Born on July 15th, 1943 in Victoria, BC, Jack passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2024, surrounded by Nicole, his wife of 57 years, his son Paul, and daughter Jennie.
His family will miss him dearly, including brother-in-law Bill (Wendy), sister-in-law Betty (Gary) and niece/nephews Trish (John), David (Roxanne), Devin (Megan) and Mark (Emma), and all their wonderful children carrying on the family traditions into the next generation.
Raised by his parents Marjorie and Alfred, Jack grew up in Victoria where he enjoyed playing baseball, learning and teaching piano, and working as a Customs Officer. Whilst researching his PhD in History from the University of Saskatchewan, Jack lived in England for two years, forever cementing his love of British culture and society.
From 1975 to 2008, Jack was a Professor at Fraser Valley College in Abbotsford, BC. Jack loved teaching, and his lectures on British history were popular. His work building the College into a University was instrumental and a passion project. Jack enjoyed raising his children and was actively involved in a variety of sports and community activities. He also loved to travel. In recent years, Jack retired back to Victoria. After all his travels, he realized there was no place he’d rather be!
Jack will be remembered as an amazing, intellectual man. He was the prototypical example of the life-long learner, studying history with a passion but equally interested in how the lessons of the past could make the world of today better. The best lessons were those taught by example: a boundless love for his family, compassion and humility for everyone he touched, and a wonderful sense of humour.
A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 2:00pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
We are grateful to Dr. Andrew Jervis and VIHA for all their support.
The University of the Fraser Valley has also posted a lovely tribute to Jack. Please follow this link for more information
https://blogs.ufv.ca/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall gardens
15 Responses
I enrolled at FVC as a mature student. I loved reading books about Kings and Queens and world events past and present so I chose History 101 as my first subject. It did not hurt to find a most handsome, charming gentleman behind the desk as I attended my first class. Jack’s knowledge and presentation of history was outstanding and I readily signed up for History 102. He was insightful and kind and seemed to know just where I needed guidance in my essay writing or thinking. To this day I am aware of his influence on my life. My condolences in your loss of a very dear husband and father.
Nicole, I am so sorry to hear that Jack passed away. I remember him as such a kind and friendly family man who was respected professionally by so many. Sending love and hugs.
Nicole, I’m so sorry to have read this news about Jack’s passing. I didn’t know him well but I do remember him being a kind man, letting all the Special Ed staff into your home! My heart goes out to you & your family. Hugs!
Dear Nicole,
I was so sad to read of Jack’s passing. I think of you and your family each day. It was such a delight to be invited to your beautiful home in Abbotsford for staff parties and have a glimpse of the love and joy you and Jack shared. I greatly admired you both so much individually and in your marriage! I loved the humour and fun you shared together and I still smile; remembering “the Gloria story” that one Valentine’s day!
Thinking of you, Paul and Jennie and family … with love and prayers,
Liv Ebdon
Very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a valued colleague at UFV – always interested, always taking time for conversation; one of my favourite people in the College of Arts. I didn’t have the opportunity to take a class with Jack, but I’m glad to have known him, and value his example of generosity of spirit. Condolences to Nicole, Paul, Jennie and extended family.