Obituary of Jack Irish
With great sadness the family of Jack Irish announces his passing in his 93rd year. Active to the end, Jack was unable to overcome injuries sustained after a fall at home. Predeceased by his father Frank and mother Merle(Hawley) Irish, his brother Donald Irish and wife Marguerite, his niece Beverley and her husband Lloyd Jones, his uncle Russell Irish.
Jack is survived by his wife Maxine(Garton), son Jim(Penny) and daughter Joan(Tom Felstead), grandchildren Kristin(Craig Skelton), Callie(Rob LeCours), 3 great-grandchildren, nephew Gary Irish and wife Marilyn and their families.
Born in Mount Salem, he took over the family farm north of Aylmer in the early 1950’s. Dad was a resourceful worker who raised beef cattle, then cash cropped while also working in factories doing maintenance. In 1992 he retired from Hayes Dana in St. Thomas.
Anyone who met Jack quickly saw his generosity, kind spirit and willingness to jump in to get things done. Whether helping someone who ran out of gas, or needed a tow, needed helping at the cottage, he was ready and often adamant to help. As a member and President of the Springfield Lions Club, he earned several local and international awards recognizing his services to the organization and the communities they served.
Being out on the water was one of his favourite things to do. Finding an abandoned boat and tinkering with it for nearly 20 years, wasn’t a chore, if it meant he could be ready for opening day of fishing season each year. He loved sports and games whether playing, attending events or just following them on TV. Baseball, golf, car races, hockey, basketball, and even curling when his son, daughter and their families took up curling. And when company came he was always up for a game of cards.
As for cards, he also thoroughly enjoyed going to Las Vegas. He taught himself blackjack and was often invited to tournaments. He won a Celebrity Blackjack Tournament in Las Vegas in 2002.
Travel was also a passion. Australia, Greece, Egypt, Portugal, Scandinavia, British Isles, Hawaii, Newfoundland, EXPO 67, Tuktoyaktuk are just a few of the places Dad and Mom saw. Never shy about striking up a conversation, many times Mom & Dad came back with great stories of their adventures and new friends.
Always up for a party, Jack loved music and dancing and made the most of whatever life had to offer. He touched many lives just by being him and we are all better for it.
Friends may call at the H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Tuesday 7-9pm where the funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. Cremation-Burial, Aylmer Cemetery. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jack
Irish 1927 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Aylmer, Province: Ontario