March 24th, 1925 – April 9th, 2016
Loving husband, father and grandpa, Jack passed away peacefully on Saturday evening April 9th, 2016 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He was born on March 24th, 1925 in Stonewall, Manitoba.
Jack enlisted in the RCAF in 1943 and graduated as an air gunner. He worked as a projectionist as a young man then in 1946, he and his new wife moved from Trail to Vancouver where, as he was taking an electrical course, he was hired by BC Tel. He retired from there 37 years later, moving to Vernon in 1988
He was known as a “Jack of all trades” – tackling projects that seemed impossible – like digging basements under his houses, lifting a whole house by jacking up each corner in turn, and buying a basement foundation on a lot, designing and building, on his own, a 3 storey home for his growing family.
He designed and built “the first tent-trailer” for his family to enjoy camping. He was a “Cub-leader”, worked with “Junior Achievement”, was Treasurer of John Howard Society of B.C., enjoyed curling and playing bridge and was an active member of All Saints Church. He was happiest when he was
working on a project, helping family and friends.
Jack will be lovingly remembered by Lily, his wife of 71 years;
His children: Marjorie Close (Wayne), John (Edna), Robert (Sue), Howard (Cheryl), Paul (Sonya).
His grandchildren: Krista (Shane), Karen (Eric), Elizabeth, Peter (Lynda); David (Tracy), Ken (Tannis); Jessica; Shane (Cheryl), Christopher, Dawn (Steve); Felicia (Ramy), Tannis, Olivia.
His great grandchildren: Andrew, Ethan, Graydon, Maya, Phoenix; Gaje, Taya, Noah, Wade, Jack, Holt, Noelle; Dylan, Lyndan, Aydan, Dannan, Dayn, Lyan, Catherine, Nova, Berlyn; Sonly.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at All Saints Anglican Church Vernon on Sunday April 17th, 2016 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a Charity of your choice.