Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a remarkable man.

Jack died peacefully with Joanna Parkin, his wife of 43 years, at his side. He is survived by Joanna, his son Timothy (Angie), his daughter Mia (Al) and his sisters Eva and Marietta. He was predeceased by Lois, mother of Timothy and Mia, his parents Maria and Alex, a brother and eight sisters.

Jack was born in Waters Township, near Sudbury, Ont. His parents immigrated from Finland in the early 1900s and carved out a farm on the land where Jack grew up. He was always a seeker of knowledge and read widely. Family lore has it that he read the complete works of Shakespeare when he was 12. He worked at INCO (International Nickel Company) in many jobs from age 18 until he retired at 55.

In his younger years, he was active in the union movement and the NDP, contributing endless time, energy and organizational skills to social justice and equality. Later in life, Jack set out on a different path. Starting in 1974, he studied world religions and spirituality with Dr. Placide Gaboury at the University of Sudbury. These studies led him to explore the areas of consciousness and quantum physics, eventually writing two books devoted to these subjects. For the past 24 years, Jack and Joanna made their home in Cowichan Bay where they formed special and lasting friendships. Jack was a profound man who developed deep connections with people from every sphere of society, especially those who shared his curiosity about philosophy, spirituality and the meaning of life. He connected spiritually with the natural world, especially animals and trees. Although his interests were serious, Jack will be remembered for his sense of humour. His many nieces, nephews and friends delighted in his legendary vocabulary and animated storytelling about life on the farm and in the bush.

In the last 16 years, he developed a great love of Hawaii, especially the Big Island, making lifelong friendships and connecting deeply with Hawaiian culture and spirituality. He became close with an Indigenous Hawaiian teacher.

His family would like to thank the staff on 3rd floor of Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan for their kind attention and care. We would particularly thank Dr. Ann Thompson for many years of care, support, and expertise. Our gratitude goes as well to the specialists who cared for him.

We would also like to thank all our friends and neighbours in the Cowichan Valley and in Cowichan Bay, especially Doug Ramsfield, for their support and kindness.

There will be no service at Jack’s request.

Memorial donations can be made to a charity/organization of your choice.