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.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall gardens
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Chris Leach
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Kristen Morris I was a student of Jack’s at UCFV and have such fond memories of his classes. I feel very privileged I had the opportunity to have him as a professor.
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Sharon Harrison I was so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My thoughts are with you Nicole, Paul and Jennie. I have so many happy memories of when you lived in Abbotsford. Jack was such a kind hearted gentleman who was always so gracious. Nicole I remember how often you opened your home to so many of us. We had so many good times with you and Jack
being such welcoming hosts. I pray that your wonderful cherished memories of Jack will help your hearts to heal.❤️
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Barbara Messamore Jack was a wonderful, supportive colleague and such a kind man. He did so much to build the University of the Fraser Valley into a great degree-granting institution. He was a great mentor to students and to junior faculty, bringing out the best in everyone. We in the History department often talk about Jack, even though it has been many years since he retired. He certainly has not been forgotten & has left such a positive mark.
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Joan Hogan Nicole, Paul and Jennie, Our thoughts are with all the family at this time. The Saskatoon connections have many happy memories of Jack and Nicole when they were in Saskatoon, when Jack was here at the U of S doing his PhD. Lots of visits and of course bridge.
May happy memories provide solace as you celebrate Jack’s life.
Love and hugs,
Joan and Dan Hogan.
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Morley & Sharon Morgan Our most sincere condolences to Niciole, Paul and Jennie, in the passing of Jack. We are so saddened by his passing. In the many years we shared in Abbotsford, we had many special times with them. Jack was such a gentleman, and pleasure to be with. HIs loss will be felt in a most significant way.
Our thoughts and love are with the family.
In 1993 I had the good fortune of being hired by the UCFV History Department. Jack was Department Chair and I remember well his support and encouragement. But it also quickly became apparent what a transformative influence Jack had on the institution. Jack believed in what great things could be achieved by harnessing the energy and expertise of the faculty, staff and administration of UCFV. Under his leadership and working with stakeholders across the institution soon we were granting our own degrees, the department grew to become ever more diverse and scholarly, and finally the old Fraser Valley College became a full university. Jack’s vision and hard work helped to make all of that possible. His legacy is clear and he will be missed by all those who had the good fortune to have crossed his path.