William Jack Aldridge II, known by friends and family as “Jack”, died August 31, 2022, at Whitehorse General Hospital from Pneumonia at age 72.
Jack was born March 7, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario to Mother Edith Audrey (nee Jarrett, died 1991) and Father George Thomas Aldridge (died 1997), elder brother to Joan Aldridge (died 2021), Fred Aldridge, Ron Aldridge, Sherry Tyrner and Tracy Dart. He was named after his grandfather, William Jack Aldridge born in Northamptonshire, England.
He was married to Ethel Silver (divorced in 1977), father to John Aldridge and Patsy Robinson (died 2021), grandfather to Alex and Josh Aldridge.
Jack attended Regent Park High School in Orillia, Ontario but his education continued throughout his life. In 1966 he studied with Manpower and Trade in Sudbury, Ontario to become a Machinist. In 1971 Jack earned his Upholster Certificate in Orillia, Ontario. In 1978 he learned H2 S Sour Gas Safety working in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1999, Jack took a computer course with Up North Training in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Jack was known to be a reliable hard worker. His employers said he was always punctual and never missed a shift. He gained a wealth of practical knowledge and experience from working in the trades, construction, carpentry, oil, and mining industries. In the 1970s he owned and operated an upholstery business with his wife, as well as a firewood company. He repaired and rebuilt railway bridges, even working on the highest railway bridge in Canada. Jack worked as a “Roughneck in the oil patch” at sites throughout Alberta and ranging into the Yukon Territory as far as Eagle Plains in the Canadian Arctic. For H. Coyne & Sons Ltd., he worked as a Groundman Crusher and on various contracts from Haines Junction to Beaver Creek, Yukon. Jack worked as an independent labourer and carpenter’s helper, converting a bakery to a 10-unit motel in Faro, Yukon, and rebuilding office buildings after a fire. For Career Industries Ltd. he worked in Woodshop Production making core boxes and picnic tables primarily but utilizing his skills in all areas of the operation.
With a calm and optimistic attitude, Jack was a true Sourdough Yukoner living for many years “in the bush” enjoying walks in nature, fishing, camping, and playing cards. In his latter years, he lived on College Drive in Whitehorse, Yukon. He will be missed and remembered by his remaining family and friends.
The family sends our gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Whitehorse General Hospital who provided the best care possible, providing compassion and dignity for Jack in his final moments. We extend our sincere appreciation to Rahel at Heritage North Funeral Home for her respectful care, guidance, and comfort.
Friends are welcome to join family for light refreshments at an informal Celebration of Life gathering, planned for Saturday September 24th, 2022, in the basement of the United Church from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Jack Aldridge II March 7 1950 August 31 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Whitehorse, Province: Colombie britanique