Jack Greenwell

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Jack Greenwell, wonderful dad, husband, brother, teacher, and friend.

Jack grew up in Lake Cowichan, the son of Archie and Mary Greenwell. His childhood was filled with outdoor adventures with his friends and siblings Bill, Arlene, Carole and Marilyn, as well as his dog Freckles. He especially loved spending time at the Duck Pond, playing sports and was the captain of the basketball team in high school. As a teenager, he developed his interest in music, picking up guitar and bass and entertaining people with his band.

As a young adult, he worked as a logger in the woods and in the mill at the Youbou for the Hillcrest Lumber Company. Jack met his wife Nirmala while studying music at UBC, before moving on to UVic to complete his education degree. Jack went on to become a teacher in Port Hardy at Robert Scott Elementary School before moving to Victoria to continue teaching at Oaklands Elementary until retirement in 2009. He was an executive member of the Federal NDP, BCTF and GVTA for many years.

Jack had a wry sense of humour and was a curious and gentle soul who loved being with his family and sharing his knowledge. He approached learning with enthusiasm, whether it was a language (Spanish, Hindi), new music, weather patterns, or following the moon and planets across the night skies. Fascinated by the natural world around him, he enjoyed finding secret blackberry vines and identifying birds, wild berries, plants, trees, and mushrooms in the forest.

Jack was a principled man, with a philosophical outlook and a generous spirit. He was passionate about environmental and social justice issues, to which he gave much of his time and energy. After retirement, he started spending time supporting Nirmala’s art, encouraging her to rediscover her passion for painting. He built frames for her pictures, used his passion for technology to help with her website, and accompanied her to art shows and paint-outs, often bringing his mandolin to add a musical ambience to the proceedings.

Jack was a hero to his children, always accessible and always there for them. He is survived by his wife Nirmala, and sons Neil, Davin (Lara), Krishen (Christina), and Anand (Suzanne). He was predeceased by his father Archie, mother Mary, and sister Carole (Steve).

A Celebration of Life for Jack will be held at 7 PM - 9 PM on July 26th at Windsor Pavilion located at 2451 Windsor Road in Oak Bay. Jack’s family would appreciate seeing any photos you may have that include him that they may not have yet seen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.