Obituary of John F. McEwan

July 18, 1921 - November 18, 2020

John F. McEwan.  Age 99 of River Rouge.

Beloved husband of the late Virginia.  Loving father of Kathleen “Kate” (James), Jane “Janie” and John Jr. (Galina).  Dear brother of Eileen Manley and Mavis Campbell.  Also survived by many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandson.

Family Tribute 

John was born to Elsie and Charles McEwan in Edmonton Alberta Canada, becoming a naturalized US Citizen as a young child.

John was a longtime Mayor of the city of River Rouge and held various other offices for over 20 years.  He served as Wayne County Civil Service Commission chairman for 30 years.  While serving as Mayor, John championed ground breaking international air pollution control initiatives and served the Downriver International Pollution Control Association as its first chairman and retired as chairman emeritus.  He managed clean water initiatives for the city of River Rouge.

John was a 1940 graduate  and a proud alumnus of Our Lady of Lourdes High School in River Rouge. John worked as a journey man pipefitter and was a 65 year member of pipefitters local 636.  He was also employed by Riverview School District as a superintendent to all building systems.

John attended various universities, earning certifications in various fields.  He was one of only a thousand people who earned the title of Certified Energy Manager (CEM). 

Before he was Mayor, John was at the forefront of civil rights and brotherhood initiatives.   He was active in many organizations, including St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wyandotte, Knights of Columbus, International Energy Manager and River Rouge Men’s Club.