With family by his side, Jack passed away peacefully on June 29, 2017 at Sunnybrook Hospital in his 93rd year. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Brown) for 57 years. Loving father and grandfather of Kathryn (Ron Gough) of Appin and their children Rosalyn, Jonathan, Tracey; Eric (Val) and their children Matthew, Andrea, Melanie of Mississauga; Andrew (Michele) and their children Aidan, Avery of Mississauga. He is survived by his brother Hugh (Nona) of Appin and his sister Dorinne Howlett of Lambeth, sister-in-law Kathleen Stubbs of Balsam Lake and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister Phyllis Gillies of Glencoe and his brothers-in-law Stanley Gillies, Mike Howlett and Fred Stubbs.
He was born in Ekfrid Township, the eldest child of Milton and Catherine (Patterson). He attended SS#6 Ekfrid, Glencoe High School and the University of Western Ontario. Jack taught elementary school in Melbourne, Petrolia and Wallaceburg before moving to the town of Leaside. During the summers he also taught Physical Education courses for the Ontario Department of Education. He retired from East York Board of Education as Vice Principal in 1979. Jack curled for many years at East York Curling Club. He was passionate about his plants and flowers. His summers were spent at the cottage on Balsam Lake. Competing at cards, bridge, lawn bowling, or softball were always welcome pursuits. Many thanks to Dr. Andy Smith, Dr. Sheldon Tobe, Dr. Doug Goodall, and all the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital for the excellent care Jack has received for many years. A visitation/reception will be held in Toronto at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Dr. on July 18, 11 am – 2 pm. Visitation in Glencoe will be on Wednesday, July 19, 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm at Van Heck Funeral Home,172 Symes Street, Glencoe where the memorial service will be held on July 20 at 1 pm. Interment will be at Appin Cemetery, with reception to follow at the Appin Community Centre. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation or Appin Presbyterian Church. www.vanheckfuneralhome.ca
