We Remember
WIEBE, John (Jack) Peter
August 21, 1921 — April 6, 2016
Major, retired
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack, who slipped away peacefully on the eve of April 6, 2016 at the age of 94 years.
Jack’s final journey was the very one he feared the most. It took two years for the ravages of dementia to run its course, but Jack’s prayers were finally answered. According to his wishes, he can now be reunited with his beloved wife Martha, who predeceased him by some ten years.
Jack enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life. He immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1929. He grew up and went to school in Minnedosa, Manitoba. He served in the military and saw action in France during the allied invasion of WWII. He married the love of his life in 1943. His military career as a Civil Engineer spanned some 27 years. Afterward, Jack enjoyed a career in public service before retiring in 1982. Both he and Martha came to Kelowna that year to be closer to family. An avid golfer, Jack was 71 years old when he shot his first hole-in-one. A mere three weeks later, he would ace another one!
Jack will be missed by his sons David and Ron, brother Peter, grandchildren Marlena, Sarah, Sailaica and Kaylan, his loving companion Marjorie along with extended family and his many friends in Kelowna and elsewhere across the country.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at the Village at Smith Creek who ensured that Jack’s final journey was as comfortable as could be. Thank-you.
A celebration of Jack’s life will take place at St. David’s Presbyterian Church, 271 Snowsell Street, Kelowna, BC, on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with reception and light lunch to follow; interment at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:30 pm. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Location
St. David's Presbyterian Church
Dear Ron and Dave with families,
we send our condolence to all of you. It was great to know Jack and his wife Martha. Jack was allways a Gentleman and a great friend to our Family. We remember the Christmas Turky and the Little gifts he brought us Kids. We will remember him and have him in our hearts.
The Sexauer Family from the Black Forest
Although you may live apart, some people never leave your life – or your heart, and Uncle Jack was one. Uncle Jack – you could never say that without saying Aunt Martha, entered my life in the early 60’s, appearing for supper as a lean, tanned assassin. Well, that’s what he looked like to me then. He had just returned from a year away in the Gaza strip where he had been in charge of Canadian Engineers in the first UN Peacekeeping Force: no doubt it had been a hard year. He and Aunt Martha had been invited to diner by my Dad, Jack’s cousin, and many others followed through the years. It was much later when I learned of the close childhood bonds they had formed while growing up in the rural Saskatchewan of the 30’s; those bonds were never broken although they too lived apart. With his easy smile, ready humour, wide knowledge, and watchful eyes Jack was always easy to engage. He knew people and had broad tolerance, but he was no pushover and always travelled with a firm sense of his life’s directions. He never spoke of his military service, but then that was common of his generation. He served, he had a strong sense of duty, and he was, from all that I could see and hear, a devoted man of family to Martha and his children. When my family was starting out Jack and Martha would always welcome us in with easy warmth, ready conversation and open arms, and that is exactly how I like to remember my Uncle Jack.
David and Ron,
As my brother has said – there was a connection and a brotherhood that we saw as children between your Dad, Uncle Jack and our Dad, his cousin, Jake.
His warm smile, the “never fading tan” look that he sported, and the concern and love he displayed for Aunt Martha and his sons, perhaps Skipper, or was it Skippy , sorry for my memory moment, your soft coated, flowing haired, white and sandy brown dog should be included , not sure how he felt about your turtle, Ronnie :).
There was the fun shared at the many bridge games and oyster parties that were held at our family home. Times at the cottage on the big Rideau were a welcome delight, although those were not was frequent, as perhaps wanted , because that was of course during golf season.
Uncle Jack, was for me, the beginning of my understanding that in our greater family – Jack was really John and Johns could be Jacks …. somehow it was all good.
My condolences on his passing
Jack was a special man in my life. I could talk to him about anything he always loved a good conversation didn’t matter if we agreed on a subject or not. He loved golf, cooking, eating, bridge, old movies, old music and Germany and( The Price is Right)! He adored his wife Martha, children and grandchildren and in later years Marjorie became a blessing in his life. I will always remember him the way he was full of life. Missing a great man.
Dear Ron, David, Kaylan and Sailaica and families,
Our sincere condolences to all of your over the the passing of your sweet, gentle Dad and Grampa! We only got to know Jack in his later years but were so glad that we did and were so grateful that he and Marj found each other and were such a comfort to each other! They really had fun together and were both so happy to be in each other’s lives. They even did some travelling together! Jack was such a bright, considerate and fine man and it was our privelege to know him! Now he and Marj are both gone and all we can do is remember them fondly, which isn’t hard to do.
Sincerely, Janice and Steve Flett
Our deepest sympathy to Jack’s family. Martha and Jack were great neighbors at Glennmeadows and will be missed. Jack was and will be missed at our Monday night Poker games.
Wiebe family: Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss. And hoping, too, that comfort and peace may come to you.
David and family,
It has been a very long time but I recognized your Dad’s wonderful photo immediately.
I was saddened to hear he passed away. I remember him as a strong and impressive man with a wonderful laugh. My thoughts are with you and your family.