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STRONG, Jack

STRONG, John (Jack) Wilbur – Born in Vilna, Alberta on March 27, 1923 and passed away on July 4, 2008.

He was survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 20 years, Solly and sons: John, Terry (Linda), Wayne (Sheri); as well as grandchildren: Kelly, Todd, Leslie, Corrie, Tammy, Kim and 10 great grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his niece Marie. He was predeceased by his first wife Kathleen (Kay) in 1984.

Jack was raised on a farm in Vilna, Alberta and as a young boy dreamed of travelling the world. He enlisted in the Canadian Army on February 21, 1942. He did his training at the Currie Barrack in Calgary, Alberta and became a member of the Calgary Highlanders. Jack served his country in World War II and saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was discharged on January 10, 1946. After the war ended, he and his family moved to Kelowna in 1947. He went to work for the S.M. Simpson Sawmills and for many years was the Personal Manager at the S & K Plywood Plant. Jack was an active member in the community serving as a Cub & Scout Leader, past President of Kelowna Minor Hockey, Kelowna Little League Baseball and served on the Executive of the Kelowna Buckaroos Hockey Team. He was also an active member of the Kelowna Legion, Kelowna Veendam Sister City Association, Okanagan Military Museum and proudly played in the Legion Pipe Band. Jack will always be remembered by his family and many friends for his great sense of humour and love of teasing others.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19th (time to be announced) at Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC. Reception to follow.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be sent to the Cancer Center for the Southern Interior or to the Okanagan Military Museum.

A gift in living memory of Jack will be made to “Hospice Care” by Springfield Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.