Jack Jorgensen

Born August 5, 1931 in Prince George BC to parents Christian and Oda (Nielsen), Jack was the eldest of 6 children and learned to take on a leadership role. Like his father, he took an early interest in construction and woodwork which resulted in an exciting and accomplished career path.

Jack had 14 special nieces and nephews, all who loved and adored him as he did they. Many unique relationships were formed over the years as Jack took a strong interest in their personal lives, careers and accomplishments. He was definitely a favorite uncle!

Jack served a 4 year apprenticeship with Dominion Construction (DC) in Vancouver BC at the end of which, he was asked to move to Dryden Ontario to assist with building a paper-making plant for Scott Paper. Returning to Vancouver in 1950 and continuing to work for DC as a Carpenter and Foreman, Jack found the ‘first and only’ true love of his life with Faith (nee Newman) and was married on December 22nd 1951. They enjoyed a long and beautiful life together, still holding hands and playing footsies while watching the Canucks’ games!

Jack enjoyed many successes during his time with DC including taking charge of concrete conduits for electrical cables being laid on Galliano Island. Seizing this opportunity to prove himself as capable of managing a large project, Jack had only two hours to agree to the challenge! Taking along Faith and his first daughter Sharon to Galliano Island, Jack made a significant success of the project bringing his organizational and management skills to the fore.

Settling back on the Lower Mainland, Jack joined the Vancouver School Board (VSB) in 1960 and worked for them on projects including drafting plans for school buildings, inspection work on maintenance projects and designing major sports field projects. Promoted to Superintendent-Planning & Inspection, Jack managed a department of 3 Draftsmen and 2 Project Planners and Inspectors until his eventual retirement from the VSB in 1990. A successful and fulfilling career!

With their growing family in the late 1950’s and after Marilyn was born, Jack purchased a small plot of land in Surrey and bought a tiny, 2 bedroom house that had to be moved from its existing site which he ‘reconstructed’ calling it “The House That Jack Built”. After some years as a growing family, a double lot was purchased in Cedar Hills, Surrey where Jack designed and drafted the plans for a larger house. Johnny, Jack and Faith’s first son was born in 1962 and sadly, passed away with a heart defect just a few days later. Praying and believing for another son, Daniel Jack was born in May 1964. Dan and his doting sisters enjoyed several happy formative years in this home. In 1970 Jack moved his family to Burnaby to be closer to the Kingsway Foursquare Church where the girls enjoyed their teenage years being active in the youth group; growing spiritually and socially.

Jack and Faith were heavily involved in a variety of church ministries. Jack took on the Leadership of the Christian Service Brigade (CSB). Many groups of teen boys and young men enjoyed various camping and canoe trips/adventures over the years experiencing the challenges of setting up camp and surviving in some of BC’s most spectacular settings. On one occasion, with a boy with a serious cut and miles from any possible medical assistance, Jack ably stitched up the wound. So many stories which will no doubt be shared in the coming months and years by his CSB boys!

A man of significant faith and intellect with a presence that commanded respect, Jack was a spiritual mentor and played a ‘fatherly role’ in many of the young boys’ lives in the CSB who continued to honor him by calling him “Captain Jack” … a measure of their respect and admiration.

After his retirement from the VSB, Jack and Faith sold their Burnaby home and purchased a condo in Abbotsford BC where Jack presided over the Strata Council for several years. He purchased a camping trailer and enjoyed a number of road trips across Canada, often traveling with other retired couples. A definite highlight for them both!

Jack also harbored a lifelong interest in Aviation, attending many air shows and was justifiably proud when Dan qualified as a pilot using the difficult self-improver process. He achieved jet pilot ratings and flew Lear jet charter flights as well as Air Ambulance Lears for Canada Jet Charters Inc. Jack lived vicariously through his son’s achievements and enjoyed several opportunities to fly with him. Tragically, Dan lost his life January 11, 1995 on a mercy mission to Masset, Northern BC where the plane lost altitude and crashed into the ocean. During this difficult time, the family’s faith came to the forefront and while initially no bodies were found, Jack and his best friend, Mitch prayed for a miracle. That prayer was heard and answered with Dan’s body being washed up and fully intact on the last possible piece of land upon which it could rest before being swept out to sea. This miracle gifted Jack, Faith, Sharon and Marilyn closure and peace in their hearts!

In the later years, Jack and Faith sold their condo and moved to Augustine House, a lovely retirement home in Ladner BC where they enjoyed a lifestyle being served 3 course lunch and dinner meals daily in a classy dining room. They were loved, respected and appreciated by all; both staff and residents but the biggest highlight during those years was living close to Marilyn and Rob who loved on them always and in unique ways.

After Faith passed away on March 14th 2016, Jack volunteered at West Court, a long term care facility where Faith spent the last 3 months of her life. As well, the Delta Police Department had the pleasure of having Jack as one of their volunteers for several years.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved Faith, their two sons, Johnny and Dan as well as his 5 siblings. His daughters Sharon Walsh (son-in-law Steve), Marilyn Clark (son-in-law Rob) along with grandchildren Kristy Gonsalves, Ryan Clark, Jared Clark and seven great-grandchildren live on with great and special memories of all the fun, love and joy they’ve shared with their dad, grandpa and great grandpa! He was the BEST!

Throughout his life, Jack’s number one joy was his spending time with his best friend and dedicated wife Faith and their 3 children. A close second was his love of cars …. Jack was still driving with skill and enthusiasm well into his 90’s in a beautiful Lincoln Town Car which was his ‘late in life’ pride and joy.

A life well lived raising a beautiful family and in the service of God, Jack will be remembered by all for his charisma, kindness, career accomplishments & many unique life achievements. However, if Jack were asked how he’d like to be remembered, that would be for his love and commitment to Faith and his children. They were his number one priority and joy!

Jack’s immediate family held a small, intimate internment on June 10th at Ocean View Cemetery where he was buried beside Dan and close to Faith and her dear mother. Pastor Barry McGaffin shared beautifully about Jack and his dedication and commitments to the church as well as highlighting Jack’s being a man of strong character; possessing admirable and honorable qualities. Pastor Barry ended his sharing with a word from the Lord …. “Well done, thy good and faithful servant”. Reverend Mitch Belobaba (Jack’s best friend) articulately spoke from his heart sharing moving stories of the friendship they enjoyed; full of wonderful experiences. It was a sweet time of honoring a most ‘amazing’ man! Afterwards the family enjoyed a fun and love-filled dinner at Jack’s favorite restaurant, The Keg (his special treat!) sharing cherished memories.

The picture of Jack was taken on one of his visits to Sharon and Steve’s home in Canyon Lake, CA where he enjoyed boat cruising and being pampered!

We love you Dad and Grandpa! You’ll be greatly missed but we have the joy of knowing we will all be together again one day!

Jack's family invites you to please share your memories, stories and even pictures below (Add a Memory). We all, both friends and family and all who knew Jack, look real forward to reminiscing with you! Greatly appreciated.