Jack Winch
1921-2020
Winch, John Earl Esworthy
“Jack”
Passed away peacefully on March 31, 2020 at the age of
99. Predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Earla
(Steep) 2005. Survived by his devoted daughters,
Joann Germanakos (Bernie Waters), Christine Megaffin (Patrick) and
Mary E. Libby (Andy). He will be missed by his loving
grandchildren, Christopher LeMoine (Andrea Giesler), Joel LeMoine
(Leigh-Anne Legault), Colby LeMoine (Kirstie Herbstreit), Michael
LeMoine, Nadia LeMoine, Lawrence Libby (Andreea Musulan), Jasmine
Libby (Spencer Scodellaro), Nigel Libby, step grandsons Dennis
Megaffin and Daniel Megaffin (Melody Devries) and great grandchildren
Charlie and Miles Herbstreit, Jack Shaw and Lily LeMoine and several
nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Howard (1965)
and Lydia (1980) and his siblings, Ruth Wall (Avery), Aubrey (Gwen),
Helen Broughton (Gordon), Austin (Elsie) and Geraldine Roffey (Ken),
and his son-in-law Tony Germanakos. Loved by his golden
retriever/setter Shaun (1988).
Jack wore many hats during his long lifetime. He faithfully
served his family, his country, his church, and his
community.
Jack was a Flying Officer in the RCAF, serving as a wireless
operator overseas in WWII from 1941-1945. Following the war,
Jack returned home and attended the Ontario Agricultural College in
Guelph, obtaining his Bachelor of Scientific Agriculture in 1951 and
his masters in 1953 in Forage Crop Production and Breeding.
Jack attended Cornell University in Ithaca NY and obtained his PhD in
Agronomy in 1956. He began is tenure as a professor of Crop
Science in 1958 at University of Guelph, teaching in the Diploma,
Undergraduate and Graduate programs until his retirement in 1986.
Additionally, Jack continually researched and published articles on
forage production and plant physiology. Large farm acreages
were established throughout Ontario as a result of his research on
Birdsfoot Trefoil, and Crown
Vetch became the major legume used for stabilization and as
a “minimum maintenance” cover on the 400-series highways.
Jack was a founding member and first President of the Canadian Land
Reclamation Association (1975). His research and speaking
engagements took him across the globe. He was recognized with many
awards and accolades. After his retirement from the
University of Guelph, Jack consulted with Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) to set up and monitor soils and livestock
projects in China and Inner Mongolia. He remained on the
project for five years.
Jack married Earla Steep on June 20, 1953 and settled in
Guelph where they raised their family. Over the years, he
served his local community as a Boy Scout leader, and as both a
People’s Warden and Rector’s Warden at St. James
Church. Jack was a dedicated member of several fraternal
associations, actively serving in various roles. Highlights include
his terms as Worshipful Master of Waverly Lodge from 1979-1980, and
President of the Guelph and District Shrine Club in
1991.
In Jack’s later years, he travelled extensively
with his wife. He also conducted extensive research on his family tree
and, with the help of his family, published four volumes on the Winch
family. He was extremely proud of the outcome, and his
family.
Thank you to the dedicated staff of AR Goudie, PeopleCare,
Kitchener for the care in his final years, and especially to Ruth and
Rincy. In lieu of flowers, the family has
requested donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or
the Masonic Lodge of Ontario. A celebration of life will be
held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to
GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre
& Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph,
(519-824-0031). We invite you to
leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com
and they will be forwarded to the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Winch 19212020..
Death notice for the town of: Guelph, Province: Ontario