(JACK) JOHN PARKER VALLANCE

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(JACK) JOHN PARKER VALLANCE Surrounded by friends and family, Jack Vallance's long and courageous struggle with cancer ended at the St. Boniface Hospital on December 24, 2011 - one day short of his 56th birthday. Special thanks to the ambulance/emergency workers and the doctors/nurses at St. Boniface Hospital Emergency, 5-E Medicine and Palliative Care for their compassionate care. Jack will be missed by all who knew him, especially his brothers: Carl (Kathy), Gordon (Linda), Craig (Veegee), Bradley; his sister Kimmie (Thomas); his half sisters Alana Seavers and Allison (John), as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack will also be remembered with love by his foster family: Pete, Irene and Naomi de Graaf. He was predeceased by his father Robert Vallance, his mother Donna Seavers, and his stepfather Ernie Seavers. Jack had many interests and talents and it gave him great pleasure to share with friends. Jack had a passion for cooking and spent most of his career in food service. He began as a short-order cook at Salisbury House. He cooked at the Norwood Hotel, the hotel in Keewatin, Ontario, the Baffin Island Hotel, at the DEW line, and he worked as a chef at several Northern Lodges - including Schmerler's, Stringer's and Healy's. As well, Jack was a talented musician and he enjoyed listening to his favourite musician - Liberace. He taught keyboard and demonstrated pianos/organs for McLean's; played organ/piano at Lockport Community Church; played piano at Amber Meadows and was proud to be the organist at Calvin Presbyterian Church until the week before he passed away. For years, Jack had volunteered to entertain residents at River East Personal Care, Maples Personal Care, Riverview Health Centre, Victoria Hospital and at several Legions. Most recently, Jack purchased a computer and worked diligently at becoming proficient. He truly lived up to the name Jack of All Trades . Throughout his life, Jack forged lasting friendships; nurtured pets: including birds, fish, and a variety of furry creatures; demonstrated his green thumb for indoor plants and outdoor gardens. Jack also took pride in his cars, his road trips, treasured his collection of cook books, clocks and music boxes. Jack's favourite travels were to England, Hawaii and road trips to British Columbia, California, Las Vegas. Jack had a wonderful, generous spirit and, despite his own health challenges, he always put the concerns of others before his own. Rev. Ken Innes will officiate at a service celebrating Jack's life on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at Calvin Presbyterian Church at 95 Keewatin Street in Winnipeg. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit or to Calvin Presbyterian Church. For online condolences, more information or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2012