At Concordia we honor those who helped shape this community into what it is today. Though they are no longer with us, but their influence continues to be felt in the relationships built, and the strong sense of belonging they fostered.
John (Jack) Archibald McTaggart
It is with great sadness we announce that on May 20th, 2026, dad passed away comfortably at home with full control of his destiny just as he had all his life. Surrounded by family dad made his final flight.
Dad was born on April 2, 1928, to Elsie (McMillan) and Roy McTaggart in Fort Frances Ontario, the second of 4 sons.
Dad’s life journey began in Fort Frances and area where he told stories of time at the cottage on Sand Bay or at the farm in Boucherville. Dad finished high school at St. John’s boarding school and one year of university in Winnipeg before setting out on his real-life education.
Dad moved to the booming mining town of Atikokan in 1948 to open a men’s wear store with his dad as a business partner. The store in the Old “A” was to be the first of three locations that he had the store. He grew the business to include ladies wear and footwear.
Dad was very entrepreneurial and as he and his two brothers built the retail business in five Northwestern Ontario communities, he also tried other ventures along the way. One of his prouder enterprises was as a founding partner of Canoe Canada, which just celebrated 50 years in business.
In the very early 50’s dad met a cute little redhead, Elinor Fortune, and that ended his bachelorhood. Mom and dad were married and became almost inseparable, whether in business, recreation, travel or family activities. They were a true team.
Both dad and mom were very involved in town activities, developed many lifelong friends and created many great memories and stories.
Dad had a real sense of adventure, before he was 20, he had his private pilot’s license and over the following decades dad owned and flew three different airplanes. His adventures also took him motorcycling, skiing, sailing and travelling.
After dad left the business, he tried his hand at politics. Serving one and a half terms on the Atikokan town council before the adventure bug kicked in and mom and dad made the move to Rainy River. There they worked to create a beautiful home overlooking the Rainy River.
Again, mom and dad emersed themselves in the community and district and made great connections. They truly loved the Rainy River property.
The grandchildren remember the road trips with grandma and grandpa and their love of travel. That sparked their interest in travel and adventure.
After 43 years of marriage mom passed away. Dad wasn’t meant to be alone and he developed a relationship with mom’s school hood friend and moved to Winnipeg where he and Vicki were married. Dad and Vicki enjoyed love and companionship for 18 years as they travelled the country. Dad’s family grew as Vicki’s children welcomed him and they have remained an important part of his life even after Vicki’s passing.
Dad remained in Winnipeg close to family and friends until his passing.
Dad was predeceased by Elinor and Vicki, his parents, Elsie and Roy McTaggart, brothers Gordon (Marjorie), Hugh, Ross and (Mary), sister Pauline (Bill) Gray. In laws John and Olive Fortune and their children Bob, Marjorie, Margaret, Harriet, Dorothy, John and their spouses.
Dad will be greatly missed by sons John (Debbie), Roy (Betty Ann), grandchildren Christie, Laura, Claudia and Tracy, greatgrandchildren Char Lee, Alexis, Braden, Abigail, Isabella, Emily, Grayson and Colton. Stepchildren Brian (Donna), Karen (Brian), Wendy (David), Carla (David), Bruce and their families. Sister in laws Lorna McTaggart and Mona McTaggart plus many nieces and nephews.
Dad lived an interesting and full life, and his final request was for everyone to be happy for him, be kind and have no regrets.
In Loving Memory of John (Jack) Archibald McTaggart
The Pauline and Bill Gray Family
Caroline McMillan
Stu Boland
William Gushulak
Town of Fort Frances
William Morrison
Concordia Village Resident Advisory Council
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations can be made to Concordia Wellness c/o Concordia Foundation
You can also choose to contact us via phone or by email.
Phone: 204.813.4354
Email: info@concordiafoundation.ca