John "Jake" Joseph Tilbury

The family of John Joseph (Jake) Tilbury is saddened to announce his passing on March 11, 2022. Jake is survived by his wife Clara, and children Trudy, Trent (Karla), Ted (Shauna), Trevor, Troy (Raelyn), and grandchildren Lauren, Cole, Natalie, Jordin, Rebecca and Brianna.

Jake was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), ON, in 1936. He began his work with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) at age 15 to help support the family. Through his years with the CPR, he was posted to Ignace, ON, Moose Jaw, SK, and Winnipeg, MB, before accepting a position with the Rail Safety Division for Transport Canada in Ottawa, ON. Jake and Clara later retired to the Okanagan.

Despite work demands, sports became a major part of Jake’s life. He played junior hockey (Fort William Canadiens), senior baseball and junior football in Thunder Bay. After moving to Moose Jaw in 1967, Jake became involved in the local sports scene as a coach and administrator, garnering Moose Jaw Sportsman of the Year honours in 1971. He was a former president of the Moose Jaw Regals and Devons baseball clubs and worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the Kinsmen Midget Hockey League and Elks Minor Football over a 20 year period.

Jake was active in both the Elks and Kinsmen/ K40 clubs in Moose Jaw and well known for his catering expertise at many fundraising events in the city. He was the Grand Exalted Ruler for the Elks Club in both Moose Jaw and Penticton, BC and a member for over 50 years.

Jake had many colourful stories from his adventures with the CPR and catering endeavours with Clara. Many of his best memories came from Moose Jaw where he had an active social life and a wide group of friends. Jake was very handy, which led to a variety of carpentry projects, renovations, and upgrades, all under Clara’s artistic direction.

Through the years, travel and family vacations were a priority. Family trips to California, European cruises with Clara, and visits to Australia to see Trudy were very memorable for Jake. Later in life, Jake especially enjoyed trips with his sons to see his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Jake was an optimist, able to see the best parts of life, and often expressed gratitude for the many things he was able to enjoy along his journey. We will miss his laugh, his Jake- isms, and his appreciation for the simple things in life, like a good Italian sausage and a cold beer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Jake’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor