Jack Fawkes

John (Jack) Fawkes, beloved husband of the late Vera Fawkes,

passed away at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary at

the age of 96 years.

Jack was always a gentleman. He never had a harsh word for anyone and found great pleasure in helping his neighbours and serving his community, volunteering for various events and activities in Canmore throughout the years. Jack spent his early years in Calgary and Vancouver and served in the RCAF for four years as an airplane mechanic during WWII. Every plane that was worked on had to be test flown (by pilot and mechanic). Most of the married fellows were afraid of flying, but Jack enjoyed flying and took all he could get at 75 cents per flight. He was a life long member and staunch supporter of the legion.

After the war Jack spent a year pursuing an apprenticeship in pharmacy at UBC. In 1943 he married Fern Whitman and had two children, Brenda and Spencer. In 1948 Jack and Fern divorced, returning to the family farm in Namaka AB in 1951. He married Vera McKay of Fresno, California in 1957; and together, they had two children Debra and Murray. Jack and Vera moved to Canmore with Debra and Murray in 1973. This was to help work and manage the Wildlife Unlimited Game Farm at Seebe, AB where they were co-owners. Over the years Jack worked at various jobs including construction in the Kananaskis Park and night watchman at the Lafarge cement plant.

Sports were always a passion in Jack's life. He played hockey in his younger years, and enjoyed curling throughout his life. Horseshoes were always a favourite on the farm. Jack took up golfing in Canmore, and was a life time member at the Canmore golf club, often doing his daily round of golf. The highlight was getting a "hole-in-one" at age 75. During the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics, Jack and Vera greatly enjoyed volunteering at the Canmore Nordic Center. In his later years he was a participant in the Alberta Senior's games, being awarded the 55 plus Wild Rose Award for eldest participant in 2009 and 2011. Jack travelled extensively with Vera throughout the world. There was often a golf trip thrown in for good measure. He was actively involved with the senior's center and enjoyed carpet bowling and bocce ball with his many friends up until age 94. Jack was also an avid reader and preferring to read autobiographies. Jack also enjoyed doing puzzles and playing crib and scrabble with Debra and her children. Jack was happy to live at home with his grandson, Jeremy, as his roommate for the last year of his life.

Dad will be greatly missed by his four children and grandchildren; Brenda and son-in-law Bill Becker and their three children, Curtis, Shauna and Chris; Spencer and daughter-in-law Sue Fawkes and their two children, Clay and Christopher; Debra and son-in-law Colin Tynedal and their four children, Andrea, Evan, Jeremy, Elisa; and Murray Fawkes. Jack is also survived by his sisters Margaret Peterson and Jean Pischke. He was predeceased by his sister Nancy Shaw and brother William Fawkes.

The family would like to thank the tireless efforts of the staff at Unit 38 Peter Lougheed Centre for their gracious care and support of Jack and the family during his last days. We would like to thank the meals on wheels team as well, and homecare in Canmore for their care and support over the last 3 years.

A Memorial Service was held at the Creekside Hall, Canmore Senior's Center, on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.