Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years Joan, son Jack and
daughter Sandy (Watson). He is survived by daughter Joanne Burroughs (Keith),
son Jim (Jane), son-in-law John Watson (Valerie), daughter-in-law Cheryl Blair
(Gord), grandchildren Patrick (Deborah), Heather, Brandi (Ian), Krista (Graeme)
and great-grandchildren Marion, Jackson, Nathan and Markus.
Jack was born in New
Westminster, BC and grew up in Vancouver’s west end. He joined the Canadian
Army (RC Sigs) in 1939, was posted to England in 1940 and saw active service in
Northern Europe 1944-45. In 1960 he served with the United Nations peacekeeping
force in the Congo. He retired in 1974 in Nanaimo having achieved the rank of
Chief Warrant Officer.
In 2014 he was made a Knight of
the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his service in the liberation of
France. After his military service he worked for many years at Malaspina College
now known as the Vancouver Island University. In retirement he bought his own
aircraft (1946 Navion, CF-JPC46) and fulfilled a lifelong passion for flying. At
his request there was no service.
This was received from Jack's Son-in-law Jack Watson
From club member Merv Embury:
Jack and I served together in 740 Comm Sqn Nanaimo from Sep 1970 to Aug
1973; Jack the Sqn Ops CWO and me the Sqn Ops O. Throughout the remainder of my
36+ year career, I never forgot the sound advice and wise counsel Jack provided
me during those early formative years of my career. Jack epitomized the word
gentleman and, was an incredibly loyal and dedicated career professional in
every sense of the word. Following our departure from Nanaimo in Aug 1973,
Peggy and I remained lifelong friends with Jack and Joan visiting them on
numerous occasions over the years; seeing them for our last visit in Apr 2010.
We will never forget our valued lifelong friendship with Jack and Joan and, the
extended Blair family. RIP Mr. Blair!
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