JOHN DONALD (JACK) MCNAIRNAY, LLB, QC -

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JOHN DONALD (JACK) MCNAIRNAY, LLB, QC 1925 - 2011 John Donald (Jack) McNairnay died on April 14, 2011 in Victoria, BC, his wife Tanis and family at his side. Jack was born on February 13, 1925 at Swan River, Manitoba, the youngest of six children. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1935 to be closer to his father, then working at the Pine Falls Paper Company. He had the gift of a wonderful memory for the people and places that influenced his younger years. Jack graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 1943 and joined the RCAF. He saw much of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and gained many good stories at the stations where he took pilot, bomber and navigator training. He enrolled in pre-law at United College when he was discharged. His life took a major new direction during Christmas leave, 1944 when he met Tanis Sunde at a party in Pine Falls. They were married on Saturday, September 12, 1947 and the following Monday Jack began his studies at Law School. Jack earned his law degree in 1950, articled with the Legal Department at the City of Winnipeg and was called to the Bar in 1951. He remained with the City until 1956 when he moved to The Travellers Insurance Company as Assistant Manager. In 1961 he returned to municipal government. Jack joined the Legal Department of the Metropolitan Corporation of Greater Winnipeg and in 1963 was appointed Deputy Council. While Jack's career developed there was also a growing family, now on Elm Street. Jack and Tanis had seven children and he was a lucky man to have Tanis managing affairs at home. In 1968 Jack moved to the Provincial Government as Assistant Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs. He was soon appointed Deputy Minister and among other things was instrumental in creating the legislation that unified the City of Winnipeg. Later, Jack also headed the Province's Departments of Public Works and Natural Resources. Between 1981 and 1993 Jack chaired, in turn, the Public Utilities Board, the Surface Rights Board and the Municipal Board. He was always remembered with respect and affection by those who worked with him during his many years of public service. Jack was an active member of the Winnipeg community taking leadership roles at St. Andrews United Church, the Patriotic Salvage Corp, Mount Carmel Clinic and the River Heights Community Centre, among others. In 1998 Jack and Tanis moved to Victoria, BC where they enjoyed the climate, the scenery and visits from children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack's life touched many people and he will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Tanis, and is lovingly remembered by his six surviving children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, should anyone wish to remember Jack with a gift, a donation to the Victoria Hospice Foundation, 1510 Fort St., Victoria BC, V8S 5J2 or the BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2011