JOHN (JACK) LAING HARDIE

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JOHN (JACK) LAING HARDIE August 19, 1922 - December 17, 2016 Peacefully, with family by his side, on Saturday, December 17, 2016, Jack Hardie, aged 94 years of Traverse Bay, MB passed away. Jack was predeceased by his wife Alice; parents Margaret and Kenneth; son Ken and grandson J.L. He leaves behind his daughter Margaret (Gerald); grandson Mathieu (Annie) of Quebec; son Robert (Lynn); grandchildren Tyler, Jordyn and Austyn of Nova Scotia; daughter-in-law Deborah of New Brunswick as well as four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his long-time companion Lois Swistun and her extensive family. Jack was born in Verdun, Quebec and grew up in Rosemont. At 14 he left school to become a bicycle messenger in Montreal for the Art Emporium and Crowleys. In early 1940 at 17 he volunteered for the army and served with the 35th Battery, Canadian Light Anti-aircraft. Throughout the Second World War he served in Great Britain, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium and Holland, and was most proud of his service in the Battle of Britain, Battle of Monte Cassino and the Liberation of Holland. He finished his service with the Canadian Provost Corps until his discharge in 1946. Once back in Montreal he returned to work at Crowleys, eventually becoming a partner in the business. He met and married Alice Thompson and raised their three children. He was very involved in his children's activities, coaching both hockey and football. Throughout his career he established many friends with prominent Canadian artists. Jack finished his career in the fine art business at Gallery Continental. After Jack's retirement in 1990, he moved to Birds Hill, MB to join his new partner Lois Swistun and family. In retirement, Jack and Lois travelled extensively, well into Jack's 90's, visiting many art galleries wherever they went. Always active, Jack took up curling when he was 68. In 1997, Jack and Lois relocated to Grand Pines Golf Course where Jack continued his lifelong love of golf. Grandpa Jack's ("Papa Jack" to his adoptive family in Manitoba) genuine kindness, quick sense of humour, unwavering optimism and positive attitude throughout his life set him apart from most and was an inspiration to all. Jack was a true Gentleman. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Knox Presbyterian Church, 341 Eveline St. Selkirk, MB. In lieu of flowers please visit an art gallery in his memory. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Jan 7, 2017

JOHN (JACK) LAING HARDIE On Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Concordia Hospital, Jack Hardie, aged 94 years of Traverse Bay, MB passed away. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in January with a longer obituary to run at that time. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

Publish Date: Dec 24, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2017