Jack died peacefully on August 12, after a long struggle with cancer.
Jack was born in Saskatoon, and grew up in Swift Current, Vancouver Island and Edmonton. After studying math and physics at the University of Alberta, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, becoming a navigator. His work in search and rescue, transport command and air defence took him all over the world and to postings throughout Canada and the United States.
In 1996, Jack retired from the Air Force as a major, and he came home to Victoria with his family. In his retirement, he took a job providing security at Government House, and spent many of his years there working alongside his wife, Jan. He finally retired in 2017. Throughout his retirement, he was active in the Vancouver Island Aircrew Association.
In his leisure time, Jack enjoyed watching old movies; he was an accomplished solver of crossword puzzles, a keen observer of politics, and a lover of cats. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Elizabeth. He is survived by Jan, his wife of nearly 52 years, his children, Jennifer (Peter) and Jamie, his siblings Hugh (Dorell), Marian (John) and Medi, and his grandchildren Julian and Evan.
Special thanks to the doctors at the Cancer Clinic in Victoria, and to the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Victoria General Hospital who took excellent care of Jack in his final weeks.
A memorial Mass will be held on October 10 at 11:00, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sidney.
Condolences and shared memories may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Tracey Larter
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Herb and Margaret LeRoy Dear Jan and Family,
Margaret and I were sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. It was an honour to know him and to have had the opportunity to work with the both of you at Government House. I know that Jack was very well thought of by all, especially by Their Honours, the Gardoms. We hope you find some comfort in knowing the importance of his contributions to Queen and Country.Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Warm regards,
Herb and Marg LeRoy
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Peter Many years ago in Air Transport HQ at CFB Trenton, Major Jack Bryce was in the Satellite Operations office and I was in the Intelligence office. We were both originally Navigators, so we chatted every now and then. Shortly after I arrived in Victoria, I went to an open garden event at Government House. I was surprised to see that the guard was Jack Bryce! I asked him how he got the job. He told me, “During all our years in the RCAF, my wife came to every posting. When we retired in 1996 I told her that she could choose our new home, and she chose Victoria.” After a few months of civilian life, Jack had completed most of the things that he had always planned to do in retirement. “One morning I looked around and announced that I would like to renovate the kitchen. Later that day, Jan called the Commissionaires and got me this job!” Per Ardua ad Astra (slogan of the RCAF)
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John S MacIntosh Jan. My heartfelt condolences. Jack was a true friend and thought of frequently . I know he will be missed by many. We had some wonderful times and experiences together. I will continue to think of him often
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Ken Yates Our deepest condolences to Jan and the family. Jack was a good friend when we were on Yukons in Trenton. He was always ready to help, always friendly and always full of good humour.
Ken & Sharon Yates
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dan korolyk So sorry to hear about Jack, he was a great person. I Really enjoyed working and hanging out with him when we worked together at Government House. Condolences to the family from Dan and Denise.
I will always remember Jack so tall and handsome in his uniform and able to lift me up to the ceiling when I was just 3 or 4 years old back at his uncle Jack’s house in Swift Current. Many time Jack and Hugh visited my dad, Jack, and we shared many conversations about the old days and what had transpired since. I am so grateful to have gotten to know this gentle and kind man – my cousin Jack. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jan, Jennifer and Jamie. See you in heaven, Jack.