John Francis McGinn |
| Posted 2009-03-04 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, May 21, 2007 John Francis McGinn, Sr. went to be with our Lord, on May 19, 2007. John was born on May 10, 1922, in Barrows Ville, Norton, Mass., and spent much of his youth struggling during the Great Depression to help feed his family. After his father's death, his mother had to place him and his brother into a Catholic orphanage because she could not support them. As soon as he could, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. After leaving the Navy, John joined the Merchant Marines, traveling the world. He later moved to Prescott, Ariz., and worked as an officer of the Federal Protective Service at the VA hospital where he met the lovely Barbara Pendergast of Prescott. They were married on Aug. 9, 1974, and John instantly became a father to her five children. He and his family traveled all over the country, by air, train, boat and car, never missing a chance to catch a magic show, a circus, a NASCAR race or other good, clean entertainment events. John retired from the VA on Dec. 8, 1978. He was a member of the local Lion's Club and was a very active volunteer in his community, serving on numerous boards and committees. John McGinn was a big man, just big enough for his big generous heart. He loved to cook for family and friends and he loved to entertain people. He played Santa Claus for many years in Prescott, making sure that young kids were smiling at Christmastime. John was also known by many as Baa Baa the Clown, entertaining Prescott residents at hundreds of functions throughout the area. The Prescott Daily Courier has published numerous articles about John (Baa Baa the Clown) over the years recognizing the smiles he brought to faces young and old. When he was unable to continue his clowning career because of his health, he held classes to teach the young and old on how to carry on his clowning ways. John loved to pass out candy on Halloween to all the kids who came by his Mt. Vernon home. Although his family always celebrated his birthday on May 13, we discovered late in his life that he was actually born on May 10. John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara McGinn; five children, Sherrie Goodner of Kellogg, Idaho, Sabrina McKown of Chino Valley, Harold Pendergast of Phoenix, Andrea Robertson of Fort Worth, Texas, and Lewis Pendergast of Prescott. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Our John, Dad, PopPo, Grandpa, Santa Claus and Baa Baa the Clown was a man of great faith. And so it is ours now, even in grief, to also feel joy and thankfulness, knowing that this good, dear loving man that blessed our family is finally free of all encumbrances, pain and suffering and safely in God's hands. Memorial services to be later announced. Donations may be made to the Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105. Information provided by survivors. See Also: Arizona Gravestone Photo Program |
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