04/07/2025
It is with mixed emotions that I announce the death of my beloved father, the President of the London Valley Consistory Club, John R. MacLeod, on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at University Hospital in London, following a relatively short illness. He was just shy of his 94th birthday, but he was known to tell people he had his 73rd birthday a while ago (like 20 years ago!) While I am sorry to say goodbye, I’m thankful that Dad had a long happy life, we sent him with all our love, and I am certain that he was recieved by my Mom and so many others who love him who have gone before.
Dad became only the third President of the Consistory Club in 1989, on the death of Cecil Hill. He was a dedicated Scottish Riter, and very proud to be a member of the Consistory Club. Over the years he guided the club through a great deal of growth; since we loan our equipment out for free we account for it as zero dollars, but the reality is we have many millions of dollars worth of equipment that we loan out, free of charge, for as long as it is needed. Many thousands of people have benefitted from the hard work and dedication that Dad gave to the London Valley Consistory Club.
But it all wasn't toil and drudgery - Dad loved what he was doing, and loved the volunteers he was working with. He truly enjoyed helping others, and when Mom died in 2007 the Consistory Club was his salvation - to seek the solace of his own distress by extending relief and consolation to his fellow creatures. Dad enjoyed helping our clients, answering the phone (which he couldn't hear very well, even with his hearing aids), and sitting in the chairs, supervising, and making sure the chairs didn't float away! He was a hugger, and when people made donations he offered to give them a hug as thanks. He also was happy to offer visitors a donut. When Covid hit we were asked to supply the LHSC with commodes for the emergency hospital at Western Fair; fortunately the need for them never materialized, but we suddenly had over 100 brand new commodes on hand...which gave rise to Commode Tuesday, and Commode Thursday, where everyone was offered a commode, which could also be used as a great fishing bucket. That was Dad's sense of humour, and it will be greatly missed.
Recently Dad was awarded his 50 year pin as a Scottish Riter. John R. MacLeod was a wonderful, caring man, who saw a need and tried to make a difference - and left us with a motto which guides us every day
"Be proud of who you are - Be proud of what you do"
With love and gratitude, Dave MacLeod, a proud son and brother
