Jack’s golden heart burned brightly in everything he said, and everything he did. He would never allow anyone to be bullied and made everyone around him feel special.

His natural attentiveness to people shone through on many occasions, but one in particular showed the graciousness and strength of character. A strong runner, Jack was in the process of winning a military race when he saw three children cheering for their father who was running behind him. He slowed down in an unnoticeable way. The father won the race and Jack told the children that their Dad was ‘quite the runner.’

He never needed to train for running because he was in great physical shape and simply enjoyed doing it. When he was young he would ask his father to pull over his transport truck and Jack would get out and run along beside it – for fun! He also loved martial arts and his hobby was ultimate fighting. He admired George St-Pierre, the Canadian Champion, not only for his title and accomplishments, but for his discipline and integrity as a person. He often said he’d love to be in the ring with George St-Pierre.

Jack was always smiling and upbeat and cared little about material things – he loved people. He had a generous heart and left an impression on all he met. His high school running coach had a plaque made in his honour. It is inscribed: ‘Running is a test of the human heart, not about winning a race. Jack had an enormous heart, always willing to help.’

Jack was so excited the day he received his ‘dog tags.’ Had he not gone into the army, he would have been a police officer. Justice was his passion and he wanted to make the world a better place – make a difference.

He adored children and wanted to get married and have his own. He was a big kid himself and could often be found on the floor with a pile of his friends’ children all over him.

By Susan Blackman Abma

Portrait by Susan Abma