Jack LEWIS

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LEWIS: It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father Jack (John) Lewis on October 23, 2017. Jack was born John Lewis to John and Lily Lewis in Birmingham, England on May 11, 1939, the oldest of 11 children. Jack embarked on a journey to Canada in May, 1953 on the TSS Columbia and took up residency in Virden, Manitoba where he farmed with his uncle until the farm was sold. In 1959 with no real life direction and without giving it much thought he walked into the recruiting office in Winnipeg at the age of 20 and joined the Canadian Military. It wouldn’t be until 1965 he would become a Canadian Citizen. Jack would meet his future bride while on leave in Birmingham on what Jack described as a stormy nigh. Jack asked Doreen to dance and little would they know that night would be the first night of many nights dancing throughout their married life. In February, 1963 Doreen and Jack were married in Edinburgh, Scotland. They would return to Canada to Winnipeg where their first child was born. Jack was a wonderful photographer and his capturing of his son’s first year of life was evident in the family photo albums. Jack and Doreen would go on to have three more children. During his time in the military he was posted to Germany, Winnipeg and Shilo. He was also a part of two peace keeping missions to Egypt and Cypress. Dad retired from the forces in 1989 and worked for a couple of years at odd jobs until he fully retired. It was in the early 70’s that Jack found the hobby that kept both he and Doreen busy for three decades. Jack’s love of square/round dancing and calling took both he and Doreen all over the province, country and North America as they taught and led many a square and called at many a jamboree. They met many friends during this time and built some wonderful memories.Jack also enjoyed his summers at the trailer at Pelican Lake where he tinkered with whatever needed doing. Jack was well known for his ability to scrounge and barter and trade. He was also a collector of things and nothing gave him greater joy than building a bike for a child who needed it and giving it to them expecting nothing in return. Jack’s life was a life well lived. He was able to travel extensively and talked most fondly about the times he spent cruising on the ships his son’s worked on. He took great pleasure in sitting at the captain’s dining table and helping out with the onboard dance classes. Jack took a very active role in looking after his grand daughter Sarah, as the two spent many hours together learning from each other. Jack was always willing to offer a helping hand and was known for his outgoing persona. With his health declining, Jack moved to Carberry where he lived in the lodge for a few years before his final move to the personal care home. Jack never complained about his situation and as long as there was a hot cup of coffee available and a place to have a smoke he was content. Jack was predeceased by his father John, mother Lily, brother Steven Paul and his wife Doreen. Left with empty places in their hearts are his children Jamie (Katie), Elaine (Michael), Andrea (Gord) and Adrian (Holly). He will also a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren Kyle and Quinn (Marc), Sarah and Baylee, Shya and Bodhi and great grandson Jordan. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings George, Anne, Michael, Bernard, Christine, Jane, Peter, Tom and Simon and their spouses and children. Cremation has already taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation on behalf of Jack to a charity of your choice. The family is extremely grateful for the staff and medical professionals at the Carberry PCH and hospital for looking after Jack so well and we are forever thankful for his last few years with you. We would also like to thank those in the community of Sprucewoods that helped prolong his time in his own home. Your kindness, generosity and genuine interest in Jack’s well being has never gone unnoticed nor will be forgotten.White’s Funeral Home Carberry, MB in care of arrangements 204-834-2629 www.whitesfh.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 28, 2017