John (Jack) Alan Peter Gibbs

Dearly loved husband, Dad, Papa, in-law, uncle, and friend, Jack passed away peacefully at home at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family. Left to mourn and to miss him terribly, but also to celebrate his amazing life and legacy, are his beloved wife of 59 years, Marian; his cherished children, Kathleen (Bill Allman), Jeffrey, and Roy (Cora); his treasured grandson, Noah; his much-loved sister-in-law and greeting card rival, Rosemary Walker (Bob); his many much-enjoyed nieces and nephews throughout B.C., in Ontario, and in the U.S.; and many dear family friends, old and new.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario to Herbert (Jumbo) and Emelie (nee Duncan), Jack was raised in a large family and had many engaging stories to tell over the years of his time at school, his early working years, his rollicking adventures with his older brothers at the horse races, and his fondly remembered boyhood trip to England with his mother.

After frequent trips out west with his family, Jack decided to move permanently to Vancouver in the late 1950s where he soon started his own successful residential painting and decorating business alongside his older brother, Herbert. Hard-working, affable, and a true professional, Jack built a solid clientele of repeat customers over the years who would never think of calling anyone else and who consistently referred him to others. During the early years of Jack’s career, his nephews, Don and Doug, would arrive from Hamilton to spend their summers as part of his painting crew. In later years, his two sons, Jeffrey and Roy, helped out when they were needed. Special memories were made and good times shared. An entrepreneur at heart – in every sense of the word – Jack not only ran his own business, but was ahead of his time in his passion and talent for purchasing houses, fixing them up, and flipping them after their “makeover”.

As fate would have it, Jack found himself living next door to the woman who would become the love of his life…his “gem”, Marian…and they married in 1963. Together, they raised their three children on the west side of Vancouver, first in the Dunbar/Southlands area, followed by the Oakridge area, before retiring and moving to the North Shore in the mid 1990s.

An incredibly well-rounded person, Jack was warm, welcoming, jovial, loving, affectionate, and funny with a wonderfully kooky sense of humour. He was a “cup half full” sort of man with a mischievous streak who always had a spring in his step, a ready smile, a twinkle in his eye, an array of goofy facial expressions, and a laugh that will never be forgotten. A charming, self-styled rapscallion who took much glee in pulling people’s legs, Jack loved a good joke or quip and nothing was off limits. He was passionate about horse racing from his early teen years (perhaps getting caught with the racing form tucked into his math book in class was the first clue!) and was considered by many to be a master handicapper. He was a regular at Hastings Park Racetrack and made many friends there over the years. When online betting became popular, Jack quickly learned how to place his bets virtually, and he enjoyed watching and betting on races at tracks all over the world. He was an avid day trader and would rise early in the morning to check on his stocks. He just loved “the game” of numbers and chance. Jack had a curious mind, was interested in what was going on in the lives of others, loved to “shoot the breeze”, and was sharp as a tack right up to the moment of his passing. You could talk to Jack about anything, and it brought him much joy knowing that people liked keeping him “in the loop”. He was always up to date on what was going on in the world, and could discuss current events, politics, economics, real estate, home improvement, sports (particularly horse racing, hockey, and baseball), movies, theatre, books, cars – you name it – with ease. He was street-smart, grounded, logical, and decisive and he gave invaluable advice, guidance, and support when they were needed. We all learned so much from Jack. His life experience and all that he achieved were greatly admired and respected.

Jack loved to read, to fix and paint things around his home, and to sit in his favourite chaise on his beloved patio enjoying the sun, the birds, and the garden. He enjoyed neighbourhood walks, kept himself fit with his home exercise routine, and was a sharp dresser – right down to his co-ordinated socks! His eyes would light up when anyone brought him chocolate, jellied candies, or cinnamon buns, and he made an absolutely perfect pot of tea. While Jack was a light drinker, he nonetheless relished a nice cold beer or a gin and tonic during the summer months, and a tipple of Scotch or a Bailey’s-infused hot chocolate during the winter months.

Jack enjoyed many genres of TV shows and movies – from British dramas and detective series, to 1940s mysteries, to gritty, contemporary crime dramas and action films – and he would watch many of his favourites over and over. He had a penchant for pigs – yes, pigs – and he took much pride in his collection of figurines and ornaments that he had been gifted over the years. He also loved everything about Christmas, particularly the lights, the decorated tree, the music, the goodies, shiny wrapping paper, and his favourite holiday movies, especially “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Story”. Although Jack never had a Red Ryder BB gun as a young lad, at the age of 93, at his last Christmas with us, he was delighted to find one waiting for him, hidden behind a china cabinet wrapped just like it had been in the movie. Thankfully, he didn’t shoot his eye out! Quotes from favourite Christmas movies were frequently incorporated into the family’s daily life, which kept the season in our hearts “all the days of the year” and in no one’s heart more than Jack’s.

Most of all, Jack dearly loved his family – he adored his wife, Marian, every day of their life together, and he treasured his children, Kathleen, Jeffrey, and Roy, his grandson, Noah, his son-in-law, Bill, and his daughter-in-law, Cora. And his family cherished every moment that they were blessed to have him in their lives. While Jack’s passing will leave an incredible void in the lives of all who loved him deeply, he will never be truly gone. He will live on in our hearts each and every day as we think about him, talk about him, re-tell his stories, and reminisce about special, happy, and fun times we spent with him. Some of Jack’s final words were the phrase “Love is all around”, and nothing could be more true. We will carry Jack’s love for us, his lessons, the laughter we shared with him, and the pure joy of knowing him with us for the rest of our lives, and we are comforted in knowing that we will see him again one day.

Until then, Jack, have fun with Bert, Big Roy, Big Don, and all the others who were waiting for you – and keep placing those winning bets on the horses that you so loved and admired! We love you so much Jack, Dad, Papa…you will be with us in so many ways…always and forever.

Although Jack did not wish to have a funeral service, his family and friends will gather to honour him, and to celebrate his life, at a future date.