We Remember

TACKABERRY, John

March 6, 1955 — October 8, 2014

John Tackaberry age 59 of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away suddenly on October 8th, 2014 while in Kelowna, B.C.

John was born in Fort William, Thunder Bay District, Ontario on March 6th, 1955 and grew up in Richmond, British Columbia with his parents George and Joan Tackaberry, and his younger sister JoAnn and brother, Geordie. On May 1, 1976, John married the love of his life, Jacqueline and together they moved to Calgary, Alberta. Eventually they settled in Airdrie where they built their life together and brought up their two wonderfully adored children, Audrey (Kronewitt) and Brenda Tackaberry. While extremely proud of Brenda, a mechanical engineer and always his apprentice around the house, Audrey along with her husband Blair further blessed his life with his adorned grandchildren, Avery Ella (age 3) and Jack Alexander (age 1). Always giving us his full love and attention, he taught us how to live life fully, put love into everything we do, and laugh a lot along the way.  John could do anything. He was a wise man, loyal and “our rock”. His love and his larger than life personality will never be forgotten. Quoting John, “You Know How I Feel”, and we always did.

John began apprenticing in 1976 and was a Journeyman Red Seal Glazier by trade. He was the Chairman of the Building Trades of Alberta, proud Business Manager of IUPAT Local 177, and served on many committees. When he wasn’t working he loved spending time in his backyard with his family and his two best friends, Cooper and Raven.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Oasis Centre, 11:00am, 10930-177 Street, Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday October 16th, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation, 11635-160 Street, Edmonton T5M 3Z3.

TACKABERRY, John (IUPAT)

Chairman, Building Trades of Alberta

We are saddened to advise of the sudden and unexpected passing on October 8, 2014 of our friend and brother John Tackaberry, IUPAT Local 177. John passed while attending union business in Kelowna, BC.

A man of integrity and conviction, our Brother John’s passion for his work knew no limits. A Glazier at heart yet he loved all the Building Trades. This was evidenced in his role and work as Chairman of the Building Trades of Alberta. His loss will be felt not only in Alberta, but across Canada and the United States.

We are all deeply saddened by this tragic turn of events, and our thoughts and prayers are now with Jacquie and their daughters, Audrey and Brenda, son-in-law Blair, grandchildren, Avery and Jack, his two best friends, Cooper and Raven and the rest of their extended family.

Last week at the Building Trades of Alberta Conference and upon his re-election as Chairman of the Council, John thanked the delegation and expressed his appreciation to all, “You Know How I Feel!”

John was a great man taken suddenly and too soon…. We will miss him greatly. He was a true friend and a true union spokesman.

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
Thursday October 16th, 2014

Location
Oasis Centre

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Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation, 11635-160 Street, Edmonton T5M 3Z3

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for TACKABERRY, John is scheduled for Thursday October 16th, 2014. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Oasis Centre

10930-177 Street Edmonton, Alberta

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Stephanie Phillips says:
    October 14, 2014 at 8:56 am

    I am shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss and want John’s family to know you have been in my thoughts from the moment I learned of it. Words can offer you little at this moment except the knowledge that others truly care about you and that John was indeed known as a bright light in the world. Don & I will be there on Thursday to celebrate his life with you and to offer any support you may need in the coming days. With much love…

    Reply
  • Mary-Anne Loftus says:
    October 14, 2014 at 11:57 am

    My condolence to Jacqui, Audrey & Brenda, I remember John with fondness as we spent many a great time at all the bonspiels, he was truly a fun and special guy. My heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  • Gord Evers says:
    October 15, 2014 at 9:00 am

    Good Morning. I was real saddened to hear of John’s passing last week. He was a real good guy, always willing to say hi and how are you doing. Had a chance to say hello this summer and he was real interested in my health and my situation. He will be missed in ABTC and most of all as a friend.
    Gord Evers
    Business Representative
    Millwrights Local 1460 Alberta.

    Reply
  • Bettye & Kaley Dodds says:
    October 15, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We were so sorry to hear of your loss.

    Reply
  • John B. Tackaberry says:
    October 15, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    I never had the pleasure of meeting John but I have spoken with him over some mail that was sent to the “other” John Tackaberry. This was a few years ago and we planned on meeting for coffee one day to see if we might be related. Regrettably, we never made the connection. His obituary described the kind of man that I wish I had met. Please accept my sincere condolences.

    John Bourke Tackaberry

    Reply
  • Paddy Byrne says:
    October 15, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    A memory of John from Patrick Byrne, Assistant Business Manager, IUPAT DC38

    I’ve known John personally for over 35 years, most of my working life as a member of IUPAT. In 1979 I was as a third year glazing apprentice under John, working for CPI here in Vancouver. I’m sure neither of us at that time thought that one day we would become comrades working as representatives for our Union, but that’s life. As you go through this world there are rare handful of individuals who leave a lasting impression on you through their personality, their words and their actions. John Tackaberry was one such individual. Even though John eventually left Vancouver to work in Alberta, I was always interested in what John was up to. I remember when I first heard John had been elected as a rep in Alberta, I felt happy for him knowing he was the right kind of guy for the job.

    His outgoing persona, his honest concern for people working around him and his zest for life were all right there on display for everyone to see. I know it sounds cliché, but John really was one of those larger than life individuals who make an instant impression on you. He truly was a genuine human being. With his booming voice, his unmistakable laugh, his great sense of humour, and his ability to engage with anyone, John made everyone around him feel comfortable, safe, and welcome.

    I was glad I was able to spend an evening with John a couple of weeks ago while we were attending Pension meetings in Chicago. I was able to once again enjoy his company just talking about things like family, work, hockey, football, our future plans and life in general. All day yesterday I could still see his face clearly and hear that unmistakable voice in my ears. It’s pretty tough comprehending the fact that he’s actually gone.

    There was never any question that his wife Jacquie, daughters Audrey and Brenda and his grandchildren were always at the front of his mind and forever close to his heart. I’m so sad that his big heart couldn’t carry him any farther than it did that final day.

    We are all left with a huge hole in our lives today. A hole that will remain unfilled, as there will never be another John Tackaberry. He is undeniably irreplaceable.

    —Paddy

    Reply
  • Mike Walsh says:
    October 16, 2014 at 8:57 am

    I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Jacquie and all the members of the Tackaberry family on the recent passing of John. The news came as a real shock to Graham Wilson, Leigh MacKay, and me. We knew Jacquie and John important members of the Home Hardware team in Airdrie. Our thoughts are with you. May John rest in peace. He was a very good man.

    Reply
  • Norm Friesz says:
    October 18, 2014 at 10:21 am

    A great man gone to soon. May memories of Happy times spent with John, your husband and father ease the pain you are feeling now.

    Reply
  • Chris MacConnell says:
    October 20, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    I was talking to Marie Roblick today and she told me of John’s passing.
    My heart felt condolences to Jacqui, Brenda and Audrey. Sorry to reconnect this way.
    John was a terrific guy. We always had wonderful fellowship while curling. Such a great sense of humour. You will be missed my friend.

    Reply
  • Bernadine Turner says:
    October 23, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    Very sorry to hear about John’s passing. We have known John for years through the union. He was a great man and will be missed.

    Reply

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