Obituary of John Bruce McMeekin

MCMEEKIN, John Bruce

Passed away peacefully, in his 67^th year, on March 24, 2024, shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Bruce was predeceased by his beloved parents John and Yvonne and parents-in-law Allister and Eileen. He is survived by his wife Allison, children Ceilidh (Andrew) and Jack (Bailey), brother Robert (Mary), nieces and nephew Wesley, Hayley and Adrienne and cousins Helen, Virginia, Jane, David, Susan, Keith, Kemp and Scott.

Born and raised in Etobicoke, Bruce was fortunate to grow up with a loving extended family.  He maintained lifelong friendships from Elementary, Middle and High school including his circle of friends from Richmond Gardens.  Following his undergraduate degree at Laurier University and Master’s Degree at Queen’s University, he spent a brief period working in England with Imperial Life, before backpacking in Europe. In 1984 he ventured east attending Dalhousie Law School and found a wonderful community of friends. He met Allison in his first-year contract’s class.

Upon his call to the bar, Bruce joined Miller Thompson LLP working with his dear mentor and friend Rod MacLeod.  Among his proudest career moments were his involvement in the Walkerton Inquiry and appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada in 2013. After many fulfilling years at Miller Thompson, Bruce went on to found J. Bruce McMeekin Law where he continued as a sole practitioner for 10 years.

Bruce cared deeply about his community and neighbours.  He dedicated years of service to the Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise, Markham Board of Trade and recently joined the YMCA Northumberland Board of Directors. His service to his larger community was only outdone by his kindness and generosity to his neighbours. Bruce could always be counted to appear with his snow blower on a storm day.

When not found on the golf course at York Downs or Oshawa Golf & Curling Club, he was with his family poolside in Port Hope with his Old English Sheepdogs Wilby and Archie, visiting his children in Nova Scotia or on another grand adventure.

Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, March 27th at 2PM at the Allison Funeral Home located at 103 Mill Street North, Port Hope, Ontario L1A 2T3. Donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation. On line condolences may be made through allisonfuneralhome.com