Do you know my Dad...(He was curious too when he was younger)?  While visiting  Grama Debbie and Grampa Jack in Traverse Bay one summer, Grama told us to play outside.  Well Grampa Jack left the garage door open and there was LOTS to find in there and around the acreage to build this epic fort.  To date this is the best fort we have ever made. Grampa Jack will be missed dearly by Todd, Shannon, Kesten and Crue. 

Audrey Johnson emailed me and wanted to share a story. Jack and Garry had many poker games together.  After a night of playing in their home, Audrey got up to go to work the next morning -  no Garry. After phoning around to see where he might be, she soon learned that he had driven Jack to Grand Forks in the wee small hours.  Everything OK - it was Jack.

This goes back many years but Garry & Jack also curled together at St. Vital and won club championship that year.  A very good curler.  A very nice guy... we feel very sad for jacks passing.

Garry & Audrey Johnston

I sought after words that would chime off the ears of friends and family

BUT only descriptive visuals took shape

The lush green of a golf course manicured, blossomed with shadow cast trails. The exotic of fine cuisine and rich dessert trays. The stillness of a lounge chair and stool with a cuddled up cat on lap preparing its dance of slumber. The drone of Fox News weighing heavy in the background competing with mundane conversations.
Organized and yet Not
A black briefcase of chords wrapped to perfection to solve the next tech issue – new gadgets they say. The camera focused, alert and tuned into the emotional atmosphere of the moment anxious to add to the collection already inspired. The cap, colored crisp, brim adorning eye wear -  Fashion statement strong. The plane to yet unchartered territory soaking worldly awareness, culture and experience. A mind busy, entrepreneurial, risk taking thoughts – Understood and misunderstood.
Parent and Proud
Husband and Loyal
Grandfather and Achievement
A created Haven, a Home for those that sought refuge, giving, sharing
A Friend

Jack was the driver and Debbie and I the site-seers, but numerous times we
would have to convince Jack that a stop was warranted. Every once in awhile I would say Jack stop here and then Debbie would say Jack!

As things turn out we convinced him to pull over and check out these incredible House Boats in need of repair. We stormed out of the car and down to the water
to be thrilled by the endless array of yayhts, boats new and used and the Bajan
 mothers bathing their little ones in the ocean.

Jack locked the keys in the car (yeah)! We said in our inside voice as Debbie and I smiled and proceeded down the sandy beach searching for the next new adventure. Jack had to tend to tow truck on his own.      

When I first met Jack he used to ask me over to his place for lunch.  Every day he made the same thing - grilled cheese sandwiches.  It was 2 or 3 months before I finally told him that I have never liked grilled cheese! But I ate them anyway.

Jack loved his cats.  This is Jack with Grey.  Grey died Oct 9, 2014 looking up into Jack's eyes.  He had so many nicknames for both people and cats.  Grey was often called Gribber or Grib.  Sometimes Paduba.  When Kris was small he asked me what a paduba was!! He used to call Kris, "Billy" or "Crunch".  He often called Debbie "little one" or Debriela.

Jack and Michael showing off one of Debbie's quilts.

Jack, Debbie and granddaughter Kesten from Calgary

Kristopher and Jack

Jack was always ready for an adventure. We spent many many good days golfing and enjoying each others company. Our trip to watch the 2008 British Open and to golf at some of the great old courses including St Andrews and Carnoustie was a highlight to be cherished forever. Jack was my co-pilot and navigator with his GPS in hand while I drove the 'other side' of the road and negotiated the round abouts. We had some harrowing drives on the road and on the golf course. With Jack navigating we managed to take some scenic routes; however that meant we also did not arrive at our destinations with alot of time to spare. I fondly remember just making our tee time for Carnoustie and getting into our golf clothes in the car and putting our shoes on at the first hole! We also just made it into downtown London to see the Phantom of Opera (Debbie threatened to toss the GPS out the window that time). Leah and I spent the past few years meeting Jack and Debbie in Palm Springs where we enjoyed ourselves and our golf. I will miss Jack tremendously; we could talk about anything and I valued his warmth, wisdoms and friendship..

Just another great day golfing in Travers Bay.   

Morning Coffee with Jack on the Padio watching the Huming Birds..

After 20 Years of Golf.  I Can Finnaly Out Drive Jack Most of the Time.  But Do you Think I could ever beat him in a round !!   

Palm Springs Desert Course Desinged by Jack Nicklaus.  Amazing Course.

#Perfect Day of Golf.