J.C. McPhee

November 2, 2023

It is with immense sadness and grief that the family of J.C. (John Crosby) McPhee announce his tragic death as a result of a work accident at Yahk, B.C, on November 2, 2023.

J.C. is survived by his loving daughters, Violet (Colten) and Dahlia, step-daughter Lindsay, his parents Jack and Judy McPhee, his partner Krista Nebloch, siblings Julie (Charles), Lloyd (Sharon), Holly, and Charlie (Jennifer), nieces and nephews Katrina, Tyche, Casey, Forest, Rowan, Samantha and Isabel, the Locke family (Charlie and Louise, Kim and Mike and children Jackson and Noa, and Robin), his special aunt Mary McPhee, his extended family, and numerous friends.

J.C. completed his electrical training in Saskatchewan in the 1980's, and went on to work on numerous major projects in Western Canada including the heavy oil upgrader in Regina, SK. He lived in many places pursuing his career as an electrician including Regina, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, and Lake Louise where he was instrumental in the building of the Charleston staff residence which was one of the largest log buildings in North America. In the mid-90's he settled at Wasa Lake, returning to the place of his childhood summers (at the boxcar), making his home where his heart had always been.

J.C. was known for many things, including his pride in and devotion to his two girls, with Violet completing her archeology studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and Dahlia pursuing post-secondary business studies in Victoria, and his love and devotion to his parents to whom he provided day to day support these last years and throughout their retirement years at Wasa. He was an unsung hero throughout his life, always there to provide concrete help and support to those around him, and to his community. Notably, he was recognized with the suitably named "Unsung Hero Award" from the Lions and was named as the Regional District Area E Volunteer of the Year. He played a significant role in the building of the path around Wasa and the building of the skating rink, which he also helped to maintain over many years. In recent years, known as "Blue Beard", J.C. spent many long hours volunteering at the ski hill in Kimberley, an irreplaceable creator of Dreadnaught race course magic, building the ski race courses for the many adaptive ski events for athletes living with disabilities, for which Kimberley has become renowned. He loved to fish up in the mountains and spend time at the boxcar. In recent years he added vegetable gardening into his mix.

As he often expressed, he was thankful to have Krista in his life these past 10 years, with her outer and inner beauty and loving soul adding so much joy and love to his life.

His family will miss him dearly.

There will be a Celebration of J.C.'s Life at the Wasa Hall on Sunday, November 12 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. All are welcome.