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John Charles Mackelson

April 9, 2015

John Charles Mackelson , age 50, died tragically on Thursday April 9th 2015, following a motor cycling accident in North Saanich, BC.

Born May 8th 1964, in Selkirk, Manitoba, and moved to Sidney, Vancouver Island with his parents as a child, John was known and loved by all those who knew him, and whose lives he touched. John was a French trained chef, who worked for the last 20+ years with Thrifty foods at their Thrifty Food Kitchens on Keating, Sidney store and had recently moved to the Saanichton store in Feb 2015. John not only touched the hearts of his fellow employees, but his customers as well. His positive attitude was what everyone loved so much about him, and how he would do anything to help anyone in times of need.

He will be fondly remembered by many, for his volunteer work each Christmas preparing and serving at the Peninsula Christmas dinner; for his love of the great outdoors - mountain biking, hiking and swimming; for cheering on his Detroit Red Wings, and most of all his dogs – for Mario and Murphy.

John leaves behind heartbroken family in the US (Jeff, Britt, Tyler, Lora, Rick and Yulia), and in Winnipeg – Eileen. Most of all he leaves behind his true soul-mate, best friend and biggest fan - his wife Claire.

A private service was held for family and close friends on Wednesday April 15th. A celebration of life is being planned for the end of June/early July 2015, to which friends and community will be invited.

As a legacy of John’s volunteer work with Peninsula Christmas day lunch, his family would appreciate donations, in lieu of flowers, to help support the Christmas lunch. Please deliver all donations to the Sidney Thrifty Foods store.