JOHN (JACK) ARMSTRONG LAMB

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN (JACK) ARMSTRONG LAMB It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of husband, father, and grandpa Jack on January 12, 2009. Jack was born at Moose Lake, Manitoba on April 12, 1934 to Tom and Jennie Lamb. He was the seventh of nine children. Jack is mourned by his wife of 52 years, Barbara (nee Allan); his three children: Tanis, Tara (Bill Shaddy) of Sarasota, Florida and Jon (Jennifer ) Lamb; his grandchildren: Stafford, Elyot and Caledon; his two sisters: Sheila Lee of Lafetteville, Oregon and Phyllis Gibson of Enderby, British Columbia; three brothers: Greg (Verna) Lamb of The Pas, Doug (Vasti) Lamb of Flin Flon and Conrad (Nancy) Lamb of Gimli. Also left to mourn are his sisters-in-law: Margaret (Hartley Woodward), Janice (Glenn Smith) and Cathy Allan; and brother-in-law Harvey (Rita) Allan of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his parents: Tom and Jennie; sister Carol McAree, brothers Donnie Lamb and Dennie Lamb, sisters-in-law: Beverly Lamb and Peggy Allan; brother-in-laws: Jock McAree, Jack Allan, Walter Allan, Jim Allan and Joe Allan; niece Beverly Allan; and nephew Tommy Lamb. He will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends, along with his vast e-mail network. The wonder of the internet allowed him to keep in touch with contacts around the globe. He was never short of a new story to tell or an old memory to thread, which would be added to by his brothers and friends. After his father, Canadian aviation pioneer Tom Lamb, founded Lambair in 1935, Jack and his five brothers fell under the flying spell, and he spent his life in and around aviation. In the 1950s and 60s, Jack was associated with many of the major projects in northern Manitoba and the Arctic, working to develop the Canada of today. He loved the north and its people, and he was keenly interested in the history and welfare of northern Manitoba and Nunavut. Jack and Barbara spent seven years in Rankin Inlet and were installed and recognized as Village Elders. After retiring, Jack continued until recently to consult in aviation. He and Barbara spent summers at their Clearwater Lake cabin in The Pas and winters in Winnipeg and Florida. Wanting to pass on his stories and experiences to his grandchildren, he started writing a few lines, couldn't stop and ended up publishing a book, My Life in the North, which was a great read for all. Typifying Dad's community orientation and involvement, he was a Past-President of The Pas Kinsmen Club, a Past-Master of The Pas Masonic Lodge, and a former director of both the Air Transport Association of Canada and the Western Canada Aviation Museum. He was also a recipient of the 1967 Canada Confederation Medal and the Western Canada Aviation Museum Pioneer in Canadian Aviation Award (2000). In 2007, Jack, his father and his brothers were recognised with an award of appreciation from the Government of the Nunavut for their dedication and service to the development of Nunavut. In 2008, the Manitoba Aviation Council honoured Jack and his brothers for their contribution to Manitoba's history. Dad's service to others extended beyond aviation, he was a collector of friends you know who you are. Thank you to those of you who were able to drop by and visit. Dad was not only a story teller and historian but a doer who was not often stumped, he had the energy and enthusiasm for all sorts of projects too many to list here. In later years, his three grandchildren were the stars in his life, and he never tired of hearing of their escapades or bragging about them. Our family wishes to thank the palliative care units of the St. Boniface Hospital, Riverview Health Centre, Grace Hospice and Home Care, who were all very supportive during the time we spent together. Dad accepted his destiny with kidney cancer, but not without a valiant 4 ½ year effort. On his last morning, his nurse opened his curtains to a bright, sunny Manitoba morning and exclaimed, It's a nice day for flying, Jack andoff he went. How great is that! In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Dad was loved by many, and for those who cannot be with us Saturday, we have all greatly appreciated your kind messages and support during Dad's last days. Thomson In the ParK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2009