We are saddened by the loss of our father, grandfather John Norman Raftis, September 16, 1929 – September 5, 2022. Known fondly as Jack he will be forever missed for his boundless energy, enthusiasm for life and political involvement.
Jack was a father of four children Lisa (Cam), twins Joe (Shelly) and Russ and a younger daughter Leslie. Jack was blessed with six grandchildren Christopher, Clarissa, Jarrett, Kylee, Brandon and Jordan.
From the onset Jack was very active in municipal politics. In 1959 fresh from graduating as a professional Engineer from the University of Toronto, Jack started his career for General Electric in Sudbury where he quickly got involved in city affairs and ran for councillor in which he won. He was president of the Sudbury Jaycees and loved spearheading local initiatives to make life better for his constituents. “Happiness is” was the start of his political slogan throughout his career. Happiness is homes, hospitals, highways, etc. anything Jack thought would make for bettering the community in which he lived. In the sixties Jack was chairman of the Sudbury branch of the Engineering Institute of Canada and sat on executive meetings of the Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce as president of the junior chamber.
Jack and his wife Joan both trace their roots from the Leaside neighbourhood of Toronto where they grew up one block from each other. Dad told his kids that the first time he laid eyes on their mother he knew that someday she would become his wife. It was a long and fruitful marriage of 65 years that took them to Sudbury during the sixties and early seventies then back to southern Ontario in the city of Burlington where Jack was still very much engaged in municipal politics being a councillor and the later to becoming the Chairman of Halton Region. Joan was active by his side throughout all these years as a dedicated wife, mother and partner supporting all Jack’s accomplishments.
Jack took an active interest in sports at an early age when he played junior B hockey and later played intercollegiate when at the University of Toronto. In the 70s Jack took up golf and loved to play the game throughout his life. Golf was a game where he could unwind from the day to day pressures of the office and spend it with his many friends at the Burlington Golf and Country club. Socialising was a huge part of who Jack was and he will always be remembered for his sense of humour, dedication to his family and especially for his tireless endeavours in public life.
In 1993 Jack retired from his work life. With this new freedom he loved to spend time gardening at his home in Burlington, entertaining family and friends and walking his beloved golden retriever Sophie. Jack and Joan spent over 45 years wintering at their second home in Longboat Key, Florida. Jack loved to walk the beach and talk to anyone that crossed his path. During these later years Jack and his wife loved to explore other cultures and spent many holidays touring Europe.
Jack’s dedication and passion in his work directly and indirectly impacted countless people he was proud to call his constituents. His strong work ethic and exuberance for life has been passed down as a legacy to all his family and friends.
Our thoughts, prayers and memories will last our lifetimes. Jack you will be surely missed and we thank you for your great attitude and love for all that life has to offer. Indeed Happiness is a long fruitful life, well lived!
Cremation has taken place. Private services to be held at Smith’s Funeral Home, Burlington (905-632-3333). A celebration of life will take place at the Burlington Golf and Country Club (422 North Shore Blvd E., Burlington) on Sunday, October 30 between 2 – 4 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Norman JAck Raftis Monday September 5th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario