Jack Gossen

Jack Gossen, 88, of North Vancouver, BC, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, with family by his side. Jack was the youngest of seven children born to Henrich Goosen and Elizabeth (nee Dueckman) on August 30, 1937, in Odessa, Ukraine.

Jack immigrated to Canada with his family in 1948 after a five-year journey out of the former Soviet Union. Jack’s father and eldest brother Henry were taken to join the German army, and although they were able to reunite with Henry after the war, his father was never seen again. Upon arriving in Canada, the family resided in Sardis where Jack went to school and worked on the family farm.

Jack left Sardis as a young man and moved to Vancouver where he met the love of his life, Carole (Walker), at the Burns and Co. Limited where they both worked. They connected over a flat tire and a ride home and their lifelong love began.

Jack and Carole married on October 3, 1964, and raised their children Trevor, Kelly, Michelle and Elaine in North Vancouver. Jack began work at Vancouver wharves in 1962 and after 40 years as a longshoreman, he retired in 2002. Once he retired, Jack had more time to work in his garden where he grew beautiful flowers and delicious tomatoes. He could often be found underneath a car, working in his greenhouse, or puttering in his workshop. Jack could fix anything, including painstakingly rebuilding the electrical system of the family car after it caught fire. Jack never complained, and was always available to help friends, family and neighbours whenever they asked.

Jack and Carole loved to travel and Jack especially loved their time in Mazatlán, Mexico and his daily swims in the Pacific Ocean. Jack and Carole visited many countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas while cruising or traveling with friends and family. A highlight was a trip to Germany to visit the family homestead and race the autobahn at the hands of his brother, John.

Jack will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carole; his children, Trevor (Jennifer), Kelly (Darin), Michelle (Garry) Grant, his five grandchildren, Justin (Ilse), Kara, Jacob, Owen, Kyla Anderson, and two great grandchildren Isabella and Christopher. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and daughter Elaine Anderson.

Jack was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his love for his family was an inspiration to all who knew him.

No service by request.