John 'Jack' Arnold Reynolds

Sept 16, 1935 – Oct 21, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack after a short, courageous battle with ALS. He was a beloved husband, Dad, Papa, Grandpa & Great Grandpa. Jack passed away peacefully in Nanaimo General Hospital with his loving wife of 58 years and family by his side.

Predeceased by brother Robert, brothers-in-law Ted Burton and Hal Newton; sisters-in-law Anne Fisher and Velma Brockmen; Jack is survived by his loving wife Helen; five children: Christine Peffers (Brad), Carolyn Kujala (Stan), Laurie Coombs (Dave), Tom (Connie), and James (Jill); 15 grandchildren: Michelle Crnkovic (Franjo), Rory Peffers (Jami), Darcy Peffers (Candyce), Lance Kujala (Ashley), Matthew Kujala (Avalon), Brody Coombs (Taylor), Alyshia Coombs (Turner), Brittany Rousseau (Patrick), Alexa Kendrick (Grant), Crystal Rousseau, Brandon Rousseau, Sydney Reynolds (Dylan), Colby Reynolds (Jenika), Emma Eaton, and Braedon Reynolds; 9 great-grandchildren: Livija and Iva Crnkovic, Kaiden, Rylan and Bryson Peffers, Tyler and Jordyn Kujala, Odin Kujala, and Hadley Kendrick. Jack is also survived by sister-in-law Darlene Reynolds, sisters and brothers, Cathie Newton, Tom (Margaret), George (Barb), Jim (Fatina), Rose Maria Burton, Yvonne Dol (Loui), and Margaret Evans (Don); brothers-in-law Ed Brockmen (Marion) and Jim Fisher, sister-in-law Jan Duncan (Chris), and many nieces and nephews, Assunta Nazareth, a very close family friend and many other dear friends.

Born in Nanaimo to Robert and Ethel Reynolds, Jack was the fourth of nine children. As a young boy, Jack lived in several Vancouver Island communities; Nanaimo, Parksville, Great Central Lake, and a few other remote locations before settling in Port Alberni. Jack started his working career at a young age working with his Dad on the tugboats. He didn’t think the tug boating life was for him so he tried a few “on land” jobs. It wasn’t long before he realized that tug boating was where he wanted to be and at the time, he was one of the youngest to receive his Captain’s papers at 23 years old. Master Mariner, known as Captain Jack to all, spent most of his working life on the water which he took great pride in. He spent time working on the supply tugs that serviced the Oil Rigs on the West Coast, towing log booms out of Ucluelet and Chemainus, working on Riley’s Pilot boat, and his final job was working on the Alberni Harbour tugs. During his working career, he formed many lasting friendships with other tugboat and waterfront crew. After retirement, Jack always enjoyed attending the monthly breakfast get togethers with all the guys.

After retirement, Jack enjoyed looking after his home and yard and tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. Jack took special care of his flowers. He always had a freshly picked flower in a small vase on the counter for his loving wife, and with each visit from any of his daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters, granddaughters-in-law, and great-granddaughters. He always picked a flower, usually a rose, to send home with them. These flowers were treasured by all who received them.

Jack’s family was important to him and time spent with them was very precious to him. He always had time for any and all of his 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He had a way of making each and everyone feel important and loved.

Jack believed there was always a positive side to anyone or any situation. He was a kind and gentle soul and always thought of others before himself.

Jack is dearly loved and cherished and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Celebration of Life was held April 14, 2018 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Port Alberni, BCmily wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to Colleen and Carmen from Port Alberni Home & Community Care and all the staff at Nanaimo Regional Hospital Emergency Unit.

Jack was dearly loved and cherished and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “ALS Society of BC” 1233-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC V6V 2X7. www.alsbc.ca