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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JACK CROLLY
With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Jack Crolly, age 81. Jack passed suddenly at Grace Hospital on June 8, 2025 surrounded by family.
Jack is mourned by his children, Colin Crolly (Jennifer Oborne Crolly) and Allison Crolly (Ken Dessler) and his four grandchildren, Aiyana, Georgina, Isaac and Jake. He also leaves behind a vast group of friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Jack was born and raised in Winnipeg, living most of his childhood on Ebby Ave. While in university he met the love of his life, Darlene (Ohlinger). They were married 57 years before her passing in 2023.
The two spent the early years of their marriage living in Winnipeg, Snow Lake, Sandy Lake and Minnedosa. Ultimately, they settled in Thompson which would be their home for more than 30 years before returning to the Winnipeg area after retirement.
As a school teacher and principal, Jack touched the lives of many children and developed lasting friendship with many of his colleagues.
Jack loved the outdoors and his cabin at Paint Lake but his true passion was canoeing. Jack and his cohort of fellow adventurers ventured out each summer paddling remote northern rivers throughout Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. He ultimately became a canoe outfitter, introducing countless people to the joys of paddling and the rivers of northern Manitoba.
Jack was known for his welcoming spirit, his friendly nature and his sense of adventure. Jack adored his wife Darlene, his children, and his grandchildren, and they adored him in return. He will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Buffalo Crossing (McGillivary Blvd. entrance) at Fort Whyte Centre, where Jack volunteered for many years. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for those who wish a time of fellowship. A short commemoration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2025
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Such a dear.man...didn't have the pleasure of knowing him too long but we just "clicked". We spoke a few times that last week...once when he was showing me his new vehicle. I will miss his friendly face down the hall. Condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace. Cheri S. - Posted by: Cheri Sparling (Friend) on: Jul 21, 2025
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Sincere condolences on the passing of a very nice man. I had him as a principal in Sandy Lake, Manitoba in the early 1970's, and I recall him as being a man true to his word. I also remember his love of the outdoors, particularly his love of canoeing. RIP. - Posted by: Fred Mostowy (Former student) on: Jul 13, 2025
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I first met Jack and Darlene in 1966 at the Covenant Church in Winnipeg, when I was a newly arrived overseas student at U of M. They both made me feel welcome in Canada. Jack was a gentle, kind, warm hearted person, and on learning that I wanted to learn to drive, offered to teach me in his VW Beetle. Sadly I lost touch with Jack and Darlene after I finished my studies at U of M in 1969, returned to Guyana, then moved to England, Singapore and finally Australia. A friend has just told me of Jack's passing. Rest in peace, Jack. - Posted by: Colin Ying (Friend) on: Jul 10, 2025
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We lived in Thompson for 15 years and Jack was a friend. He invited me to canoe the North Knife River with the gang one year. I was but an amateur and to this day I marvel at Jack’s skills in the canoe. He was a fine person and our best wishes go out to Allison and Collin. - Posted by: Glen Schmidt (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2025
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Our deepest condolences to the Allison and Allison. We fondly remember being neighbours to Jack, Darlene and family in the 1980s. We enjoyed his humour, professional advice and friendship. We continue to remember the family in our prayers. Cynthia and Jerry van Rossum - Posted by: Jerry van Rossum (Colleague, and former next door neighbour in Thompson) on: Jun 25, 2025
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I have been trying to find Jack for many years and was not successful. Jack and Darlene were true friends since about 1963. - Posted by: nicholas gnida (My Best Man on June 4/66 and his best man later that same year) on: Jun 21, 2025
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Many fond memories of Jack, our dear friend and neighbour. Jack regaled us with his wit and humour, be it at our carving or cooking sessions or down at our cottage. He will be sorely missed by all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. - Posted by: Murray Smith and Linda Christianson (Friends) on: Jun 21, 2025