John Walter MacGregor
November 24, 1947 ~ August 19, 2017
Falmouth, Maine - Papa passed away August 19, 2017 with his family at his side. Born in Island Falls, Maine on November 24, 1947, John was raised in Eastport with his six spirited siblings. Papa was the quintessential family kingpin, and his quick-witted humor and genuine interest in others' lives is reflected in his three children and five grandchildren.
Following their first date in November 1968, Glo exclaimed "this is the man I'm going to marry." That phrase became reality on June 24, 1972. He remained her "boyfriend" for 45 years of marriage, and they were rarely apart. John's passionate, sensitive, and romantic persona is echoed in his ever-memorable hand written notes signed with a single-petal daisy.
John's hard work ethic was contagious. Firm leadership was ongoing, and his primary concern was for the well-being of his employees through mentoring and personal help.
Papa's happy place was Frye Island. The cottage will forever be remembered for family retreats consisting of long dinners, boat rides, laughter, "best-ever" 4th of July fireworks, clinks of single malt, and the occasional 'stinky' cigar. Papa loved beach time with the grandchildren and was often heard asking them "who wants to go for a golf cart ride?"
Family and friends are invited to an open house gathering on Friday, August 25 from 4-7 PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland.
No flowers please. Donations may be made in John's memory to the Frye Island EMS/Rescue, Town of Frye Island, 1 Sunset Road, Frye Island, ME 04071.
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Oh my Johnny Mac. I’m beyond lost for words and thoughts, and consumed by sadness. But, yet, every memory I have of you is engulfed in giggles. The first time I officially remember meeting you and Gloria is at Deb’s 40th birthday at your beautiful home in July. All the Macgregors were there (big and small, old and young). Mimi and Ora. I’m thinking 1996? That is when I gave you your first lesson in bartending….The Corona Fizz. The next adventure was on my turf…. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Simpletons. I met John Jr. and bonded with my cool cousin and friend for life. The next rendezvous was in 2000. The cruise of the century. Wow! What a remarkable trip and life changer. The Grand Cayman “beach day” and the “disco nights” on the cruise were legendary . The SIN SISTERS were born. (Thanks to you and your smart and charming wit.)
You, Johnny Mac are truly a unique soul. Sweet, gentle, comfortable and kind, but with a quick and quiet humor. No wonder everyone loved you to pieces. I feel blessed I got to spend a few endearing moments of my life with you. You made it all the better.
Now is your time to go giggle with the original SIN SISTERS (Anna and Helen). Rest in peace my sweet, sweet, sweet Boulier Babe..
All my love, hugs, giggles….
XOxo….Stacy
– Stacy Erwin
Gloria, our sympathies are with you of course! Remember the days at UMO when John, Wes and I would study for some exam – and while we were serious, John would have some comment along with his quiet giggle. After school we went our separate ways and occasionally would get together with the two of you and enjoyed those get togethers . I remember thinking when he made the jump from working at SD Warren to being an owner of a steel fabricating company – WOW , that’s a jump. And he did it!
We’ll remember him fondly, Jim & Maryjane Lord
– Jim-Maryjane Lord
I knew John for our many years in The steel business.. he was such a wonderful man.. I will Miss him.. Philip & Lynne Scannell ,Gloucester,ma.
– Philip Scannell
Gloria, Little John, Rob and Jenna – Bunny, (I mean Helen), Carol, Hal, Marcia, Deb and Beth. John was truly a real Scout. For me he was the brother I never had. What can one say when they lose their lifelong best friend. We grew up in the sandbox together, we made roads with our trucks in the dirt driveways, we built dams of snow on the streets in the spring for our youth was full of life and memories that never went dim. As we went on in our lives we were there for the weddings, the birth of our children and the funerals of our parents, we were always together even when we were apart. Saturday, I lost that best friend. His final words to me were; “Hey Amigo, I’m in Boston about two hours from when the fat lady sings. We made quite a showing in the world, 2 kids off the streets of Eastport. Cu on the other side. BFF John M.” Yes, John was my best friend forever. There are two measures of true friendship, one being time, (no matter how long the time apart when you are together again it is like you were never apart), and the other being the call, (when the phone rings and your friend says I need you, you don’t ask why because friends know the reason doesn’t matter, you go). “Amigo, yes one day we will again be together sharing the great memories of our lives, until then, I know you are in the good hands of your mom and mine. Love you always my BFF. ” – May you rest in peace –
– Bud Finch
What a privilege it was to visit John & Gloria & their family anytime, particularly at Christmas and at their lake house. I have never felt so loved! All my love to you all at this challenging time.
– Melanie Henderson
John was a good neighbor on McKinley Road for many years. Always there when you needed a hand or he needed a hand moving a pin-ball machine into the house!
Carol and I are thinking of Gloria, Jenna, Johnny and Rob.
Fair winds and following seas John.
– Dana Harris
With condolences to the MacGregor’s on their loss.
– Trevor Paul