We Remember

ESPLEN, John Henry “Jack”
September 8, 1945 — August 9, 2022
Jack Esplen, 76, of Kelowna, BC passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022, at Kelowna Hospice House, after a stoic battle with cancer; his wife of 42 years, Colleen, by his side holding his hand until the end.
Jack was born in Port Elgin, Ontario and worked at several jobs before moving to Vancouver Island for logging. He then got a job with the DOT, which saw him move to northern BC. There he acquired countless stories about his time at Dease Lake, where he ended up owning a general store and gas station before relocating to the Okanagan, where he lived out his days.
Jack loved to relax in his backyard with a coffee, watch horse races and curling, play a game of crib, go golfing, and most often he could be found with his nose buried in a book. He was a gem! He had the best sense of humour and his full-body-silent-crying laugh and jokes will never be forgotten.
He was a hard worker (having spent more than twenty-five years with the City of Kelowna’s water department as a pump operator and foreman), a loyal friend, the best Dad and loving husband we could have asked for.
Jack is survived by his wife Colleen; daughters Amber Garson (Mike), Ashley Esplen (Chris Geistlinger), Shannon MacDonald (Darren), and Shelley Gilberg (David Miller); sister Cathy Jacques; grandchildren Sebastien and Danielle; many nieces and nephews in Ontario; and extended family in BC. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry & Hazel Esplen; brother Mac Esplen; and sister Mardi Lyness.
He will be forever missed and cherished!
There will be no formal service, per his request.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to Central Okanagan Hospice House or the Okanagan Regional Library.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
So sorry for your loss .Jack was a great guy who will be forever missed .Hang on to the great memories.Hugs Linda Oleksyn
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts Colleen and family. Kathie Neufeld
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. May Jack Rest In Peace. Sending love and hugs.
Colleen and girls. I was saddened to read about Jacks passing. Hang to the memories of him.
You thought the world of him, supporting him throughout the years. Hugs to all of you. I think of you often my friend. Please call me when you are up a visit.
Rosa and Tom Watkins
My sincere condolence’s to all of Jacks Family. i had a few years of working with Jack and he was a super guy. There wasn’t a time I can remember when he wouldn’t say good morning with a big smile on his face. Rest in peace Jack until we meet again
My deepest condolences to the Esplen family. I had the pleasure of working with Jack at the city of Kelowna for over 13 years. Jack was one of the hardest working individuals I have ever worked with. Jack had a great sense of humour and a heart of gold. Rest in Peace Jack.
Colleen, we are very saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Condolences to you and your family.
Heidi & Jon Ridinger