John BELCHER

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BELCHER: John Robert (Jack) Belcher, Oct. 7, 1920 – Dec. 25, 2009. After living a full life for 89 years, it is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Belcher early on Christmas morning in the Minnedosa Hospital. Jack was born in 1920 in the McBride area north of Rapid City to Arthur and Laura Belcher where he lived until 1929 when they moved to the brick house north of Rapid City. After school in Rapid City, Jack helped out on the farm. He and his father had a mobile wood saw and grain crusher and did custom work. Jack rarely spoke of his schooling but often spoke of other events in his early years. He often talked of his time spent working for T. C. Sample as a cream truck driver and then later long distance hauling to Winnipeg at 43 m.p.h. In 1942, Jack joined the army, serving in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany with the South Saskatchewan Regiment. In Belgium a mine blew up the carrier that Jack was driving, but luckily Jack and the front of the vehicle were still intact and he was not physically injured. Jack was released from the army in late 1945 and upon his return home he purchased his grandfather’s farm. Jack took some mechanic training in the army and he had a knack for making machines work which was an asset on the farm and his trucking business. In November 1954, he married Bella Bell and they lived on the farm north of Rapid City until Jack accepted the elevator job at Smart Siding. He missed the farm and in 1961 they bought the Gordon Andrew farm east of Rapid City where he resided until his death. Bella and Jack had a mixed farm and they continued to farm until 1980 when they decided to rent the farm to their neighbour and good friend Jim Nevin. Jack worked for Jim until he retired in 1995. Jack and Bella were married for almost 50 years and were blessed with six children – Robert (Wendy) of Calgary, AB; Bruce (Barb); Karen (Douglas) Northam; Eric (Sue); all of Rapid City, Diane (Jim) Kuculym of Oak River; and Lisa (Glenn) Kingdon of Rapid City and 21 grandchildren, all of whom were very special to him. Jack and Bella worked hard on the farm but money was not always plentiful with such a large family. The Belcher home was a place where everyone was always welcome and the coffee pot was always on. Many friends would stop in for a visit and many stories were told of what Jack did as a youngster. Bella and Jack loved to dance and when Bella was still alive they did some travelling and took in many trips to casinos. After Bella’s death, the children went with him as he still enjoyed getting out and visiting with other people and “trying his luck.” Jack and three of his children and a friend were even able to go to Kennossee on Dec. 15, 2009. Jack was predeceased by his wife Bella in June 2004, his parents, and some of his siblings. Jack is lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren; sister Alice Kemp of Brandon and Dorothy Shaw of Russell; sister-in-law Islay Bell of Brandon; brother in-law Laurence (Arlene) Bell of Rapid City and Neil (Mary) Bell of Dauphin. Rev. Barb Jardine officiated and friend Jim Nevin gave the eulogy at the memorial service celebrating Jack’s life. The memorial service was held at the Rapid City United Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Interment followed in Fairmount Cemetery near Basswood. A reception followed at the Rapid City Legion Hall. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jack may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or the MS Society. Arrangements were with Minnedosa Funeral Services. Jim Nevin stated in the eulogy, “On Christmas day Jack gave his family a present. He gave you the satisfaction that you, as a family, have provided for him to the very end. He also chose a day which you will easily remember, and a day in which you will gather to celebrate. I am confident you will choose to celebrate his life. The Bible says there’s a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Mourn for a while, but choose to dance”.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 16, 2010