Wilson, John on Sundays (Jack on the weekdays)- Passed away at home in the manner he wanted to leave – on his terms. He is survived by his amazing wife of 50 years Elisabet, daughters Teresa, Kathleen and Janet. The boys he never had, his four incredible grandsons, Wyatt and Spencer Oberst and Amancio and Benecio LeRoux. And his nieces and nephews in Bury, Lancashire, England; John and Jenn Barlow and Susan and Glyn and Louise Warburton.
Jack was, as the saying goes a “jack of all trades”. After apprenticing to become a journeyman in England he joined the army as his father and grandfather had done before him. He served with the Lancashire FOS, King’s Own and Welch Regiment for seven years and was honoured with medals for his deeds in the Korean War. Sergeant Wilson never forgot his loyalties to his Queen and country and was a proud war vet, always marching in the Qualicum Parade every Remembrance Day.
After travelling the world he emigrated to Canada with his boyhood friend Walter Johnson and met his future wife, Elisabet in Vancouver. They quickly married and had three daughters. Their lives were filled with Jack’s ambitions and his goal to retire early, always have a piece of land, a dog and plenty of chickens. Jack managed to live his life the way he wanted too. His love of Vancouver Island saw them retiring in Qualicum Beach in 1978, where he was a well known personality in the village. Often spotted with his ratting cap and pipe, eager to offer suggestions to others and known for his quick wit and sense of humour.
Jack was a proud father and grandfather. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Autism Society of British Columbia would be greatly appreciated from this “Lad from Lancashire”.
A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks to honour Sergeant Wilson.