Howard Merton Jack

It is with profound sadness that the family of Howard Merton Jack announces his peaceful passing at the age of 84 in the Dartmouth General Hospital on Friday, October 18, 2024. Born June 25, 1940, in Seaforth (Ont), he was the son of the late Reverend Hugh and Anna (Brell) Jack.

Howard will be lovingly remembered, and greatly missed, by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce, who cared for him as he suffered from Parkinson’s disease. He will be dearly missed by family members; sons, Kevin (Kerri), Gregory (Susan), Darryl (Nicolette); grandchildren, Aleksander, Daniel (Allison), Keiran, Brandon, Olivia, Sophie; brother, Ronald (Orillia, Ont); sisters, Barbara (Campbellford, Ont), Sheila (Toronto, Ont); many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Howard was predeceased by his sisters, Frances and Marie, and brother William.

Howard grew up in Sydney, Cape Breton, and met the love of his life, Joyce, while they were both working at Keltic Lodge during their university years. Howard spent many an hour hitchhiking from Mount Allison University, where he studied Commerce, to Acadia University to spend time with his future wife. Joyce and Howard eventually married and moved to Dartmouth to start their new life together.

Howard was a long-standing and dedicated member of Iona Presbyterian Church in Dartmouth serving as an elder for many years, and actively involved in various committees and initiatives within Iona as well as with the Presbyterian Church of Canada. A retired accountant, Howard worked in several prominent organizations, and also served on various boards. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his family including family dinners, Christmas celebrations, and family trips; memorable vacations included trips to the Yukon, across Canada, to California and the Grand Canyon, to Disney World, and more recently a trip to Newfoundland with Joyce and her two sisters and their husbands.

Howard enjoyed watching sports such as tennis, curling, and his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Howard was proud of his sons and all of his grandchildren; he especially loved attending his grandchildrens’ soccer games, recitals, and activities.

Special thanks to the Admiral Long Term Care Centre and their wonderful staff who took great care of him over the past year.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at Iona Presbyterian Church, 90 Lucien Drive, Dartmouth, at 6pm, the Rev. Dr. P.A. (Sandy) McDonald officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life from 7-9pm in the hall downstairs at Iona Presbyterian Church. A private family burial will follow at a later date in Seaside Cemetery, Seal Harbour.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Nova Scotia or Iona Presbyterian Church. Cremation will take place under the care of A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth. On-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com