John William McCubbing

John William McCubbing passed away on Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at the age of 78 years, in Qualicum Beach, BC.  John was born on November 8th, 1947 to Audrey (née: Shepherd) and George McCubbing in Unity, Saskatchewan.  John and Karen were married on July 5th, 1975 and made Moose Jaw, SK their home until 2024.  They were able to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with all their family in 2025.  

John’s father was in the air force and moved many times, taking the family to places in England, France, as well as various places in Ontario and Saskatchewan.  John settled in Moose Jaw in his late teens.  He worked in maintenance at the air base, the grain elevator, and then construction in Moose Jaw and Regina, working on many of the high rises.  He had no fear of heights and gave his wife many a fright.  He was an accomplished brick layer and did all kinds of concrete and masonry work.  He built their first home on Cree Crescent when the kids were little.  

After a serious back injury in construction, John went to Briercrest Bible College in 1984 and completed his pastoral degree with a minor in Christian camping.  He worked many years as the Camp Administrator at Strasbourg Bible Camp and then as a full-time pastor at Stadacona Gospel Chapel.  He served on the board of Christian Camping International, including a period of time as president, and Strasbourg Bible Camp.  As a Pastor, John performed many weddings, funeral services, and baptisms.  John and Karen managed Discovery Place apartments on Woodlily Drive for 32 years and made many close friends.  

John achieved his black belt in Judo in 1968 and participated in the Canadian Nationals.  He taught Judo at the YMCA in Moose Jaw and at the Moose Jaw air base.  John loved fishing with his family and friends which included ice fishing on Last Mountain Lake and Buffalo Pound.  Some highlights were sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River, and halibut and salmon fishing in Haida Gwaii.  

John loved being around water, doing construction, all pets even though he had asthma, babies, and gardening.  John worked hard at whatever task was put in front of him, and took pride in doing it right, even to perfection.  In his later years, John loved helping his children and friends out with any project they were working on.  

He was predeceased by his brother, Gordon (in infancy); his parents; and son-in-law, Tim Hall.  John is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children: Violet Hall, Jim (Sylvia) Merchel, Ron (Darla) Merchel, Mike (Deanna) McCubbing, and Johnny (Crystal) McCubbing; grandchildren: Kristin, Dakota, Judy, Julie, Benjamin, Abby, Ethan, Brenden, Evan, Jorja, Calissta, and Kole; great-grandchildren: Lucas, Emma, Creedance, Emmy, Sophia, and Vienna; brother, Paul McCubbing; sister, Mary (Steve) Birss; as well as many nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family members.  

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550