Age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by family June 27, 2016 at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
Born Ayr, Scotland (home birth) April 12, 1926 to Willhemina Bowes Elder and John Robert McIver. His father was killed in a dry dock accident in 1941 creating hardship but reinforcing a strong work ethic that defined John. He joined the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, England during WWII and was seconded to the HMS Condor based in Arbroath, Scotland.
Following the war, and on a government scholarship, based on academic standing and exemplary service, John attended medical school at Glasgow University from 1947 until graduation in 1952. During this time he met and married (September 14, 1951) Margaret (Rita) Carberry McIver (nee Shearer) in Glasgow, Scotland. Together John and Rita immigrated to Canada in 1952, crossing the Atlantic on the Empress of Scotland.
Prior to leaving Scotland for Canada, John had made a commitment to the Canadian Army as a medical officer and served as a Captain from July 23, 1952 until Honourably Released on October 18, 1957. While serving in the Army he was posted to Korea for two years during the Korean War. Somewhat famously John was taken hostage by a villager while attempting to save his son's life, until he managed to talk his way out of danger.
Settling with Rita in Ottawa after his Army service, the two began their family. Always looking to improve himself and being passionate about medicine, John completed his specialty training in Radiology at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and continued as a staff Radiologist.
In 1969, John and Rita picked up stakes and moved west with their four young children to settle in West Vancouver. For the rest of their lives John and Rita remained residents of West Vancouver. Sadly, Rita passed away in 1996. Upon arrival on the west coast John joined a radiological practice on West Broadway. Throughout his life John felt fortunate for his education and was committed to giving back to the community. To this end, he taught university students in Ottawa and in 1969 he became a Clinical Professor of Anatomy at UBC, teaching a generation of Vancouver medical school students until retiring from that role as Professor Emeritus
in 1991.
After closing his private Radiological practice in 1991, John became Chief Radiologist at St. Mary’s Hospital on the Sunshine Coast, in addition, he worked at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver where he once again had the pleasure of teaching the young residents. John also travelled regularly to Bella Coola to provide this remote community with radiological services. John continued to provide locum services throughout Metro Vancouver until his retirement just before his 85th birthday in 2011.
Throughout John’s life, he relished travel and the myriad of experiences it brought whether on his own or with Rita or family and laterally with Norma.
John was a hardworking optimist from a generation that asked what they can contribute. He was an accomplished athlete who skied and golfed well into his 80’s and competed in many marathons and endurance events.
Most of all, John was a kind, compassionate man and loving father, husband and companion who never lost sight of his priorities to those close to him. His demeanor and character were so pleasant and engaging that he never stopped making new friends. Right until the end.
John is survived by his son Colin McIver and daughter-in-law Jo-Anne McIver of West Vancouver, B.C.; his daughter Moira Gale and son-in-law Tim Gale of Fort Langley, B.C.; his son Iain McIver and daughter-in-law Lana McIver of Lantzville, B.C. and his son Neil McIver and daughter-in-law Thatiana Silva of Vancouver, B.C. John is also survived by his close friend and longtime companion Norma Johnstone of West Vancouver, B.C.
Additionally, survived by grandchildren Alexander Gale, Sarah Gale, John McIver, Kelsey McIver and David McIver.
Predeceased by his wife, Rita (February 24, 1996) and sisters, May and Anne.
SERVICE INFORMATION:
The celebration of life will be held Thursday August 11, at Hollyburn Country Club (950 Cross Creek Rd, West Vancouver) at 4 p.m.
To express condolences, please contact Colin McIver at colin.mciver@dentons.com.
We would like to sincerely thank Dr. John LeBrun and the staff in the palliative care unit at Lions Gate for their difficult but merciful work.
His equal will never be among us again. Always forward, with respect and love.
Please consider making a donation to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation – Hospice and Palliative Care, in John’s name. You do that on his tribute page at lghfoundation.com – Donate – Donate In Tribute or https://www.lghfoundation.com/get-involved/donate-tribute/. Alternatively by calling them 604-984-5785.
www.hollyburnfunerals.com