Obituary of John B MacLachlan Allaby

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John B MacLachlan Allaby announce his passing on August 18, 2024, in Fredericton, New Brunswick. John was born on November 8, 1953, at Christian Medical Centre in Pithapuram, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, India to the Rev. Dr. Perry Vernon Allaby and Edith Alice Allaby (née McLaughlin).

John spent his childhood in India and came to Canada when his parents returned in 1959. He lived for many years in Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a diploma in Graphic Design from George Brown College. In 1991, John moved to Fredericton where he especially enjoyed trips to the Boyce Farmers Market on Saturdays, openings at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and performances at the Fredericton Playhouse. John worked for 17 years at UPS until his retirement in 2021 and he made many lifelong friends during his time there.

A gifted artist and designer, John ran a small graphic design business in Fredericton for 10 years and was an active member of the Fredericton Society of Artists, displaying his work at many exhibitions. He enjoyed painting and writing, and retirement afforded him more time for his creative pursuits.

John keenly followed current affairs and was always ready for a good debate. He was an active volunteer on many campaigns with the Liberal Party of Canada as well as with local associations in both Ontario and New Brunswick.

Faith and community service were cornerstones of John’s life. He was a proud member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church and volunteered at many community organizations such as the Fredericton Community Kitchen, L’Arche, the Duke of Edinburgh Association, and the Fredericton Shelters.

John is survived by his brother Eric (Berneta), his nephew Peter (Natalie) and great-nieces Gwen and Ruby of Rothesay as well as his niece Heather of Fredericton. He leaves behind many cousins and was especially close to cousin Margaret Frenette with whom he enjoyed many holiday meals and special visits. John will be missed by many dear friends particularly Susan and Brian Saunders, Wayne and Lera Beers, and Dale and Carol Bray. He was predeceased by his parents Perry and Edith.

The Allaby family would like to thank the extra-mural nurses and the team at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their care, especially the nursing team in the Palliative Care unit.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Brunswick Street Baptist Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick, beginning at 11:00am. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed HERE. A reception will be held in the church hall following the service for all who attend. John will be interred at Maple Grove Cemetery on Grand Manan Island on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Fredericton Community Kitchen, L’Arche, or a charity of your choice.