John HUXLEY

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HUXLEY: John Campbell (Jack) Huxley of Neepawa, MB passed away peacefully on August 15, 2016 at the Neepawa Hospital, Neepawa, MB at the age of 88 years. Jack was born in Welwyn, SK on November 7, 1927 and lived his early years on the family farm at Riverhurst, SK and in Welwyn, SK until the family moved to Carberry, MB in 1939. It was here that Jack received most of his education, and enjoyed hockey and baseball in his youth. In 1943 he spent the summer working on the Alaska Highway with his father. He played Jr. B hockey in Boissevain, and after his schooling, Jack became an apprentice printer with his brother-in-law at the Carberry News Express. He met his future wife, Marie (Hammond) in 1951 while she was teaching at Carberry. They married at Dand, MB on July 29, 1952, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage. In 1953, Jack and Marie moved to Neepawa, MB where Jack managed the Neepawa Press newspaper. In 1954 the couple built a home at 562 Second Avenue, where they raised their family of 3 daughters and welcomed friends, until moving to Elks Manor in 2013, a place they were both happy to call their new home. During Jack’s newspaper career in Neepawa, he became co-owner with John Oslund in 1968, and The Neepawa Press grew in integrity and purpose, having the respect of the community and of the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association. The partnership with John continued for 20 years until John and Jack sold the paper in 1988, and Jack retired. Through his working years and beyond, Jack always set aside time for family and community. The family enjoyed camping trips across Canada, country drives spotting wildlife, searching for projectile points, and many day trips to Big Valley. In his earlier years Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, and attending his daughter’s events. The Neepawa Rotary Club was a big part of Jack’s life and in 2015 he was honored for 50 years of service. Through the years, Jack was also involved with the Neepawa Game and Fish Association, Neepawa Wildlife Association, founding member of Neepawa Elks, Chamber of Commerce, School Board Trustee, Neepawa United Church Board, and in later years, on the Neepawa HAND (Home Assistance Neepawa District) committee and a strong supporter of the Terry Fox Walk. In his retirement years Jack could also be found at the golf course, library, and the Seniors Drop-In Centre, where he welcomed newcomers, and enjoyed a good game of snooker and cards. Jack also loved reading, and watching baseball and hockey games. Jack played an important role in his grandchildren’s lives and most recently was delighted with the arrival of a great-granddaughter. Jack was humble, honest, wise and real. He had a sense of humor, a genuine interest in others, and was appreciative for everyone and everything in his life. He was kind and gentle, and a much loved husband, father, grandpa and friend. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Lynden (Barney) and Margaret Huxley, sister Mayme Lupton, niece Patricia Lupton, and nephew Jack Lupton. Surviving are his wife, Marie Huxley, daughters, Susan Huxley (Rob Buchanan) of Swan River, Joanne Nelson (Wayne) of Neepawa, and Lois Edmundson (Bob) of Brandon, and 6 grandchildren, Shawn Buchanan, Lindsay Buchanan, Kristin Tibbett (Cam), Karla Hackewich (Brad), Jesse Edmundson and Joel Edmundson; also great-granddaughter, Hannah Huxley Tibbett. A Celebration of Jack’s Life was held August 18, 2016 at Neepawa United Church, with Rev. Kristin Woodburke officiating. A private family interment was held at Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, MB. White’s Funeral Home of Neepawa were in care of arrangements. “Happiness...a loving family and good friends”

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 02, 2016