Obituary
John “Jack” Hackman was born April 15, 1939 in Westlock, Alberta to parents Michailo (Mike) and Lydia Hackman. Two years later his brother Steve was born. Sister Jeanne was adopted later, completing the Hackman family.
Jack and his siblings were raised on the family farm, located between Fawcett and Jarvie. From grade 1-3, Jack walked to fifth Meridian School with his neighbors the Duls. From grade 4-12, he travelled by school bus to Fawcett School where he had a wide variety of teachers that left lasting impressions on him. In addition to helping out daily on the farm, Jack also excelled playing a variety of sports including baseball, football and hockey.
Upon graduation in 1957, Jack attended the University of Alberta, where he received a teaching certificate. Later, he took night courses and summer school to obtain his Bachelor of Education Degree.
His first assignment was Clyde School where he taught the grade 5-6 class. The next year he was posted to Flatbush School as Principal. This turned out to be a life changing experience. Here he met the grade one teacher, Shirley Hill who became his wife on July 8, 1961.
Jack and Shirley bought their first home in Edmonton where Jack continued to teach for 17 years. Initially this location worked well, as their home was directly across the street from Mee-Yah-Noh School where Jack taught. Later Jack moved to Glengarry School, where he primarily taught Science and Grade 4.
In 1963, Jack and Shirley welcomed their first daughter Deidre, and two years later, daughter Leann.
During summer breaks from teaching, Jack did various construction jobs. In the early 70’s he began installing garage doors. In 1973, they built an acreage home in Sturgeon View Estates, north of Namao, which was his beautiful home until he passed away.
In 1977, Jack retired from teaching, in order to start Jayco Doors, a small overhead door company which he continued to operate.
Jack’s life was one of compassion, community service and humility. He understood the importance of family, friends and faith.
He and Shirley hosted many family Christmas, New Year’s and Thanksgiving celebrations. Each included much food, laughs and games. As the years went by, the family was joined by a new generation of kids, all of which continued to be welcomed and entertained by Uncle Jack.
Jack thoroughly enjoyed spending time outdoors, including gardening, tending flowers and cutting grass on the acreage.
He was also very involved with his church family and friends- starting with Seventh Avenue Apostolic, followed by Killarney Pentecostal (now known as Christcity Church) where he has called home for the past 40 years. Here, Jack served in various capacities including usher, coordinating Senior’s activities, and coffee service.
A particularly satisfying experience for Jack was a mission trip to Kona on the Big Island at the Youth With a Mission (YWAM) headquarters where , Shirley and a group of friends spent 6 weeks renovating campus residence.
Jack had the gifts of compassion and hospitality. He was always visiting people in the hospital to make sure they were doing ok, and regularly stopping in to have coffee with people to share some laughs, and let them know he cared. Because he did.
Jack was also a father figure to many who had the pleasure of knowing him. In addition to being a wonderful father to his daughters Deidre and Leann, he was extremely proud of his grandson Jordan and granddaughter Sage. He relished spending time with them at the acreage, and on trips to Mexico, Calgary and Gull Lake.
Jack was truly one of a kind. Son. Brother. Husband. Father. Uncle. Teacher. Mentor. Door Doctor. Neighbor and Friend. He valued all people- young and old. His life was full and he will be profoundly missed by many.
May he rest in peace. A life well lived.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Jack Hackman April 15 1939 August 12 2022 (age 83)..
Death notice for the town of: Westlock, Province: Alberta