JOHN (JACK) WILLIAM ELDER

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JOHN (JACK) WILLIAM ELDER Peacefully surrounded by family, John (Jack) William Elder passed away at 87 years on January 6, 2019. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Peggy) Elder nee Stewart, his children, Kathie (Richard), Kim (Mike), Ward (Caroline), Darcy (Patti), his nine grand-children and five great-grandchildren, sister Margaret (Howard), sister-in-law Phyllis and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Isabel, father Harry, brothers, Ernie and Robert, nephew Brent and grandson Adam. Jack was born in Hartney, Manitoba and raised at the family farm. Here he developed his independence and ambitious goals, honed his strong work ethic and met Peggy his wife of 67 years. He studied and worked at various jobs, moved to Winnipeg with Peggy and started a family. Jack eventually settled down working at IBM. At age 40 they moved to Grosse Isle, but Jack, craving more change, left IBM to start Adlak Fertilizer (farm supply). After spending many years working with the farmers in the area, Jack sold the business and retired, but he far from stopped. He and Peggy travelled across Canada and much of the U.S for many years. An ambitious goal was realized when Jack and Peggy picked up again and moved to Creston, B.C., where they built an exquisite log dream home overlooking Kootenay Lake. Jack was truly a "Jack Of All Trades". He was a rock hound, spending hours searching, climbing and digging for the perfect specimens. With these finds he taught himself how to facet and made many beautiful jewelry pieces. Jack also loved woodworking. He created beautiful tables, inlaid floors, counters and bowls. If there was a tool, he owned it; if it could be made of wood he would figure out how to do it. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting which he did almost yearly with friends and family near Lauder Sand Hills, Manitoba. A celebration of Jack's life will be held this summer. Details will be shared at a later date. Many thanks to the staff at Betel Personal Care Home for the excellent care they gave Jack, as well as the love and support they gave Peggy and family. A special thank you to Dr. Prematilake for his care of Jack. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca). MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2019