JOHN (JACK) HENRY LOCKETT

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JOHN (JACK) HENRY LOCKETT Jack passed peacefully on June 15, 2009. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy in 2002 and he is survived by his son Peter (Virginia) and his daughter Frances Harris (Bob). Jack was born in Altrincham, England on December 26, 1917 and was raised, with his two sisters, Mabel and Connie, by their widowed mother Jane. At 15, and finished with formal schooling, Jack was something of a delinquent. Bored by several short-term jobs, his wise mother suggested that he enlist in the forces. He took the necessary exams and qualified for the British Boys' Army Technical School. He completed the three year training course and gained a certificate in carpentry. In 1936 Jack joined the Corps of Royal Engineers and in September 1938 he was posted to Malta. He remained in Malta during the Second World War siege, working on bomb disposal duties. He survived this dangerous work unscathed throughout the blockade and bombardment of the island. He was delighted when the Government of Malta recognized his service there by awarding him the George Cross on the 50th anniversary of the siege. After a short tour of duty in North Africa, Jack returned home to England in 1944. During leave he met Dorothy and they were married in 1945. After they set up home in Hazel Grove, Cheshire, Jack took teacher training in carpentry and began work as a teacher in 1951. Then, in August, 1957, Jack and Dorothy immigrated to Winnipeg with their two children. Jack began work the same month as a teacher, and throughout his career taught woodworking at Strathcona, Kelvin, R B Russell and St John's schools. In 1974 Jack achieved his BA and B Ed after several years of summer and night school. He served as a member of the Winnipeg Teachers' Association Executive for a number of years and in 1971 he was elected President. Jack received the Distinguished Service Award from the WTA in 1982 and retired from teaching in 1983. Jack was an excellent teacher, compassionate and innovative, and he was much appreciated by his students. In addition to his teaching duties he coached the Kelvin boys' gymnastics team to a city championship, refereed soccer matches and helped to build sets for several school plays. Jack also mentored student teachers, and some of them remained his long-time friends. Jack was full of confidence and ambition for himself and his family. He worked hard throughout his whole life to provide a safe and happy home. As well as his regular teaching work, Jack taught night school classes for many years, and he was Vice-Principal of the R B Russell night school. In addition, he worked through many summer holidays. He drove taxi, sold vacuum cleaners, and spent many happy hours demonstrating the radial arm saw at Simpson Sears in Polo Park. He was a natural showman, and loved nothing better than telling jokes and stories and performing magic tricks for any available audience. And, when he wasn't busy, Jack found time to golf, build kitchen cabinets, renovate rec rooms and build four houses. He and Dorothy loved to spend time at their country estate near Tolstoi in southern Manitoba. Dad particularly enjoyed cutting his four acres of grass and making unusual wines from every available fruiting tree or shrub. The Lockett home was always the place for a great party, particularly on Boxing Day. Jack and Dorothy opened their hearts and their home to many people who were new to Canada, and they made many good friends in the process. Jack moved to Lindenwood Manor in 2002 after Dorothy suffered a stroke. He was thrilled when she was able to join him there until her death that September. Jack was a fixture at the Manor , finding an unsuspecting new audience for his stories and tricks. He was very content with his life there and he made many new and valued friends. We thank the staff and management of Lindenwood Manor for providing a caring and comfortable home for Dad. You are all wonderful, compassionate people. We also thank the staff of the 5S Nursing unit at Victoria Hospital, along with Dr. Cavers and Dr. Munsamy for your kind and empathetic care during Dad's final days. Our father gave us the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in us. Love you Dad There will be a private memorial service. If you wish, please make a donation in Dad's memory to The Victoria Hospital Foundation. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2009