Jack passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on May 5th at 3:22 pm in the arms of his family, in his home and on his terms. He was born in New Westminster to parents Helen and Cliff Julseth on November 20, 1954. He was the precious brother to sisters Dona Young (Mladen) and Kathleen Julseth-White (Hance). Jack was a remarkable man, husband, father, and his favourite title of all, Papa. He is survived by Teresa, his wife of 46 years; daughters, Becky (Andrew) and Trisha (Ian) and his 4 adored grandchildren, Tristan, Jordyn (Jojo), Hudson and Hanna. He will also be remembered by his cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
In his young adulthood, Jack started working on the tugs for Rivtow Straits which cemented his love of boats and the ocean throughout his life. Soon after Jack discovered the car business in Vancouver. In 1983 he moved to Victoria, with his young family, to join Three Point Motors, the Mercedes dealership. His love of people and passion for cars was the perfect fit. After a few years he became the dealer principal and enjoyed many achievements. He often said his greatest achievement in the car business was the relationships he created with his staff and customers. In the late nineties Jack was struck by the real estate development bug and ventured to Phoenix where he spent a decade creating his visions. He brought that real estate bug back to Vancouver Island and continued realizing his visions in the Victoria area. Eventually he discovered Port Renfrew which became his passion and focus for the rest of his life. His legacy will live on in the spaces he built, the businesses he created and in the lives of the young people he loved and helped get established.
Jack’s curiosity and creativity seeded an incredible variety of endeavors over his years, and his accomplishments are too numerous to list. A few of the highlights include his Mercedes-Benz, Porsche-Audi and Subaru dealerships, as well as launching the first SMART car dealership in Canada. He earned Mercedes-Benz ‘Dealer of the Year’ for Canada for several years running. His passion for innovative affordable housing led him to create several supportive housing developments for VIHA, of which he was very proud. He was also responsible for the vision and execution of the remediation of the Bamberton cement factory lands, which at the time was the largest ever privately-funded environmental remediation project in British Columbia.
Jack’s motto, which so many who worked with him continue to draw inspiration from, was “Just be nice to each other and do the right thing”. He touched many lives with his kindness, generosity and love. Always an optimist, he believed that anything was possible. His dreams and visions were huge and he inspired many. To know Jack was to love Jack. His light will shine on through the eyes of his precious daughters, grandchildren and all those whose lives he touched.
A special thanks to Dr. Kevin Wade and Dr. Howard Joe who went over and above with compassion and kindness. We are forever grateful.
Celebration of life details to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
42 Responses
Theresa, so sorry to read of Jack’s passing. We were next door neighbours when you renovated your home on Newport Avenue. We send our condolences at this very sad time.
Pat & Gary Kehl
Dear Teresa and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Jack was a very special person.Wishing
you peace at this difficult time.
Leslie Duncan and Nicole Roberts
Jack was my first employer when I was in high school back in the late 80s. I have many fond memories of him, his family, and time spent working around their homes and the dealership. I have held onto many valuable insights and lessons he imparted. My sincerest condolences to Teresa, Becky, and Trisha.
Jack was a good, caring and very creative Man, who positively affected many, myself being one, with a number of his ventures. One of which I’m a proud Owner of one of his cottages he first built in Port Renfrew. He would make himself available and truly wanted to hear what others said and would always help, generously.
I will remember Jack, fondly. Gone too soon, but will never be forgotten.
Sharon and I had a visit with Jack three weeks ago. Although many years had passed since we had been together, it was a truly wonderful visit. We hugged, laughed, cried, and reminisced.
Jack will always have a special place in our hearts.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I really enjoyed Jack’s sense of humour and our time working together in Arizona as well as in Victoria. Sincere condolences to all the family.
Dave Osmond. Parksville. BC.
Godspeed, Jack. You shared your Port Renfrew adventure with us and I will be forever grateful.
Like many, I knew Jack through Three Point Motors where I bought two Mercedes cars in the 80s and 90s. He was such a pleasure to be with any time I had dealings with him. What I remember most was his infectious sense of humour and boyish charm in those dealings. He brought a youth and vigor to Victoria’s traditionally staid, conservative Mercedes dealership that everyone in the city appreciated. Like many, I will miss him.
Dear Theresa and family,
With deep sadness and I’m writing this note in the memory of Jack. I remember Jack for his witty sense of humor, his generosity, love for his family and friends.
I remember the first time we met in Vancouver at your home changing Becky’s diapers and cracking jokes about it. The beautiful moments we spent together with our families in Hawaii vacation and all the fun times in Vancouver, Victoria and Arizona. I’m so sorry for your loss and the pain that entire family is going through. He will forever stay in my heart.
My sincere condolences!!!
Gabriel
My son Neil was one of the many young people who Jack mentored and inspired with his creative approach to life, as well as business. I will be forever grateful for the love, knowledge and experience he shared with Neil, especially his infectious zest for “the project”. My love to Teresa, Trish and Becky.