John Patrick Cahill
October 13, 1962 - December 11, 2025
John Patrick Cahill was born in Calgary, Alberta on October 13, 1962, and passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness, at Riverview Care Home in Winnipeg on December 11, 2025, at the age of 63. His daughter Micca and his beloved partner Jackie were with him as he took his final breath.
John was predeceased by his father, Patrick John Cahill; his mother, Mary Agnes Cahill; and his brother, Michael Edward Cahill.
He is lovingly remembered by his partner and true love of 34 years, Jackie, and by his children: Micca Cahill (Dustin), and grandchildren Aubrey, Harlynn, and Luna, Lee Jernigan; Robyn Cruz (J.R.), and grandchildren Lily and Talon. John was immensely proud of his blended family, and his greatest joy in life was being a father and grandfather.
John is also survived by his sisters Leslie (Keith) and Janet (Jacques); his brothers Gib (Janice), A.B. (Tara), John (Kim), Pete, and Mike; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Born and proudly raised in Calgary, John attended public schools and helped his family on the ranch before moving to British Columbia to complete the final years of high school at Shawnigan Lake School. He attended his first year of university at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, and went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies at the University of Winnipeg in 1990.
John met the true love of his life Jackie in 1992, the beginning of a lifelong partnership. That same year, he began working with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as a Home Health Aide. He later became a Resource Coordinator, responsible for supporting and leading a team of Health Care Aides, a role he truly loved for the people he worked with and the difference they made together. In 2012, John became ill and was no longer able to work, but his sense of purpose and connection to others never faded.
A dedicated father from the very beginning, John took pride not only in helping bring Micca into the world with a home birth in 1991, but in raising all his children with patience, love, and presence. He made sure homework was done, baseball games were attended and movies were watched together. He especially enjoyed taking Micca and her best friend Tarynn skating at The Forks, sharing mini donuts, celebrating holidays and birthdays, and cooking large family meals with his smoker. As a grandfather he loved sharing his collection of light sabers, visiting with a coffee and box of timbits and hearing every detail of his grandkids accomplishments. He also found joy in his hobby of caring for saltwater fish, tending his tanks with the same care he showed his family.
John was an avid historian, a devoted collector of all things Star Trek and Star Wars, and a firm believer that we are not alone in the universe. In later years, he became fascinated by harsh-climate survivalists and found a new world and extended family through the World of Warcraft community. John has always loved sharing a cup of coffee with a loved one and would never turn down a trip to Tim Hortons.
He had a mad sense of humour—one proudly shared by his children—a booming, unforgettable belly laugh, and the most beautiful crystal blue eyes that charmed everyone he met. He also adored his beloved dogs, Elvis, Joey, and Loki, who brought him constant companionship and comfort throughout the years.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Riverview Care Home for their gentle and compassionate care in John’s final hours. We also thank the staff of the 2nd Floor ICU at St. Boniface Hospital for their tenderness in his final days. A very special thank-you goes to the staff of the 7th Floor, where John spent the last eighteen months of his life in Room A7130. They truly became his extended family. John genuinely loved and cared for them, spending his days making them laugh and sometimes cry; all in the same moment. Despite being understaffed and exhausted, missing their own families, they always made time to visit “the big man down the hall.” For that, we are forever grateful.
In a moment of reflection during his final week, John shared that he wished he had focused even more on the truly important things in life, not just work and money. Those important things were always clear to those who knew him: family, love, laughter, and shared moments. He made sure to squeeze in some final dad advice before his grand exit in true John fashion.
A special thank you to Lee Barringer of Branch and Pyre for his assistance in navigating the difficult days after. Thank you as well for your compassionate care of our John in his final journey.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation through their secure online portal.
“Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter…
Rejoice for those who transform into the Force.”
Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you.
Branch & Pyre Cremation Care