of Edmonton
May 13, 1922 - Jul 22, 2012
Jack died peacefully on Sunday, July 22, 2012. His wife Irma died in April.
He is survived by his sister, Jean Campbell of La Jolla; sons, Bill (Aline), John (Janice) and Eric (Lorraine); and daughter, Mary. Granpa will also be fondly remembered by his 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Jack was born in Fernie, B.C. and was raised in Coutts, AB and Nelson B.C., where he played junior hockey. He was a Lancaster bomber pilot in WWII and after a mid-air collision was, as he would say, the guest of the Germans for almost 2 years in Stalag Luft 3, the POW camp that was the scene of The Great Escape.
On his return to Canada he came to Edmonton for University where he went to Dental School and started his 65 year love affair with mom. They were role models as parents and how love should be.
After graduation, Jack set up his office on 105 Street just north of Whyte Avenue and practiced there, mostly with Dr. Jim Matheson as his partner, until his retirement. He was known as Gentle Jack and his patients loved him.
Dad was always involved in the community, as a scout leader, supporter of the arts, President of the Alberta Dental Association, Rotarian, sessional lecturer at the UofA and a host of other associations. He loved the outdoors and he loved people. He always had the enthusiasm and energy of someone doing something for the first time. Dad lived a good life.
We’ll be celebrating Jack’s life well lived at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club, 9450 Groat Road, Edmonton, on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. Please remember Jack by making a donation in his memory to the Citadel Theatre or another arts organization of your choice.
Our family would like to thank all of Jack’s friends and former patients for their calls and kind notes.