<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">John R. MacPherson’s family are delighted to describe his life as incredibly long and healthy. They are devastated to announce his passing in the wee hours of April 13, 2016 in his 95<sup>th</sup> year. Born on September 30, 1921 John lived through a time of tremendous change and he never lacked an opinion for one moment of it. He spent some of his childhood in Cape Breton and then his late teens and early 20's overseas: first in the Newfoundland Forestry, and once Scotland grew dull he joined the RAF and spent time in North Africa, Italy, and Palestine. Once the traveler happily came home, he stayed. Over the years he was a logger and farmer, ultimately winning awards for his fine sheep from the province of Newfoundland. John (and his opinions) eventually gained notoriety as he became a columnist (for the Georgian and Western Star) and published his essays and stories in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia magazines and anthologies. He was an asset to his community as a long serving Justice of the Peace and he had an active and vibrant interest in provincial and federal politics. Yet all this pales in comparison to his proudest achievement, his family. John will be mourned by his fourteen children: John (Cathy) of Jeffery’s, Ramona (Alphonse) of Stephenville, Sharon (Gerry) of Edmonton, AB, Mary Margaret of Highlands, Elizabeth (Daniel) of McKay’s, Charles (Shirley) of Millville, Codroy Valley, Angus of Fox Lake, AB, Joanne (Thomas) of Enfield, NS, Alexander (Ellen) of Conception Bay South, Valerie (Paul) of Stephenville Crossing, Linda (Craig) of St. John’s, Andrew (Tina) of Edmonton, AB, Rodney (Angela) of Martensville, SK and Roary (Kathy) of Mount Pearl. His 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren will miss his stories, love and acceptance deeply. He also leaves behind a sister, Mary Gushue of St. John’s and a brother, Fintan of Robinsons, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews scattered across the globe. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his beloved wife Molly (nee Gillis), as well as his brothers Micheal and Roderick Joseph and his sisters Genevieve and Ann Mary. Visitation will take place Sunday, April 17<sup>th</sup> from 5-9 p.m. with prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Columcille Parish, St. Fintan’s from where the funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jim Robertson officiating. Inurnment in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Highlands will take place following the service. As expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.<span lang="EN"> Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Stephenville Crossing.</span></span></p>