11/10/2025
John Ross McPhail
March 5, 1941 – November 8, 2025
John Ross McPhail, 84, of Outlook, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, surrounded by family and love.
Born in Brock, Saskatchewan, John grew up in Beechy and pursued a teaching career that spanned 38 years—most of it in Outlook—where he inspired generations of students with his wit, patience, and love of learning. It was in Outlook that he met the love of his life, Cathy, and together they raised their daughters, Gillian and Kendra.
John was deeply involved in his daughters’ lives, never missing a game, recital, or performance. The endless support soon evolved into essay proofreading, teaching advice, and lesson planning guidance. Inspired by his dedication, both became teachers themselves.
Even after retiring in 2003, John remained active in the community, volunteering with the Royal Canadian Legion, Meals on Wheels, Donor’s Choice, Variety Place, the SIAST Board, and the Equinox Theatre, where he directed many productions. His contributions were recognized with the Outlook Citizen of the Year (2013), the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2023), and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Service (2025). He also loved working with newcomers, volunteering to teach English as a Second Language.
In recent years, John’s greatest joy came from his grandchildren, Addison and Simon. He was the first to happily volunteer to read them unlimited stories, play games, and take full advantage of any opportunity to spend time with them. They adored him completely, and he loved them with all his heart.
Above all, John treasured family and friends. He was endlessly curious, a gifted storyteller, and possessed remarkable knowledge of literature, history, and current events. With Cathy, he travelled to over 30 countries, documenting their journeys through blogs, photo books, and countless conversations. Together, they truly saw the world and lived a purposeful, joy-filled life.
John is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughters Gillian and Kendra (Trevor); grandchildren Addison and Simon; sister Margaret (Ron); sisters-in-law Jane (Gerry) and Diane; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ross and Erie; sisters Dorothy and Grace; parents-in-law Eldon and Hilde; and brother-in-law Richard.
A Celebration of Life for John will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Outlook, SK. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/. To share memories, offer condolences, or find additional service details, please visit outlookfuneralchapel.com.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bailey (RUH), Dr. Mynhardt, and the staff at Outlook and District Health Center for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Outlook and District Health Foundation or the Outlook Branch #262, Royal Canadian Legion (Box 811, Outlook, SK).