Mr. Jack Coutts

It was Jack's express wish that both his ashes and those of his wife Anges who passed away in May of 2001 should be present at his memorial. Jo-Ann, Jack's daughter carried in his remains, while Bette will carry in those of her mother. At a later date, these ashes will be spread in the mountains that Jack and Agnes so loved.

John Archibald Coutts, know as Jack to his family and friends, was born May 6th, 1925, in Perth Ontario. His parents were farming folk, and he was the oldest of three boys born into that family. His early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse and one of the stories he shared of that era went as follows: Jack, as a first or second grader, wanted to borrow the teacher's scissors and so raised his hand to seek permission. Granted that request, he walked up to her desk, picked up those scissors, and then walked behind the teacher before returning to his seat. Well, apparently the schoolmarm had some stray hairs sticking out of her hairdo and young Jack quickly and quietly snipped them off behind her back. Observing this, one of Jack's cousins began to laugh uncontrollably, much to the teacher's consternation. She demanded the reason for this outburst and declared there would be consequences if the truth were not told. Not wanting his cousin to get into trouble and already showing his gentlemanly ways, Jack admitted what he had done and then stoically received the strap.

At the age of 18, Jack signed up with the "Harvest Excursion". This was a common practice of that time where large numbers of workers from eastern Canada would travel to the prairies to participate in the fall harvest. Jack was sent to Alberta on a free rail ticket, and for a fare of $15.00 could go back home again after the harvest was completed. He did this for 3 seasons.

In 1947, Jack stayed in Alberta and made his way to Edmonton, looking for work. Hearing that a sawmill in Clearwater, BC was hiring workers, Jack headed further west and thus began his career in the logging industry. He eventually became a head sawyer, a person who positions the log for that initial cut while also sizing up the log to determine optimal usage. It was while working in this job that Jack lost his baby finger. While working in Clearwater, he met Anne Hrychuk a cook in the logging camp. Together they traveled from job to job. In the early 50's , Jack & Anne proceeded north and ended up in the Yukon. They both worked for a gold mining company. For employment, Jack worked in construction, operated a Cat, and started his career as a heavy duty equipment operator, something which spanned well into the 1990's. In 1954 his daughter Jo-Ann Elizebeth Lorraine was born. Jack continued work rotation in the north returning to Edmonton to be with his family on his days off. As time pasted the family grew apart and separated due to his extended shifts in the north.

It was also during his stint in the North that Jack met Agnes Lambert, an attractive woman who had 3 children and was working on site in administration. He would tell you that it was truly her sheer beauty that first drew him to her. In 1965 they were united in marriage, and they then shared over 35 years together before Agnes passed away in 2001. The loss of his wife affected Jack deeply.

It was during the late 60's that Jack and Agnes came to the Fraser Valley. Jack often worked out of town in constructions jobs, but on the side also raised cattle, which was something that had always interested him. Agnes mostly took care of things at home and the story goes that there came a time when she apparently wanted some bees for pollinating her raspberries. Well, Jack complied, and the rest is history. What started out as several hives eventually grew into some 300 hives and a thriving business where they literally processed tons of honey. A record year once produced an amazing 21 tons of liquid gold. Their products were sold in places like Granville Island, the Vancouver Airport, Lonsdale Quay, and one of their regular customers was even the movie star, Linda Carter, also known as "Wonder Woman". Two major floods threatened to wipe out their business while they were still located on Chilliwack Lake Road and so they eventually moved their facilities to Adams Road in Greendale. Overtime, Jack became know a "Chilliwack Jack" or simply the "The Honey Man". Yet in terminology typical of the bee world, he modestly preferred to just call himself a worker and would declare that Agnes was indeed the Queen.

In his later years, Jack's eyesight began to worsen and many of the activities he had so enjoyed became challenges. Yet Jack never was one to complain and when his girls encouraged him to seek out assisted living after a bad fall, he graciously agreed even though it meant giving up the company of his beloved dog, BJ. Jack lived at the Waverly for the past one and a half years, but during that time increasingly struggled with his eyesight and other pains. He would often state that he was so tired and that he just longed to go home to heaven. On April 14th that wish was fulfilled and one can only imagine what that day was like when he finally saw Jesus face -to-face!

Jack also specifically requested that the following song be played at his memorial. The title of the song is "Why me, Lord" by Kris Kristofferson

Why me, Lord. What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I've known.

Tell me, Lord, what did I ever do that was worth loving you for the kindness you've shown.

Lord, help me, Jesus, I've wasted it so

Help me, Jesus, I know what I am

Now that I know that I needed you so

Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand

Tell me, Lord, if you think there's a way I can try to repay all that I've taken from you.

Maybe, Lord, I can show someone else what I've been through myself on my way back to you

Lord, help me, Jesus, I've wasted it so

Help me, Jesus, I know what I am

Now that I know that I needed you so

Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand

Yes, Jack had some regrets in life, but as the song says he was able to entrust his soul to the Lord. It was five years ago that he came to understand how God infinitely loved him in spite of his failures and that this holy God had sent his dearly beloved son into this world to pay the penalty for all sin. Knowing this in his head was simply not enought for Jack. He also personally asked Jesus into his heart that day.

Many of us don't think much about the purpose of bees when they sting. us. Yet these amazing insects were created to not only produce honey, but to also pollinate flowers and thus be greatly responsible for giving us the fruit and vegetables that we enjoy. Never questioning their purpose, they just simply serve. Likewise on that day 5 years ago, Jack surrendered his life to serve the purpose for which he was made, and that was to simply glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

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JACK COUTTS

John (Jack) Archibald Coutts known as Chilliwack Jack the Honey man passed away April 14th 2010 at the Chilliwack General Hospital.

He was born May 6th 1925 in Perth, Ontario. He traveled west in search of work at the age of 17. In 1965 he was united in marriage to Agnes Lambert. Together they formed Chilliwack River Valley Natural Honey. Agnes predeceased him in 2001.

Jack is survived by two brothers Murray (Kaye) Coutts of Perth, Ontario and Allan (Audrey) Coutts of Kingston, Ontario, two daughters JoAnn (Harold) Wells of Calgary, Alberta and Bette (Dennis) Shaw of Victoria, BC, a very special and devoted friend, Doreen Gagnier of Lindell Beach, Cultus Lake, Charles Neels, a remarkable young man that held a special place in Jack’s heart, five grandchildren Mike, Ian, Colin, Corinne, and Kent, eight great-grandchildren and four nephews Doug, David, Paul, and Robert. Also one step-daughter Joanne (Rodger) Smith of Terrace, BC and one step-son Paul (Michelle) Lambert of Victoria, BC.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. R. Insanally and the staff of the Chilliwack Hospital for their compassionate care. Also we would like to thank the staff at the Waverly Seniors Village for all their kindness. Thank you to the residents of the Waverly for their encouragement and friendship.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from Henderson’s Funeral Home Tea Room. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the C.N.I.B. or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.