JOHN (JACK) NEILSON STEEL

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JOHN (JACK) NEILSON STEEL Dad has come home: Peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side the family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather J.N. Steel at the age of 82. Jack as he was affectionately called was born in Winnipeg on May 1, 1924. The eldest son of Margaret and Hugh Steel. Dad was predeceased by his parents in 1985 and 1979 respectively, and by his younger and only sibling, Walter in 1993. Dad was a man of love, honour, kindness and compassion, who put his family at the top of his lists. He had a zest for live that included a love of animals, friends, and the many associations he was involved with. He was always one to listen, help in any way, and could tell stories that eventually ended with a story from his fond years in the Canadian Navy. Dad attended St. John's Tech, the universities of, Winnipeg and Western Ontario. Interrupting his education was his call to duty with the Royal Canadian Navy to fight for his country's freedom in the Second World War, as a young teenager. His career focused on electronics and radar. Dad was a lifetime member of the Navel reserve based with HMCS Chippawa. The Navy was a large part of his life often telling Navel stories to his grandchildren educating them with the appreciation of history and freedom. Dad had experienced a unique time of service on the HMCS Puncher during the war. He also served on HMCS Crusader and others. He and his ship the Crusader survived the worst hurricane in history near the Azores, Portugal. Upon his return to Canada Dad met his soul mate Laura of Hamilton. Married in Winnipeg on October 6, 1951, they became the proud parents of daughters Sandra, Jo-Anne and son John. Residing at the family home on Kelvin Boulevard, Tuxedo for nearly 50 years. Dad was proud of his Scottish heritage, as both parents and brother were born there. He and Mom enjoyed watching one of their granddaughters Deanne perform her Highland dance the Sailors Hornpipe . Dad's career continued in Winnipeg with employment as an estimator with Hilton Brothers, later acquiring the company and changing the name to Hilton Insulation and Supply. In the 1980s Dad sold Hiltons and moved from contracting to the supply side buying Westcan Insulation Industries Ltd. Both Hilton and Westcan were truly family businesses as at one time or another family members worked by his side. Mom spent several years on the order desk, known to hundreds as Laura. So many employees of Dad went off to start their own businesses, as he was one to always give a fella a break. Retirement never sat well with Dad as he kept active with many associations both during and after his formal working years. His involvement revolved around the Rotary, The Masons, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, The Winnipeg Construction Association, Ridge Meadows Seniors Society of Maple Ridge, BC, The Naval Association of Canada and the United States, and the Royal Canadian Legion. Past Presidencies included The Thermal Insulation Association of Canada (T.I.A.C.) and the Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Manitoba. He was the Mayor of the Village of Dunnottar and an elder with the First Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg. In later years Mom and Dad moved to Maple Ridge, British Columbia to live with his son John and Janice. He had such a sense of adventure travelling with Mom to Mexico, Europe, Scotland, Ireland, England, the United States and Alaska. Boating with son John and Janice on the Pacific was something he spent hours enjoying, but now where did he love more than home....his home....Winnipeg. Dad was a man larger than life full of integrity and loyalty, who loved a good joke, enjoyed telling stories that always took longer than they should and with that good old Naval twist. He cherished his loving wife Laura more than anything and sadly, passed away just shy of their 55th wedding anniversary. Dad leaves to celebrate his love of life, his wife Laura; daughters, Sandra (Dean) Magnus, Jo-Anne (Brian) Penston both of Winnipeg; and son John (Janice Witter) of Maple Ridge, British Columbia; grandchildren, Deanne, Derek, Dylan (Magnus) - Jennifer, Daniel, Jessica (Graham of Winnipeg) - John Jr. and Gregory (Steel) of Blue Springs, Missouri; Dad's sister-in-law Margaret Steel of Winnipeg; cousins in Scotland and numerous nieces and nephews. Rev. Bruce Miles, longtime family friend will officiate the celebration of Dad's life. This will take place on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. held at Thomson In The Park , 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg. A private interment will take place at Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Winnipeg ambulance, fire and police departments for their outstanding service and support. Doctor Al Karmali and assistant Cathy of the Fraser Medical Clinic, Maple Ridge, BC, Doctor Robert Brown of the Keary Medical Centre, New Westminister, BC and Doctor Richard Smyth of R.S. Medical Services, Coquitlam, BC for their kindness and genuine concern for Dad's well being. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Children's Hospital Foundation, C.E 501-840 Sherbrooke Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1S1. DAD'S SMILE, LAUGHTER, STRENGTH, GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION WILL BE SO GREATLY MISSED STEADY AS SHE GOES DAD ... SLEEP WELL..... WE LOVE YOU THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD. WWW.THOMSONINTHEPARK.COM 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2006