Surrounded by his Children and Family, and only seconds after being given permission, John McGivern passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, in his 76th year on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. John McGivern (Johnny) was born in 1949 to John and Rose (O’Hara) McGivern, the sixth of nine absolutely legendary children. Growing up on the tight-knit St. George Street in Chatham was not without its tough times, but the McGiverns and the O’Hara’s never lacked for love, laughter, and family. John joined his dad at Ontario Steel (then Rockwell International & now MSSC), located at the end of the street, where they made many Chrysler torsion bars. He loved being a set-up man there and talked about his time there often.
While many only get one shot at it, John was very fortunate to have two shots at romantic love and marriage. Though those marriages couldn’t stick he managed to net four amazing kids in the bargain, first Derek (Julie) and Heather (Brad) and then Jeff (Jami) and Mori-Lynn, who all simply adored him. John loved his kids and his grandkids deeply and was always up to lend a hand in the busy business of helping his kids and his grandkids.
John’s kindness, agreeableness, and dedication are the stuff of legend. He had so many great friends who loved him and whom he loved. After a North American auto crisis separated him from Rockwell he eventually found his career home as a custodian with the Lambton-Kent School Board. He loved that job, and more than that, he loved the people, making several enduring and deep friendships.
How do you adequately memorialize an epic, well-lived life? Well, it’s quite likely that you don’t do it justice in a few paragraphs. Each of us who knew and loved him has, we’re sure, many unforgettable memories and one or two great stories about John to cherish forever. He’s now free to join his passed, but much-loved and missed brothers and sisters and Mom and Dad in the hereafter, and if he’s lucky, to meet and hug Mother Theresa of Calcutta and to finally scold Oliver Cromwell.
John was predeceased by his sister, Mary Seney, and her husband, Neil; his brother, Pat McGivern; his brother, Mike McGivern and his wife, Rita; his brother, Hugh McGivern; his brother, Francis McGivern; and his sister, Rose Johnston.
He will be remembered fondly by his sister, Theresa McDonald, and her husband, Mike; his sister, Bernadette Moor, and her husband, Brent; and his sisters-in-law, Leona McGivern, Rita McGivern, and Laura McGivern, as well as his brother-in-law, John Johnston, and by dozens of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his children, the memory of “Papa John” will be forever cherished by his grandchildren Kiara, Colm, Owen, Austin, Josh, Cadence, Will, Eva, Adilyn, Charlotte, Alice and great-granddaughter Aniya.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231) on Saturday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the celebration of John’s life to follow at 1 p.m.. Interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery with his parents at a later date. If desired, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association may be left at the funeral home 519.627.3231.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
