John William McConkey

It is with sadness yet joy in our eternal hope that the family of John William “Bill” McConkey announce his passing on June 23, 2026, in London, Ontario, Canada.

Born on February 20, 1937 in Ballynagarrick, Northern Ireland, Bill was a committed follower of Jesus from an early age. Bill’s faith in God was at the heart of how he understood and engaged with life. It provided the stimulus and inspiration for his long career in atomic and molecular physics research; initially at Queen’s University in Belfast and continuing at the University of Windsor in Canada after emigrating with his young family.

In addition to his successful career in atomic physics research, Bill served God faithfully in the churches he attended and as faculty advisor for the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship group in Windsor.He modelled and encouraged excellence in pursuit of scientific truth as a part of seeking God’s whole truth and pushed fellow Christians to go deeper in their understanding and application of the Bible. His daily practices of Bible study and prayer led to a growing faith that was evident in all his relationships.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife of close to 63 years, Maureen McConkey (née Greer), and their children: Ruth (Gary), Andrew (Katy), Deborah, and Christa (Gary). He was a dearly loved “Granda” to his seven grandchildren: Kate (Alex), Ruth (Matthew), Deborah, Kristen, Matthew, Andrew, and Lizzie and had looked forward to welcoming his first great-grandchild, Noah William, born to Kate and Alex. He was predeceased by his sister, Lorna Brown, his brother, James McConkey, and Maureen and Bill’s first son, Jonathan.

His family is very grateful that his life was a true reflection of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the race.” While our hearts grieve this temporary separation, we take immense comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus and has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

A memorial service, celebrating Bill’s life, will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., Stoney Creek Baptist Church, 2225 Highbury Avenue North, London, Ontario. There will be a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. Mentoring the next generation of university students on their faith journeys was always close to Bill’s heart.