John "Jack" Armstrong

John Armstrong, affectionately known as “Jack”, was born on April 11, 1940 and was raised at 6 Leggah St. Belfast Northern Ireland, Country Antrim. His Parents were John and Elizabeth Armstrong. Jack was raised with two siblings, his sisters, Eileen and Anna. Regular visits occurred at his grandma’s house on Shankle Rd. Jack loved and cared for his family very much.

Always able to express himself well, Jack possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Blessed with an approachable attitude, Jack was able to relate well to others. He often had the opportunity to ease tense situations. Armed with a great wit, Jack always tried to be accepting of others, and to implement a strong personal work ethic. Jack was attentive and charming. A good listener, he was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to relationships.

As a young man, Jack demonstrated his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and sociable. Jack enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. In his spare time, he took part in cycling, fishing, painting, and photography. He was involved with a cycling club, along with a friend Hilda Osborne. Jacks memorable achievements included cycling awards and building bikes.

Known to others as a focused, laid back and driven individual, Jack was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in life. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to increase his personal learning style through employing hands on approach. He was exceptionally talented with factual statistics and mathematics.

Jack decided after much thought to leave his beloved family and immigrate at the age of 20. He landed by ship in Detroit Michigan USA. He eventually made his way to Canada for which he would put down roots and call it home.

His first stop was in Toronto. His first friend was Milton Wiltshire. Again, his direct approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked.

Jack earned an Interior Decorating Diploma from a Chicago College, and used that knowledge to enter in a career in sales.

While in Toronto, Jack attended a dance and met the women who would become his wife. On August 31/1963 Jack exchanged wedding vows with Elizabeth Robertson Curry, a girl from Cardenden Fife Scotland.

Jack and Liz were married for 41 yrs. and had a wonderful life together. Although the road was at times tough, after continued commitment they received congratulatory certificates from the Prime Minister of Canada and from the Queen of England.

Jack and Liz were blessed with two children Karen (Dylan) and Leah. They would also later be blessed with two grandchildren Shelby and Noah.

Jack adored his children and grandchildren. He identified with the curious and creative side of each individual personality. He was able to direct his energy and love towards helping them acquire life skills. He took the time in teaching life lessons.

Friends found Jack an easy man to know and love. Those close to him would often praise his open and practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Jack was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were.

Some of Jacks best friends were Harry McBurney, Gord & Shirley Thomas, Hank & Johanna Storch, Fran & Marcel Valade, Maureen & Bernard Jackson, Cookie, Joan, Mike and Flo Foster and Isobel and Larmor Watson. He also had the pleasure to meet many other acquaintances.

Many of these treasured friends became family to the Armstrong clan in Canada. Being so far from Ireland with no relatives for his children, friends became Aunts and Uncles. Jack was very proud to have accumulated a plentiful amount of friendships over the years.

Jack was a dedicated worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. His primary occupation was Furniture Salesman. He had been employed with many great companies such as Yolles, Sault Furnature Market and Leons. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Jacks strengths included being able to think on his feet. He was a great team leader, but could also work well independently. With the natural ability to read body language, Jack was able to positively handle situations and motivate others in order to get tasks completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Jack could multitask, and he was blessed with a spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment.

Jack enjoyed his Leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had somewhat of an artistic flair in many of the tasks he pursued. He put his creativity towards all of his pastimes. His favourites were painting, to which he had many an art show and sold multiple pieces of his artwork. Others were, dancing, music, singing (non-professional), golfing, photography, and boating. One of his long time passions was collecting miniature liquor bottles for his home bar. He was enthusiastic and liberal about these activities.

Jack was also somewhat of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events on TV whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list were golfing and hockey.

Jack was active and giving in his community. Throughout his years, Jack was an active member of the Legion, Naval Vets and Moose Lodge. Jack was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish goals and deal with challenges. These skills made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter -of- fact about what needed to be done; Jack worked steadily to meet any organization’s needs.

Jack’s natural leadership qualities place him in high regard and consideration for public recognition, earning him several awards for his hard work and dedication.

Travel and vacations were experiences and memories that Jack truly cherished. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and fun, with an atmosphere of “live and let live”. Some of his favourite travel destinations included Scotland, England and New Zealand. He enjoyed sightseeing, visiting with family, going to pubs and taking photos.

Jack was a lover of animals and took enjoyment in having pets. One of his favourites was his dog “Jesse” They were best friends for 5 and a half years. Over the years, many family pets held a warm place in his heart including, Pepper, Scotia, Cheeky, Cuffles and Bugaboo.

Jack’s retirement finally came in 2004 when his wife became ill. He spent his days now caring for Elizabeth until her passing in 2006. It was only then that he was able to take time for self and relax, taking pleasure again in events like golfing, painting and watching movies.

Jack passed away on December 4, 2015 at the age of 75. It was a sudden death (Heart Attack) that occurred in the Intensive Care Unit of our local Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste, Marie Ontario.

He is survived by his daughters Dylan nee Karen, (Deb) and Leah (Brian) and grandchildren Shelby and Noah. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home. As per his wishes, Jack was cremated and his ashes were spread in Sault Lookout.

Jack was the kind of person who could win others over effortlessly. A concreate communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing conversation with his friends and loved ones, offering a seemingly endless supply of jokes and stories.

If Jack had a theme song written about him, it might have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. He enjoyed his life and all the eventures along the way. His attitude was always upbeat with a positive outlook on life. He will truly be remembered for being a gentle soul.

We will always think of those special moments; like him singing “it’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and for his favourite saying “Lullabies, Legends and Lies”.

This is how everyone will remember John “Jack” Armstrong.

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ARMSTRONG, John “Jack” – It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father at the Sault Area Hospital on Friday, December 4, 2015 at the age of 75. Loving husband of the late Elizabeth “Liz”. Cherished dad of Dylan Bain (Deb), and Leah Nadon (Brian). Proud grandfather of Shelby and Noah Nadon. Special friend of Alfreda Nott. Son of the late John and Elizabeth of Northern Ireland. Dear brother of Eileen Acheson (late David) and Anna Vance (late Albert) both of New Zealand. Jack will be sadly missed by many extended friends and family in Canada and abroad. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 12:30 until 2:30 pm followed by funeral service in the chapel at 3 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Memorial contributions made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.