McGavin was born in Paisley, Ontario, son of James McGavin, a saddler born in Catrine, Ayrshire, Scotland[citation needed] and Elizabeth Wright, born in Glasgow Scotland, daughter of James Wight and Jean Malcolm.[citation needed] He came to Manitoba in 1877.
McGavin was appointed a health officer in 1903, with a stipend of $40 per annum.
تم تعيين مكاكافين موظف صحة في سنة 1903، براتب قدره 40 دولارا في العام.
تم تعيين مكاكافين موظفة صحة في سنة 1903، براتب قدره 40 دولارا في العام.