Jack Arthur McCague passed away peacefully at Hospice Simcoe in his 83rd year, following surgery for cancer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto and treatment at the Royal Victoria Hospital Hudson Regional Cancer Centre in Barrie, Ontario.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Rita Simone McCague (née Boissonneault), and by his adored granddaughter, Madilynn (Maddy) Constance McCague, who lovingly called him “Pa.”
Jack will be lovingly remembered by valued friends Laura and Kailey (Sebastien); by his sisters Linda (predeceased by Ross), Cathy (predeceased by Melvyn), Carol, and Laurie (Tom); by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; by sisters-in-law Sue (Tim) and Shirley (predeceased by Gord); and by brother-in-law Pat (Janet). Jack was predeceased by his sister-in-law Monica.
Jack was the only son of Mary Amy Wauchope McCague and Kirwood McCague. With his parents and sisters, he spent his formative years on the family farms on the 8th and 9th Lines of New Tecumseth. During these years, a cherished lifelong bond developed between Jack and his cousin, William Donald Lilly KC, FSA Scot.
Jack lived with “Donnie” and his aunt and uncle, Freda and Lloyd Lilly (Kirwood’s sister and her husband), while attending university in Toronto, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Jack and Donnie were each other’s best men at weddings held just five weeks apart in 1972. Their brides, Rita and Marney, embraced and treasured their relationship. In retirement, the four often joined by Maddy spoke many times each month across the Atlantic by phone and enjoyed memorable visits to England.
After graduating, Jack joined the CIBC head office, where he rose quickly to the executive level. He and Rita moved to North Toronto, where they raised their two young sons, Jason and Jordan. In 2003, Rita and Jack moved to Midhurst, where Jack pursued a very successful career as a Realtor with Royal LePage, Alliston.
Jack was an optimistic, loyal, kind, faithful, and loving man who faced change and tragedy with remarkable dignity and courage. At the age of 25, he lost his father, Kirwood. In 1976, Jack and Rita suffered the heartbreaking loss of their infant son, Matthew, and in 2019, the loss of their son, Jordan.
Jack’s son Jason and his family live independently in Oakville.
The pride and joy of Jack’s final decade was his precious granddaughter, Maddy. Following the tragic deaths of her parents, Jordan and Tara, in 2019, Jack and Rita lovingly secured guardianship of Maddy and devoted themselves to her care.
Jack died as he lived: with dignity, courage, and the grace of a true gentleman. He was supported by Rita and Maddy, and by the extraordinary, selfless, capable, and loving care provided by Sue and Tim.
Rita and Maddy extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Simcoe, who provided such outstanding care and comfort to Jack.
In memory of Jack, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice Simcoe.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Robert William “Bob” Keogh on August 2, 2026, at the age of 57.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clifford Brian McQueen, who passed away at Mackenzie Health Hospital on August 4, 2026, at the age of 76.
KENNEDY, Patrick Lawrence
