Obituary of John C. MacQueen

Schenectady- John C. MacQueen, 96, formerly of Stage Road, Charlton, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center. He was born in Prescott, Ontario on April 18, 1914, son of the late Captain William S. and Elizabeth U.C. MacQueen. John graduated from Clarkson College in 1937 with a B S in Mechanical Engineering and after a brief stint with IBM, became employed by the General Electric Company until retirement in 1979. He started in Schenectady, worked in Ft. Edward, NY, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Evendale, Ohio and returned to Schenectady to finish his career as Manager of Employee & Community Relations. John was very active in the Lake George Club where he sailed for many years, was past Commodore and board member. He was also past President of the Bolton Rural Cemetery and held several positions in the Rainbow Beach Association. He loved Clarkson College, followed their hockey team and was a past President of the Clarkson Alumni Association. Locally, John was a former President of the Mohawk Club and a former board member of Camp Pinnacle. Local charities John supported included the Schenectady Christian School and the City Mission of Schenectady. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Schenectady since 1940. He served the church as past Elder, Trustee, Deacon and Treasurer. He also served on various fund raising committees and a pastoral search committee. John's love of the Lord and strength of faith sustained throughout his long life. John was married to Margaret Schwermer MacQueen in 1942 in Schenectady. She predeceased him in 1990. In 1992, John married Lorraine Freiburghouse MacQueen and they lived in Charlton, NY. They enjoyed many years of traveling & sailing and built a deep relationship with Christ. He was the proud father of Peggy MacQueen Neeb and her husband Bill Neeb of Ijamsville, MD. He is also the loving grandfather of Kim Neeb also of Ijamsville, MD. John is survived by 4 step-daughters and families, Jane F. Greene and her husband Jim of Derry, NH, Sally F. Paterson and husband Ian of Australia, Lori F. Niederer and friend Tom of East Fairfield, VT and Holly F. Schaus and husband Joe of Charlton, NY. He is also survived by nephews Angus and Doug MacQueen, niece Tam Shelley and step-grandchildren Melissa, Robyn, Kit, Ethan, Katie, Holly, Simon and Eli. Predeceased by his brother Angus MacQueen in 2009. In 2009 John became a resident of Kingsway Manor Assisted Living in Schenectady where he befriended many fellow residents and was treated with true kindness and compassion by the entire staff. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, April 4th at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Schenectady. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St. ( at McClellan St.) Schenectady for those who wish to call. Burial will be in Bolton Rural Cemetery, Bolton Landing, NY. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made in John's memory to The Schenectady Christian School, Sacandaga Rd., Scotia, NY 12302 , Schenectady City Mission, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305 or to a charity of one's choice.