For 84 years, he walked softly on the earth, leaving barely a footprint and sharing his love of nature with his family and friends. On October 6, 2008
he left us, surrounded by those who loved him, knowing he will be missed.
Jack was born on August 11, 1924 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. He had a typical prairie childhood, playing hockey with his brothers, Philip and Leonard and sister, Iris, and hanging out at the family’s bookstore. He was involved in scouting, stamp collecting and spent hours at the pool, diving. Jack served in the Navy in WWII, then married Ione Wheeler in 1950. They moved to Calgary and had three girls (poor Jack!) and he put his artistic talents to use as a draftsman.
Jack dedicated his life to his family, teaching his girls the value of life, love, family, respect, hard work and a good sense of humour. After an early retirement, he and Ione moved to Salmon Arm in 1979, enjoying gardening and camping and fishing with Iris and Henry (Wallensteen) and friends. Jack paddled, tied on flies and cleaned fish, while Ione caught the big ones. They skied and played a lot of tennis as well, becoming active members at Cedar Heights after their move to Sorrento in 1994. Jack also enjoyed a good round of golf and a game of snooker. He was still on the tennis court at the age of 82 when an old skiing injury finally slowed him down.
Jack will be lovingly remembered by Ione, his wife of 58 years; daughters, Cheryl (Rick) Semenzin of Sunnybrae, Deb Phillips of Calgary and Pam (Jim)Donaldson of Notch Hill; and his grandchildren, Brett and Dustin Semenzin and Janelle and Wesley Phillips. The family would like to thank all those who helped with Jack’s care, especially Dr. C. Weicker, Dr. A. Preto, the Kamloops Renal Clinic, Community Care, We Care and Bastion Place. Special thanks to Dave Wallensteen.
No formal service will be held by request. Donations in Jack’s memory may be sent to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation - Community Care, Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N3 or the South Shuswap First Responders Association, Box 555, Sorrento, BC, V0E 2W2. Email condolences may be sent to
sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bower’s Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.