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
What a huge loss. My friendship with Jack dates back to when I sold him and his dear wife an oceanfront condo in Nuevo Vallarta – and he sold me on the idea of moving to Arizona – and we went on to develop two very successful projects together. I miss our times together; the giggles; the business lunches; and his never-ending appetite to be negotiating deals. My heart-felt condolences to Teresa and the family. Jack, you made an indelible impression on me and my appreciation for you will never stop, Jeff
My memories of Jack are having a lot of fun together leading Context programs, miming “To All the Girls I’ve loved before” as Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias and performing the Monty Python skit “The Four Yorkshiremen”. He was a dear friend and colleague with infectious energy. He is sorely missed in my heart and many many others. All my love to Teresa and family.
My sincere condolences to Teresa and the family. Teresa, Jack, and I attend NWSS, but I didn’t get to know Jack well. I knew him by reputation… kind,
brave, innovative, and loyal. From a distance I feel the loss of a good man in the world.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing, Teresa. He was such a go-getter and always smiling. He helped us realize a true dream in Renfrew. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jack, a man whose courage in battling cancer was matched only by his boundless love for his family.
My brother in law was not only the best husband, father to Becky and Trisha, Papa to his grandbabies, but a cherished mentor to my own children. His laughter, his playful antics (although sometimes embarrassing) brought such joy to everyone especially his grandchildren, and his wisdom instilled values of kindness, respect and love in all who knew him.
Jack’s legacy will live on in so many hearts forever.
His words of “be kind and love” will be remembered by so many.
So sorry for your loss Theresa, Becky, and Trisha. Jack was a wonderful man! His generous spirit, quick mind, and great sense of humour are some of the many qualities that come to mind when I think of him. I feel fortunate for the times that we shared.
Ross and Evie
Dona: Thinking of you and all your family at this time. I have fond memories of all the fun we had as neighbours and friends playing inside and outside our homes on Amess Street in New Westminster with our brothers and sisters, including your little brother Jack. Sending many condolences to you and all your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Carol
The Julseth family: I’m Very sorry for your loss! My condolences ! I met Jack at a young age in Sapperton ( New Westminster ) A few years later he joined us in the car business! Jack had a infectious personality and was destined for success!! I’m very disappointed I never reached out all these years later! R.I.P. Jack ! Rob Mallett !
Sorry to hear about your loss Thersea, my condolences to you and your family.
Gordie Jung
I only met him in the development business a few times but was impressed with his interpersonal skills.Truly a man who could put you at ease in his presence. A loss for Victoria . Jack Basey