With great sadness that we announce the death of John (Jack) Shipley. He leaves his loving family; wife Nancy, children Ian (Christine) and Heather, and grandchildren Bryan, Lynda, Amanda and Tanya. He also leaves Nancy’s children and grandchildren, and so many friends, all who loved him dearly.

He will be remembered by his surviving siblings Audrey (Harry), George (Louise), Barbara and Arlene, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Don, Margaret and Russell and his parents George and Ruby.

Known to many as Jack, he lived a very full life. Born in Victoria, he graduated from Oak Bay High (1951).  He was a talented rugby player, a bass drummer in the Canadian Scottish Regt. and an accomplished gardener. He was a certified automotive mechanic and could repair almost anything.

In his professional life, he was called John, a well respected firefighter.

He served 31 years in the Victoria Fire Department, retiring in 1992 as a Battalion Chief.

He was instrumental in the restoration of the 1896 Waterous steam pumper and obtained a Steam engineers ticket to operate it. On retirement, Jack turned his attention and dedication to restoring antique apparatus from the Department’s past. He was one of the founding members of the Victoria Fire Department Historical Society.  Together, they spent many hours restoring the department’s antique vehicles and memorabilia. The “Steamer” and several trucks have been prominent in Victoria Day parades and have travelled extensively in Canada and the United States, promoting Victoria tourism.

For those who knew Jack, his real passion was fishing. Jack will be most remembered as the consummate fisherman.  His lifelong enjoyment and expertise as a commercial and sports fisher made him a legend on the waters off Oak Bay and Bamfield.  There, he spent many happy hours in the Drift-Fisher bucktailing for Coho or jigging and trolling for Spring Salmon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

Donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Patricia Hall

    To the Shipley family, my deepest condolences on the death of Jack. I
    remember the family well from my teen years when I shared many a Sunday family dinner at the house after going to Sunday school with
    Barbara. Today I would never walk in the dark like I did then to get to my home on Shakespeare St. I am sorry I cannot attend the service for Jack who I remember as Barbara’s big brother. Remember me to all as Pat Sinclair with great memories of a great family.

  • Gerry Lister

    My deepest condolences Nan, Ian and Heather! Ship and I go away back even before the Fire Service! John would always drop off a salmon for my Mother! Ship worked at Broad Street B A and I washed cars there for Charlie Bell! Ship was always such a pleasure to work with there and it continued on into the Victoria Fire/Rescue! Gone but not forgotten many a fond memory was shared with John. I will always cherish them for there will be no more! Mourn you must, but always keep Ship’s memory if your hearts! You only die if you’re forgotten in the hearts of those you leave behind, Ship will have eternal life in my heart! Rest in Peace Ship. Some friends are forever!

  • Sandy cris9

    The Crisp family would like to send our condolences to your family. We were sad to hear of Jack’s passing.
    Sandy remembers Jack driving the players to soccer practice in the back of his truck. He also enjoyed teaching Ian’s children at Oaklands School.

    Nelson Crisp and family

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