Obituary of William Henry Jack

The family of WILLIAM HENRY JACK (Bill) is deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 2, 2023, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Bill’s beloved wife Wanda (Williams) Jack was by his side (as she has always been through 56 years of marriage) as he embarked on his final journey.

Bill “I have three first names” Jack had many journeys over the course of his life. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, and his mother Elizabeth (Landray) Jack and father Joseph Jack were quickly separated by WWII. Bill and his mother moved to Englehart, Ontario during his early formative years and he always shared fond memories of the one-room Jack Family Homestead. He had a deep bond with his Grandfather Harry Landray, who would leave an Oh Henry bar under young Bill’s bed to announce his return from working away.

Bill met Wanda in Toronto, and it was quickly clear she was the love of his life. Their journey as a married couple began in 1967 with a Bermuda honeymoon that they both loved to reminisce about. Bill was proud of the many trips that followed over the years, including Paris, London, Scotland, and Cuba. His most precious memories were of the beautiful views by the water at Payton Beach in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, and Kamaole Beach in Maui, Hawaii.

Bill was deeply committed to family. He often said what he was most proud of was the strong family unit he created with Wanda and his three children Julianne Jack (David Nagel), Wade Jack (pre-deceased by Alanna (McIntyre) Jack) and Jennifer Martin (Jack). He was an adoring “Papa” to his grandchildren Ruairidh Martin and Sydney Jack.

Bill had an accomplished career in three fields: Engineering, Scaffolding, and as an Entrepreneur. His work took him many places over the years, and he commuted home every weekend, rather than uproot his family. Bill settled his family in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1977 after stops in Toronto, Ontario, Youngstown, New York and Regina, Saskatchewan. Bill had many stories to tell about leading memorable projects that still stand the test of time. These included the Toronto Subway system, Sheraton Cavalier Hotel in Saskatoon, extensive boardwalk trails at Banff’s Cave and Basin, and renovations at military bases in Dundurn, Saskatchewan and Calgary, Alberta (just to name a few).

Then a new adventure began. He launched Jack Construction Services, where he created stages for the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, 1989 Canada Summer Games in Saskatoon, Girl Guides World Jamboree in Fort Qu’Appelle, and many years of the Regina Folk Festival among other various concerts. As he transitioned into retirement, he also transitioned the company to focus on home renovations and handyman work in Saskatoon.

Bill’s greatest passion began in retirement, as a genealogist. This is no surprise to his family, as he was always fascinated by history, and he could have easily chosen a career path as a history professor. Bill spent over 10 years researching family genealogies for his family and friends, typing and binding these into books with historical stories related to each family and the times. These books will always be a precious gift and family heirlooms for generations to come.

According to Bill’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held, and a future gathering will occur with family in Ontario