Jack Alfred Wilson

It is with much sorrow that the family of Jack Wilson announce his death on December 18, 2012, in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Jack was born in Camden Town (London) on July 11, 1923. It was in England that he received his schooling and apprenticeship for a later career as an electrician, but all that was interrupted in 1942, when Jack volunteered for service in the Royal Air Force. Discharged in 1947, he went to work for London Electric. Two years later he met Joyce Elsie Knock, whom he married in 1951; after that, however, Canada came calling.

In 1957 Jack and Joyce emigrated, sailing on the newly commissioned Empress of England, whose bounteous dining salons were the highlight of the crossing for a couple still accustomed to the austerity of wartime rationing in Britain and its aftermath. They settled in Winnipeg, where Jack quickly found employment at Manitoba Hydro. Over the years the couple made many new friends and were active in their community. With a glance back to his RAF days, Jack took up gliding at the Winnipeg Flying Club.

In 1984, still only sixty-one years of age, Jack retired from Manitoba Hydro, and that same year he and Joyce moved to the Okanagan, where Joyce’s sister and her husband had previously retired. They bought a house outside of Westbank overlooking the Lake but after a few years moved to a new home in the Sun Village retirement community.

Having settled in comfortably, Jack took up sailing, forsaking the blue skies of Manitoba for the Okanagan Lake’s blue waters. He also continued his membership in the Masonic Order (Trepanier Lodge No. 83, Peachland), racking up in the end over fifty years of service in Manitoba and British Columbia. He sang in the International Choir and travelled with them for concerts both at home and abroad. He participated in play readings but always preferred those with a comic twist to plays of a more serious nature. Jack had in fact a unique gift of comedy all his life.

Jack was predeceased by his brother Maurice. In England he leaves in passing nephews Bob and Alan Wilson (wives Pam and Linda) and niece Daphne Croft (husband Brian); also in Ottawa nieces Pam Sherlow Gahan and Linda Sherlow Lowdon (husbands John and Don).

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 14th, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. in St. George’s Anglican Church, Westbank.

Joyce would like to give special thanks to all their friends, but in particular to those in Sun Village, who have generously supported both of them and her along since Jack’s death. In lieu of flowers a donations to the Salvation Army would be very much appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com and searching his name under stories. Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC (250)762-2299.