JACK SMYTH

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JACK SMYTH It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather on September 18, 2007 at the age of 71. Jack is survived by his wife Val, his daughter Kathleen Chapman, his son John, and his grandchildren, Rachel and Kyla Smyth and Luc, Alyssa and Blake Chapman. He also leaves to mourn his sisters, Helen Jaycocks (Gerry) and Carole Sutherland (Don), his sister-in-law Connie Wadge (John), his brother-in-law Ed Kolson, as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Rita Smyth. Jack's father emigrated to Canada from Ireland in his twenties and was lucky to find work as a caretaker for the Winnipeg School Division. Jack grew up in Fort Rouge and attended Earl Grey School and Kelvin High School. He graduated from Grade 11 and began work as a junior technician in the grain research laboratory of the Board of Grain Commissioners. He loved many sports and had excelled in track and field while at high school. In this way he came to the attention of Jim Daly, who encouraged him to continue training and competing. Subsequently, Jim was instrumental in Jack's obtaining a full scholarship for track and field at the University of Houston. So at the age of 19 Jack set off for Texas. While at the University of Houston, Jack excelled both academically and athletically. In 1958 he was named Manitoba's Athlete of the Year, and Canada's Outstanding Amateur Athlete of the Year. That same year he won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. In 1959 he was named an All-American in track and field, was the NCAA champion in the triple jump and was named the University of Houston's Athlete of the Year. In 1982 he was invited back to the University of Houston where he was inducted into their Meet of Champions Hall of Honour. One of his great memories was taking his son John back to Houston with him when he went to accept this award. Jack graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1959 and began working as a physical education teacher at Sisler High School. After eight years as department head of physical education at Sisler, Jack moved to the River East School Division to become their Physical Education Director. He returned to the Winnipeg School Division several years later as vice-principal of Tec Voc High School. After serving one year as principal of R.B. Russell Vocational School, Jack was appointed Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Winnipeg School Division. He became Chief Superintendent in 1982 and remained in that position until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure as Superintendent he guided the Division through years of development and reorganization. He gained and maintained the respect of the staff and the school board for his ability to lead with strength, with respect, and with compassion. His focus was always on improving the quality of education and the learning environment for each and every student in the Division. It was at Sisler High School in 1959 that he met his wife Val, also a new teacher, and they were married the following year. Throughout his career she was his supporter and his sounding board. She was also his best friend, and over the years they enjoyed many travels together and countless hours on the golf course and on the tennis courts, often with friends and family. Jack was so very proud of the wonderful adults their children Kathleen and John have become. Their strength, their character, the amazing parents that they are, were an inspiration to him. As well, they brought a wonderful spirit of fun into his life. And finally, his grandchildren were the world to him. He was their biggest fan, their greatest supporter, and he enjoyed nothing better than just being with them. Jack was the rock of our family, the solid foundation we all relied on. Beyond that, we all loved his sharp wit and his keen sense of humour. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. The family wishes to thank our relatives and many friends for their love and support during this time. Also, our thanks to the paramedics and the staff at Grace Hospital for their professional care. A memorial service will be held at the Caboto Centre, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, on Monday, September 24, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. If friends so desire, donations may be made to The Children's Heritage Fund (re: J.C. Smyth Scholarship Fund), c/o the Winnipeg School Division, 1577 Wall Street East, Winnipeg, MB R3E 2S5, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2007