McCloskey, John Joseph
Posted Jan 12, 2021 | 8:49 AM
John Joseph McCloskey, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Dungiven, Northern Ireland, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at home, peacefully at the age of 75 years.
He was born on June 9, 1945, in Limavady, Northern Ireland, to Mary and John McCloskey. John finished his university education in Derry, Northern Ireland, and taught for a couple of years before moving to London, UK. While working at a shoe store in Piccadilly Circus, he saw an advertisement offering teaching positions in the County of Grande Prairie in 1967. He made his way to Northern Alberta in January of 1968 to take a teaching position in the Hamlet of Teepee Creek, AB and was not prepared for the harsh, cold Canadian winter that welcomed him. As he told his children many times, “I had never felt a cold like that in my life”! In order to get accustomed to his new Canadian roots, he often practiced driving on the right-hand side of the road in the back wood country roads of the area.
In September of 1968, John started at Harry Balfour School in Grande Prairie, where he worked as a teacher and a Vice Principal until he retired in 2000. During this time, he also completed his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Alberta in 1981. He was always an advocate for education and teachers and served as a District Representative of the ATA for Northern Alberta from 1997 – 2005. He touched many lives in his career, and his children are still approached from time to time when their last name is mentioned, to hear a story or memory like “Mr. McCloskey? He taught me in Grade 7!” or “He was my favourite coach!”
John met the love of his life, Leslie Ann Roach, at the Park Hotel in Grande Prairie, where all the local teachers gathered every Friday evening in 1970. They were married in August of 1971. John and Leslie Ann were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August of this year.
John continued to be active throughout his life. He golfed nearly every day he was able and was always eager to hand out golfing advice to anyone that would listen, regardless of their handicap. He was extremely well-read and could talk knowledgeably about almost any subject. He was an avid traveler and had been all over the world with his wife and family. He frequently went home to Ireland, so much so that he had his own set of golf clubs at his mother’s house. He was very proud of his international family that have roots here in Canada, Ireland and Australia. He enjoyed yard work and tending to their massive garden with his wife and family. He was devoted to his grandchildren and much of his spare time was spent with them and their families.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband to Leslie Ann for 49 years; father to Robert (Trisha), Jennifer (Chris) and Andrew; grandfather to Cohen, Theo, and Isabella; brother to James, Charlie (Anne), Vincent (Bee), Christine (Brian) in Ireland, and Anne in Australia; uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews in Canada, Ireland and Australia; and as a friend and mentor to us all.
John was predeceased by his father John Joseph McCloskey, and his mother Mary McCloskey in Northern Ireland.
Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life in Grande Prairie will be determined at a later date when COVID-19 restrictions do not prevent us from gathering the way John would have wanted us to.
A Celebration of Life in Ireland will also take place at a later date when family and friends can gather safely.
If you wish, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club (711040 Resources Rd., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 3A7) on behalf of John’s passion for golf. All donations will go towards supporting future young golfers in Grande Prairie who share the love of the game.
Condolences may be sent by visiting
- Date : 2020-12-30
- Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta