to Rob and Martha Jean in particular, and to the entire extended Macleod family in general.
His direct and subsequent progeny(ies) speaks of a significant life fully lived across generations.
I met John a year ago at the Consistory Club and it was definitely a pleasant meeting. We talked and laughed and shared stories…what a pleasant man and a true gentleman. I’m so sorry for your loss and I pray that fond memories of John will help you through the sad times. Be strong (like John).