October 25, 2023
We are saddened to announce the death of John Owen Mabie, he was 82 years old when he died on October 25, 2023 at Melville Hospice in White Rock, BC.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marie-Ange Mabie (nee Philippe,) sons Peter (Amy) and Michael (Christin) and sister Anne Marie Gregory. John was a proud grandpa to Emma.
John was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to Lillian (nee Owens) and Harry Mabie. He spent most of his youth in New Brunswick and lived with his aunt and uncle from age 4 to 14.
John joined the Armed Forces in 1960 at the age of 19 and he achieved the rank of Master Warrant Officer. Upon retirement from active duty, he continued to work as a civilian employee for a cumulative total of 46 years of service. He received the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal in 2003.
John continued to be an active member in the military community and kept in touch with many of his coworkers.
John met Marie in 1966 and they married in 1967. They initially lived in Ottawa and Peter was born in 1971 and Michael was born in 1976. The young family was then transferred to Kingston, Ontario where John would spend the rest of his career. John was always active with athletics at CFB Kingston and with Peter and Michael's hockey teams, acting as referee and convener at the local arena.
Upon retirement, John and Marie moved to White Rock, BC to be closer to their sons on the west coast who had relocated there. John loved walking the promenade in the mornings and even participated in the White Rock Polar Bear Swim twice!
For his 80th birthday, his family honoured him with a plaque outside the White Rock Train Station.
John's favourite activities were reading any newspaper, watching the news, reviewing current events with his buddies at Tim Horton's and watching sports in his recliner at home in his den.
He loved the company of dogs and sharing a good joke with friends. John was known for being reliable, loyal and committed to his military training. John remained forever hopeful that he would win the 649 someday! He will be missed by his loving family.
We would like to share our deepest appreciation for the care John received by the entire team at Melville Hospice Home and from his family physician, Dr. Derek Lowe.
A private service will be held in Fredericton, NB at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of John's favourite charities: SPCA, Canadian Autism Network, Alzheimer Society of Canada or Canuck Place Children's Hospice.