John Knox McPheron

HAMILTON - With a peaceful smile, John Knox McPheron, 92, of Hamilton, joined his beloved wife Jean on May 12, 2016. Dad spent the month before he passed in the company of his three children and several grandchildren and great grands. We kids took Dad to Yellowstone for one last family road trip and he thoroughly enjoyed the company and natural beauty of that special place.  That trip was followed by an "Irish Wake" of five days of fun and laughter.  Not one to miss a good party, especially one in his honor, Dad roused himself and joined in creating a whole new layer of family memories.

He was born on August 13, 1923 in Marietta, OH, the son of Dwight Oliver and Pearl (McClurg) McPheron. He was the youngest of six boys and knew how to get in trouble growing up in a small river town. Seventy years after marrying mom, he was telling her some of his exploits. She looked at Dad and said "I don't know if I would have married you if I had known those stories"! Mom picked out Dad in seventh grade Biology class and got his attention by sticking specimen pins into him. As Dad liked to say 77 years later, he'd been "stuck to her ever since"!

He graduated from North High School in Columbus, OH. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during World War II. After his service, he returned to Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Engineering.  Dad's early jobs involved troubleshooting problems in the manufacturing process.  This enabled our family to begin our many years of road-tripping which is a passion for all of us. Many mornings before dawn, we kids would be loaded into the back of our station wagon and the man at the wheel would be puffing on a cigar happy to be surrounded by his family on a new road to explore.  This joy of family and adventure never ended and both our parents made it to all fifty states and beyond.

Dad was always an optimistic and positive individual and his winning ways with people propelled him into management where his leadership and teaching guided the next generation of young engineers. After leaving the corporate world, he owned a cabinet shop in New Holland, PA.  Throughout his life he was a talented woodworker, a model railroading enthusiast, an appreciative bird watcher and life-long reader.  Every family vacation included a visit to different railroads around the country.  Believe us, there are A LOT of them!  In our homes, we all have beautiful examples of his furniture building and his detailed bird carvings. These will be treasured and passed along for generations to come.

He will be remembered for his ability to befriend anyone, working a smile from the crankiest of curmudgeons, entertaining tots (and adults alike) with his ear wiggling, and for saving the kisses of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in his pockets.  His grandchildren have described him as their "mentor, role-model, kindred spirit, gentleman, scholar and wanderlusting traveler".  He demonstrated to all of us how to navigate life with dignity, grace, class, generosity, humor and faith.  John McPheron will be sorely missed by all those whose life he impacted.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Jean R. (Miller) McPheron, whom he married on August 30, 1944 and his son-in-law, Robert J. Gilfillan.  He is survived by his three children, Janet Aldrich (Robert), Barb Gilfillan and Douglas McPheron (Candace).  His wonderful grandchildren include Ken, Kate, Tyler, Heather, Tara and John.  His treasured great-grandchildren include Molly, Abigail, Hannah, Caroline, Brayden, Jacob, Henry and Reagan.

Our family sends our deepest appreciation to the Beehive Home of Hamilton and their staff. He was so happy being a part of your family and wore the title "Mayor of Beehive" proudly.  Our heartfelt thanks also go to the staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice for their compassionate care and humor. Dad really enjoyed the company of all who surrounded him right up until his leave taking.  So, to our Dad, Grandpa and Big Papa..... congratulations on a "soft landing'' with kisses filling your pockets!  Private services have been held.