Jack Alston Capstick

Passed away at Peace Arch Hospital on June 5, 2013. He was born in Brandon, Manitoba on July 28, 1920. From his early years he was active in sports. An RCAF officer at a time of need, he pursued a career in the construction business, was a community leader in Burnaby in the 50’s and 60’s, became a leader of the BC road building industry and most importantly, a devoted and loving husband, a dedicated and supportive father and a good friend to all who knew him. Predeceased by his mother Sarah and father Sgt. Major John E. Capstick (RCMP ret.); his sister Lorna Joy and daughter-in-law Lynda. Survived by his wife of 72 years, Florence; his son Dennis of Peachland; his sister Joan Shackell of Lake Cowichan; sister-in-law Lillian Herd; three nieces, Linda Madu (Barrie), Donna Walker of Windsor, ON and Karen Woods (Dave) of Mississauga, ON and nephew, James Herd and all of their families. As a young boy, he acquired a love for horses, caring for the two RCMP horses in the barn in back of their detachment home in Brandon. His mother, Sarah, was a racing fan and she often took him to the track where he started helping out in the stables. His first career aspiration was to become a jockey, but by the time he was 12 years old, he was now a little taller than all of the jockeys and he was still growing. His other sports passion was of course, hockey. As soon as the river had iced over, he and his buddies were on their skates every day until they couldn’t see the puck any longer or their fingers and feet had frozen. He became a goaltender before masks were invented and bore the scars. He played at a competitive team level into his early twenties. In the mid-30’s, his family was moved to Burnaby where he attended Burnaby South. In 1937, following his father’s military tradition, he joined the Militia and with outbreak of WWII, he joined the RCAF in 1940. At the same time, he reconnected with a beautiful young lady whom he met in high school, who became the love of his life and they were married in September of 1941. He served as a wireless and gunnery instructor in a number of training depots across the country and was honourably discharged in late 1945 as a Commissioned Flying Officer. Returning to Burnaby, he struggled to find employment as jobs were scarce. He attended Sprott-Shaw Business College to acquire some accounting skills. To pay his tuition, he worked as a janitor at the College. Early in 1947, suddenly he had two job offers: one as a salesman for a food company and the other from a general contracting firm in Vancouver. After some deliberation, and even though the job didn’t pay as well as the other offer, he had a feeling that this was the right place for him and accepted the job of junior clerk with Dawson & Wade Co. Ltd. (later to become Dawson Construction). Jack rapidly honed his management and accounting skills and within four years he was appointed Field Office Manager of the largest construction project in Vancouver at the time, the Granville Street Bridge. On project completion, he returned to the Dawson Head Office and continued to take on increasing administrative responsibilities to finally become the President of the Company. He was proud of the many projects he was involved in throughout BC, but he was most proud of the largest projects….his first, which he called “My Bridge” and his last, which was the Coquihalla Highway, completed in 1986. He was also very proud of all of the employees and associates he worked with over the years and was on a first name basis with everyone. Each Christmas, he made sure that every employee of Dawson had a turkey and a bottle of “cheer” on their table. When time allowed, he would even go to their homes and personally make deliveries. On an industry level, he was instrumental in the formation and Provincial certification of the BC Roadbuilders Association in 1967 which started with twelve founding member companies and has grown steadily to 270 members throughout the Province. His contributions and accomplishments over the next 19 years were recognized with many awards and he was made an Honorary Member of BCRA. A tribute to Jack can be viewed at the BCRB website using the link http://www.roadbuilders.bc.ca/industry_news.php?view=236 In 1953, Jack became a member of the South Burnaby Men’s Club being active in Little League Baseball which had just started in Burnaby that year and later in youth development programs and early improvements to Bonsor Park which ultimately became a sports recreational center for the entire community. He was elected president of the SBMC for the year 1959-60. He was a member for 36 years of Marine Drive Golf Club, joining in 1972 and actively playing until 2004 when his health started to decline. He so enjoyed his many days on the course with his golfing pals and Sundays with Florence having a pleasurable day on the links with friends, followed by dinner in the dining room as the sun set over the course. And he did get his hole-in-one on Jan 29, 1999. Jack also proclaimed to be a great fisherman. In 1984, his Finning sales representative and close friend, Bruce Wright convinced him that he should go on a salmon fishing expedition to the North end of Vancouver Island at Hakai Passage. After a great deal of resistance, Jack agreed to go. On arrival in the afternoon, the group set out in two deep water fishing craft. Thirty minutes after making his first cast, Jack had a strike and it was big. One hour later with a great struggle and assistance from the crew, he pulled in a 58 pound Tyee which was the third largest sports salmon brought in on the BC coast that year. Jack only went fishing once in his life, knowing he could never surpass that. Jack retired from Dawson Construction in 1986 after nearly 40 years of dedication to the company and industry. In 1999, after being long-time residents of Burnaby, Jack and Florence moved to South Surrey. Jack faced many health challenges in the past seven years but fought valiantly to carry on. Those that came to visit were always welcomed by his affable smile, a firm handshake or a warm embrace. Jack was a true gentleman and lived a long and a good life. Through his efforts, he made BC a better place to live and work for many people. By Jack’s request there will be no service. Cremation has taken place. A small gathering of his closest friends and family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Canuck Place or a charity of your choice.