With great sadness, we announce the passing of John (Jack) Strawbridge, on March 27, 2025. Jack passed away peacefully from glioblastoma, surrounded by love and family. He faced his illness with grace, strength, and the quiet dignity that defined his life.
Jack was born in 1943 in Oshawa, Ontario, and spent 45 meaningful years living and working in Newfoundland, a place he held close to his heart. After retiring, he moved to Victoria, BC, where he found new joy and companionship with his beloved partner, Barbara.
He was a proud and devoted father to his daughters Justine (Jim) and Kristina (Oran), and a deeply loved grandfather to Curtis, Sophie, Max, and Finn. Jack also leaves behind his dear sister Susan (Jim).
Jack will be fondly remembered for his love of cooking, his passion for reading, and his gentle, thoughtful spirit. He touched many lives with his quiet strength, dry wit, and warm heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17th, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Friends and loved ones are invited to join in remembering Jack and sharing stories of a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BC Cancer in Jack’s memory.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Strawbridge” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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David Rendell
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Grant Gardner So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack was a pleasure to work with. His impact on Memorial and on the many people that he mentored cannot be overstated. Jack was thoughtful, kind and generous. He also always seemed unflappable and calm despite the challenging situations in which he sometimes found himself in his role in Faculty Relations. It is not surprising to see from the comments of others that he continued to make his skills available through volunteer work in Victoria. He will be missed on both coasts.
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Maureen Volk I am so sorry to hear this news. During my time in administration at MUN, Jack was my most trusted source of wise counsel. I was especially impressed with the way he handled negotiating sessions with MUNFA; no matter how heated the discussions became, he always stayed calm and respectful, never taking the bait. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Annette Staveley and Michael Staveley We were so sad to hear that Jack had died. He was an exceptional colleague and university leader. His wry sense of humour allowed him to listen to everyone’s point of view, and his advice always showed he clearly knew the difference between right and wrong in human affairs. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Annette and Michael Staveley.
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Paul Chancey Jack was a great person to work with and I had the pleasure of doing so for many years. So many good memories! He was hard-working, dedicated, and one of the most fair-minded people I have ever encountered. His love for Memorial was apparent and he understood its fundamental importance to our Province as well as anyone. Jack had a tough job but managed to do it with grace and good humour. He was a fountain of knowledge, emparted wisdom with kindess, and was a mentor to many of us. I will miss him.
My condolences to his family.
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Elena Hannah Kristina and Justine, so sad to hear about your dad’s passing. Arianne, Kito and Adriel join me in sending our sincere condolences.
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Gord Cooke It was a pleasure interacting with Jack at MUN when I was a new instructor twenty years ago. Jack was a guest speaker, a couple times, in my labour relations classes, and it was always fun and interesting when he would share his experience, opinions, and expertise with my undergrads. He was always patient and polite while also nudging them to see things from different perspectives.
Very sorry, to his family and friends, for your loss.
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Rick Roskin Very sad and surprised to hear of Jack’s death. Jack was very helpful when I was Dean of Business Administration at MUN. Others have noted his sharp wit! During stressful times it was a very effective trait.
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Sally Gutsole Hamilton To the Strawbridge Family
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Jack.
Our family back yards bordered each other in the late 1940s in Oshawa and I have fond memories of playing with Jack and Susan as a young child.
I have uploaded three photos on the legacy.com condolence site that is attached to the Globe and Mail. One photo is of Jack and I and a second of Jack and I with Susan. A third shows us dressed for Halloween.
May your memories of happier times comfort you during these difficult days.
Sincerely
Sally Gutsole Hamilton
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Bob Lucas Jack had an elephantine memory, delightful sense of humour and acute sense of what is right and what is not right in human interactions. These attributes made him a significant influence on the development of Memorial University at a critical time in its growth. His gentle manner and kindness to all through the years will not be forgotten. Condolences to Barbara and all family members.
Jack, we will remember you.
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Ian Bowmer Dear Strawbridge family, my sincere condolences at this sad time. Jack was a wonderful colleague who, while sometimes frustrated with me, was always patient and provided great advice. As a novice dean, I relied on his experience and his support. And he was always there for me.
Please know that there are dozens of administrators from MUN who benefitted from his wisdom. He will always be part of our thoughts.
Take care,
Ian
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Paris and Janette GEORGHIOU So sad to hear that Jack has departed this life so soon. He was loved here in St. John’s, by all who knew or worked with him when he was a valued member of the faculty of Memorial University of Newfoundland and was sorely missed when he left. A thoughtful gentleman who it is heartening to know found true love and happiness in his new life and partner in “the West”, and with his daughters and their families.
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Roger Young I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Jack Strawbridge. I met Jack about ten years ago when he expressed interest in joining the Board of Directors of the Victoria-based charity Victoria Cardiac Rehabilitation Society. Jack offered intelligent comment and a thoughtful approach to the issues of the Society. He insured that we considered those whose financial or personal circumstances might have limited access to our program. His sense of humour and quiet demeanour was a true reflection of his humanness and he will be deeply missed by the Board members of the Society.
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Cathy King Dr. Strawbridge hired me back in 2006 for a short term contract at MUN, and that ended up being the place I have continued to work ever since. I only worked with him for a short time, but have very fond memories. He was a fount of wisdom and good advice, and was impressively knowledgeable about so many things. He was a lovely, decent man.
Sincere condolences to Jack’s family and loved ones.
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Chuck Pusateri Jack made a great contribution to the board of Heart To Heart. His suggestions were always thoughtful and he was respectful of the opinions of others. I appreciated his wry sense of humour. He was meticulous in his work and was often the sense of reason in a debate.
I thought it was kinda cute that he met Barbara through our group. Another example of the interesting ways that our lives and loves unfold.
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Karen Hollett I have such fond memories of working with Jack at MUN as a colleague and a friend, and we had many fun times. I continue to quote his witticisms frequently and my husband is still caring for and using the woodworking tools he gave him. I loved hearing about and enjoying photos of his life in Victoria after retirement. Our condolences to Barbara and his family, Karen and John
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Alice Collins I am saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. It was my privilege and honour to work closely with Dr. Strawbridge for three years. A keen intellect and charming wit describe Jack, along with his very deep love and commitment to Memorial University.
Please accept my condolences.
I have very positive memories of Jack, coming from many years at MUN
David Rendell