Claude Gordon Jackson

February 20th, 1930-February 17th, 2022

With broken hearts, we would like to share that our kind, loving Dad passed away peacefully in Merritt BC, surrounded by his children who loved him dearly, two days before his 92nd birthday.

Claude aka Toady’s journey began February 20, 1930 born in a Grain Elevator in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan. Claude was the youngest son of 4 boys. He is predeceased

by his father Alvin, mother Grace, brothers; Snookie, Raymond, Melvin, grandson Admasious and step-son Gary.

Claude is survived by his 5 children; Danny (Shar), Barry, Claudette (Bruce), Shelley (Mark), Debbie (David), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.

Claude remarried Clara in 1974 and raised 3 stepchildren; Val, Gary and Troy.

Claude’s working career started when his brothers went off to war and he stayed behind to take care of his mother working on the farm. Claude was a hard worker; his first job was driving a Cat Train bringing supplies across the frozen lake to Sherrit Gordon Mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Claude moved to BC in the early 50’s, marrying in Smithers. He logged in Smithers and Merritt, and worked at BC Packers in Surrey. He also ran a cat for mining claims and was on a crew at Highland Valley when Lornex was discovered. Claude later opened a shop in Collettville where he started an auto wrecker. He also participated in demolition derbys and was known as Wonder Rod Claude. He ended up repairing heavy duty equipment and that’s when Jackson Welding originated in 1967. He was always a fix it up kinda guy - he had to know how things ticked. At the age of 55 he traveled down south to Yuma Arizona/Mexico for 25 winters after retirement, in the company of family and friends. Claude was an active gold panner; he enjoyed hunting and fishing. His favourite sport growing up was boxing. He loved to dance, sing and listen to Johnny Cash-Johnny

Paycheck he would say, and Charlie Pride. Claude enjoyed his 3:00 pm A&W coffees with his buddies and always had a joke to share. His favourite saying was he was going to live to be 105 and get shot by a jealous husband and we were starting to believe him, lol.

Dad was a proud man that never wanted to be a burden to anyone, he always told his kids you need to work hard for what you want in life. He instilled these values and morals into all of us. He was a prince of a man with a heart of gold; he loved everyone and everyone loved him.

Our family would like to say thank-you to Coquihalla Gillis and a special thank you to Lynn and Jody for taking extra special care of dad in these trying times.

Daddo, you will be missed dearly, this isn’t goodbye, it’s so long until we meet again, as you would always say.

No funeral by request.