It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of John (Jack) Ellis Gareb announce his passing. Jack, 76, passed away on Oct 1, 2019 in Vernon B.C.
Jack was born in Golden, BC to John Ellis Gareb Sr and Teressa (Falbo) Gareb on August 21st, 1943. He grew up in Golden and always had a great love for his hometown.
Jack attended Vancouver College for his high school years. He received a scholarship to play baseball at Olympia College and then continued on to the University of Alberta. Jack was a terrific athlete with his main focus being baseball. This connection with baseball stayed with him and he followed his Yankees diligently his whole life.
He married Isabel (Baker) in 1968. They had two children. Kim was born in Brandon, Manitoba. Brent arrived two years later when they were living in Winnipeg. After they divorced he met the love of his life, Cheryl (Hadland) Moore, in Vernon in 2000. They were married in 2004; and became a parents to Scott, Shannon and Ricki Moore.
In 1969 he started his profession in the hotel business with Canadian Pacific. He had a great passion for this profession and worked his way up the ranks in the organization. This included Management positions in Manitoba, the Brandon Inn and the Northstar Inn, Winnipeg. In 1975 he became the general manager of the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton. While working for CP Jack attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, one of the best hotel management schools in the world at the time.
His Career path took him to Calgary. While in Calgary he worked for Metro Ford and was top salesman. He moved back to Golden (1982) where he became the owner/operator of a busy service station/convenience store in the same location his father had owned when Jack was a young boy. Jack arrived in Vernon in 1993 where he became manager of Schubert Centre in 1994.
Jack has left a lasting mark, not only with Schubert Centre, but with the community at large. His generosity and compassion was well known, and will never be forgotten by many individuals and organizations throughout Vernon and the surrounding area. Jack's legacy will live on. The high standard he has set with the Schubert Centre, all the hard work and successful persistence he put into getting Catherine Gardens, and his personal pursuit of excellence is embodied in everything he was associated with.
Jack will always be remembered by his caring nature and ability to really connect with all those he associated with. Jack cherished his years in Vernon. He befriended so many people who touched his life as he did theirs. Jack loved everyone, and loved helping others. He did this in many different ways. Jack Gareb, a remarkable man, with an extraordinary legacy in his family, his faith, and his community.
There was no love greater than he had for his family. Sunday dinners were a regular occurrence in Jack and Cheryl's home, where everyone wanted to be. He was most happy when he was spending time with his grandchildren. He and Cheryl would plan yearly trips where the whole family would get together. He treasured these times and made good memories for his family.
Jack was an active member of the Roman Catholic faith. Jack served his Parish in a number of capacities during his life; he was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a longtime member of the St. James Parish Finance Committee.
Jack is survived by his wife Cheryl and their children; Kim (Bryan) Payne, Brent Gareb, Scott Moore, Shannon Moore and Ricki Moore, grandchildren; Tyson, Jayden, and Zachary Payne; Ashten, Samuel and Isaac White. He also leaves behind his sister Mariam (Pete) Elkington, niece Tessa (Jim) Elkington and first wife Isabel (Grant) Somerville. Along with his brothers and sister-in-laws; Clayton Hadland, Colleen Hadland, Randall (Myrna) Hadland, Robert (Kathy) Hadland, and Deborah Hadland; plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was predeceased by his parents; John Ellis Gareb Sr and Teressa (Falbo) Gareb.
Pallbearers will be Brent Gareb, Bryan Payne, Scott Moore, Samual White, Isaac White, Tyson, Jayden, and Zachary Payne.
Visitation to take place on Friday, October 11, 2019 at 4pm & Vigil Prayers at 5pm at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, 4303 Pleasant Valley Road. Funeral Mass for Jack will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 1 pm at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 2607 - 27th Street, Vernon, BC.
In Lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made, in Jack's name, to the Schubert Centre Society.
The family of Jack Gareb wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Smart and the amazing staff in ICU at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.vernonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home 250-542-0155
Vernon Funeral Home