Jack Gilbert

A true gentleman has passed away. Jack was born August 27, 1920 and died May 11, 2013 in his 93rd year. He will be dearly missed by his daughters Judy McKerrall (Bill) and Janice McEachern (Mal). Jack was entirely devoted to his grandchildren Dan McKerrall (Carissa), Laura Kitchen (Adam) and Brock McEachern (Natasha) and he enjoyed hearing about their accomplishments. He was so proud to be great-grandpa to Katya and Alexis McKerrall, Fynnley and Keeley Kitchen and Hayden McEachern. They brought immense joy to him. Jack was predeceased by his wife Thelma (nee Thomas) (1994), his granddaughter Janelle McKerrall (1979), his parents Alfred and Ethel, his brother Alf, his sister Dorothy Ball and his sister-in-law Hazel Anderson. He was a proud World War Two veteran who served as a Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineer. He always maintained that “the ones who were left behind were the true heroes”. After the war he joined his father-in-law in business at Thomas and Gilbert Electric. Later, Jack owned and operated Jack Gilbert Electric. In his little shop, he would fix or do anything for anyone in the blink of an eye. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his loyal customers for many years. The business still operates today as Gilbert-McEachern Electric Ltd. and Jack was honoured to be able to work for over 60 years at the business he loved so much. In his early years, Jack was an avid bowler and enjoyed dancing with Thelma on Saturday nights. He spent summers with his family at Turkey Point where he enjoyed boating, fishing and corn roasts. Since 1980, he vacationed in Bala, Muskoka where he celebrated many birthdays and happy times at the cottage with his family. Jack was a strong but gentle-caring and well-respected man. He had a special way of offering encouragement while allowing others to make their own decisions. He was thoughtful and generous and also, he was strong- willed and steadfast in his beliefs and wishes. Many thanks are extended to nurse Abby - you are a true credit to your profession. Our sincere appreciation goes to Linda, Nancy, Pam and Lisa at Charlotte Villa. As per Jack’s specific wishes-there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment of his ashes will be held at Farringdon Burial Ground.

The family will receive friends at the “THORPE BROTHERS’ CARRIAGE HOUSE”, 96 West Street on Friday May 17th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm to share memories of Jack. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Grand River Conservation Authority or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in Jack’s Memory in the Grand River Watershed.

Online condolences may be made at www.thorpebrothersfh.com

Hard- working hands are now at rest.

Fond memories will be ours forever.