Passed peacefully at home age 92, July 28, 2017, surrounded by family. Jack struggled with dementia, but remained loving, sociable, cracking jokes, and sharing his characteristic “honesty”. His sharp intelligence did not fail him.
Born May 30, 1925, Jack was the youngest of three children of Emma and Russell Wilson. Russell died when Jack was four, but Emma managed admirably, a successful business woman who lived until 97. Jack served in the RAF in England, and after the war married Eleanor King and had three children. Despite lacking education, he owned and successfully operated Jack F. Wilson Electrical Contracting for many years.
Sadly, Eleanor died of cancer in 1997, but Jack had the good fortune to fall in love and marry Aida (Adelaida) Dalafu. He was embraced by her loving family of nine step-children, and many step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. Aida and Jack had wonderful adventures. Ask Aida about ziplining, falling off a Costa Rica river raft, or the police escort in the Philippines! Aida’s parties are legendary, hosting our large family Christmas parties, and Jack’s many birthday parties, particularly the extravagant 80th and 90th, complete with CD soundtracks.
Jack loved music, particularly big dance bands at Toronto’s Palais Royal in his youth. He played piano by ear (Stardust, Moon River, Autumn Leaves, swing, boogie-woogie) for parties. As it became more difficult, he asked others to play the songs he loved.
He enjoyed the outdoors - camping, canoeing, fishing, and hunting in his twenties and thirties and visiting Eleanor’s family cottage at Wasaga Beach. In 1958 they purchased a cottage on Six Mile Lake. Jack water skied, surf-boarded, wind-surfed, and built and raced boats, dominating the Six Mile annual regatta for many years. He taught a generation on the lake to “soup up” outboard engines, and prep their boats to win, inspiring one family to venture into professional racing. Jack introduced Aida to cottaging, and she ensured he continued to have his annual cottage week and other visits to the lake, despite increasing health problems.
Jack took up snow skiing in his 40’s, and taught all his children to ski. He enjoyed Blue Mountain, but became entranced with real mountains, and deep powder skiing around the world, participating in races occasionally, and enjoying a timeshare at Snowbird. He continued to enjoy skiing at Blue Mountain well into his eighties.
Jack was a bona fide health nut. In addition to running and his other sports, he was committed to regular exercise in the gym since his 30’s, and began long daily walks in nature during his eighties. Eleanor’s first bout with cancer at 50 launched his interest in alternative medicine and health food. His tackle box of vitamins and supplements remained full till the end. Aida continued to crush them into his protein drink when he could no longer swallow pills. Trips out of the house for walks, and health food shopping continued until he could no longer leave the house. Doctors recently marvelled that he had the heart of an athlete, and the day before he died his personal doctor shook his head, noting how strong his heart was. Regardless, it was time to go.
Jack is predeceased by his siblings, Cleota (Crossland) Bright, and Ray Wilson. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Aida and her family, his children and their spouses, John (Lesley), Heather (Dave O’Halloran), Robert (Sue), and their children and grandchildren. We all praise Aida for making Jack’s wish come true – to continue living in his own home with dignity. Fortunately, she had the skills and dedication to make this possible. We are also thankful for the untiring services of the PSWs provided by Carefirst and the Veternas Society, especially Ling, Sandy, Frankie and Alex. Thank You Very Much!!!!
Donations to the Alzheimers Society of Ontario appreciated.
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