Legacy in action: John McCarthy’s leadership in advancing cancer care

John McCarthy’s business acumen is rooted in four generations of his family’s vision and strong commitment to their community. His aptitude for growing a real estate firm while also giving back was forged over 70 years ago by his great-grandfather, John Jambor.

“As an immigrant to Canada, my great-grandfather recognized the promise of his adopted country and its people,” says John McCarthy. “He astutely invested in property along Kingsway in Burnaby in the 1950s, foreseeing the city’s growth, and following the exceptional care he and his wife received during their cancer diagnoses, became a devoted supporter of BC Cancer.”

In addition to establishing an education fund to fuel BC Cancer researchers, John Jambor left a meaningful bequest to the BC Cancer Foundation in his will—which his grandson, Bill McCarthy (John McCarthy’s father), strategically and significantly grew before it was gifted in 2012.

“It’s an honour to partner with community leaders, such as the McCarthy family, in stewarding legacy gifts,” says Elissa Morrissette, vice president of development, BC Cancer Foundation.

“Not only are the deeply personal contributions made in estate plans vital in driving the life-saving research of tomorrow, they allow us to plan boldly and invest in cutting-edge research, technology and innovative treatment that will benefit generations of British Columbians to come,” she says.

Anchored by the motto, “Work Hard, Live Well, Give Back,” the McCarthy family’s dedication to bringing cancer care closer to home for communities across B.C. is continuing with the development of the BC Cancer – Burnaby McCarthy Centre, named in honour of their generosity.  

John McCarthy’s personal and professional trajectory has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to advancing cancer research and care in B.C.—a cause he says will continue to guide him going forward.

“We’ve entered a new era of leadership—one that blends business success with profound purpose. It’s about building on the legacy of those before us, while charting a future where prosperity is shared and progress is measured not just in profits, but in lives transformed—and ultimately, saved,” he says.

Learn more about supporting the future of cancer care in B.C. at bccancerfoundation.com/legacy or contact us at  [email protected] or (778) 653-0420.

For more information, visit: bccancerfoundation.com or bccancerfoundation.com/legacy.

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