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JACK LATTER (JOHN GEORGE LATTER)
Born: Oct 28, 1928
Date of Passing: Aug 18, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJACK LATTER (JOHN GEORGE LATTER) October 28, 1928 - August 18, 2012 It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jack Latter on Saturday, August 18 at the Misericordia Interim Care Facility. Left to cherish his memory are Doris, his loving wife of 58 years, his children Carol Latter, Linda Block (Larry), Sandra Berg (Ralph) and Gordon Latter (Jane), grandchildren Jordan, Erin, Kellie, Sean and Lauren, great-grandchildren Keiran and Aislynn and his sisters-in-law Beryl and Marilyn Lockhart and their families Laurie, Janice, Angela, Trevor and Ross. Jack was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Ernest and Douglas Lockhart and his nephew Calvin Lockhart. Only son of Frederick and Grace Latter, Jack was raised in the West End of Winnipeg, attending Isaac Brock and Daniel MacIntyre Schools and the University of Manitoba, obtaining his B. Sc. and M. Ed degrees. His teaching career began in Manitoba until his imagination was captured by the Canadian Government's introduction of a program of External Aid to developing nations, which took the family to Lagos, Nigeria, for one year, and subsequently to Singapore for four years. A natural athlete, Jack was involved throughout his life in baseball, swimming, basketball and squash, and was a member of the Kiewell's Brewery hardball team, which was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. During his years of coaching basketball, Jack was one of the founders of the Fort Garry Invitational Tournament. Taking up squash in Lagos and Singapore, it continued to be a source of friendship, fun and exercise for him at the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club, where Jack made many close friends, and which became the setting for so many happy celebrations of weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. His final years in education centred on the implementation of Bill 58, ensuring a public education to students with physical and mental handicaps. On his retirement from education, Doris and Jack enjoyed many wonderful vacations to Australia, New Zealand, Britain, a return visit to Singapore, and Mesa, Arizona, where Jack was able to continue his love of baseball in Seniors' softball leagues. A keen conversationalist, Jack could always be relied upon for a great chat. Preferring the one-on-one to large groups, Jack enjoyed his morning coffee and conversation with Carol before work, helping Linda and Larry with yard work, outings to the batting cage with Sandra, building docks and fixing up the cottage with Gordon. The cottage on Zig Zag Island at Clearwater Bay was the setting for family summer vacations and the source of much hilarity, as the shared brain' teams of unskilled labourers worked on various renovation projects over the years, and riotous games and endless puzzles were shared at the dining table. A lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, Dad's earliest friendships were formed at Chalmers Church where he participated in Trail Rangers, Tuxis and YPU, where he met Doris, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership of companionship, fun and mutual support. The nucleus of that group of close lifelong friends formed at Young Peoples remained until the time of his death. Moving to Fort Garry, Jack became a strong supporter of Fort Garry United Church over the years, most recently serving on the building committee for the renewal project. Jack's legendary sardonic humour, quiet wit and humble but incredible intelligence drew people of all walks of life to him. He was a true and loyal friend, a devoted, loving and generous father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a man of insight and immense strength of character. He will be profoundly missed, not only by those of us who loved him best, but by all who knew him. Jack's pride in all of his children, and of his grandchildren, nieces and nephews was something that was never left unexpressed and we were all strengthened by it. Whether in music, sports or academics, his support and encouragement could always be counted upon. Our deepest appreciation goes to his many friends who were selfless in their care of Jack through their many visits and long chats during this last year of his hospitalization. And to his physicians, Drs. Craig Hildahl and Ian Maxwell and the staff at the Victoria Hospital on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors and most especially, to the staff at the Misericordia for their sensitive care of Jack during his final days. A service of remembrance will be held on Friday, August 24 at Fort Garry United Church at 1:00 p.m., the Reverend Dr. Gordon Taylor officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory be made to the Fort Garry United Church Building Fund or to a charity of your choice. Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. The sense of loss must give way if we are to value the life that was lived.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2012
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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I babysat for Jack and his family when he lived on Sherburn Street. I remember Carol singing to the little girl at that time I believe it was Carol about her google, googley eyes. Spent lots of other time around them when I could get over there and if they were around the home, just because they were the kind of people you could spend time with forever. Honorable, fun, always had time. I still think of them when I hear Tec Voc because I went to Tec Voc at the time and always had to pass their home on my way to school. Nothing was ever no time for the kids on the block. A smile, a wave, kindness or a word. Even when playing baseball. My father used to umpire at that time and that could have been where I first met him, at a baseball game and found out we were neighbors and started babysitting. This is the first time I have seen the obituary as I have had some life changes and just not where I had opportunity to follow up. A true mentor and just their demeanor commanded respect. Heaven has an angel and one whose principles I will always remember and follow. God bless your family and someday we will all meet again. My condolences even though years after. Memories are something that never leave us when imprinted on the heart. - Posted by: Diane Wilson (Family friend and babysitter as a teen and follower of the baseball teams) on: Dec 26, 2018
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I remember well how he put up with myself and other students he is ranked as the best in my books. Behalf of the Eastwood family, God Bless. - Posted by: Mark Eastwood (Mr. Latters student - 1972-1974 & family friend.) on: Oct 14, 2012
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Sandy, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. May your many memories bring you comfort. You are in my prayers. - Posted by: Daunna Sommerfeld () on: Aug 31, 2012
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Praying for all of you in this sad time. Praying that the sadness will be lifted by hearing wonderful tributes and reminiscing about the years of togetherness you shared with your much loved husband, dad & grandpa. Much love to you. - Posted by: Janice & Don Onski & family () on: Aug 24, 2012
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I shared many years in playing softball with Jack and enjoying a partnership to many projects. Jack was a rare gentleman and sportsman. It was a pleasure to share life moments with him. - Posted by: Bill Burdeyny (Associate, Sincere friend, Softball Companion) on: Aug 24, 2012
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Sending our love and condolences to Linda, Larry, Kellie and Erin. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray that the the Comforter would surround you and keep you during your time of grief. That He would speak His healing words to you as only He can. Much love from Thunder Bay. - Posted by: Tony and Karen Wood (Brother and Sister in Christ) on: Aug 24, 2012
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Linda, Larry, Erin, and Kellie and the rest of the Latter family... We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful father, grandfather, friend... May God comfort you during this difficult time and may many wonderful memories of a life well-lived sustain you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Peter and Joanne Himanen and family (friends in Thunder Bay) on: Aug 24, 2012
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To Jack's Family: I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a wonderful person and a great educator. He knew well how to inspire and encourage students. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work with him at General Byng. May your treasured memories of him bring you much comfort and peace. - Posted by: Sr. Rita Kammermayer (Colleague and Friend) on: Aug 24, 2012
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We are thinking of you Sandy and Ralph (Manitoba Parents) and your family. Jack was such a caring, brilliant man who was a pleasure to be around. We have heard so many great memories from Sandy of course who remembers everything to the day! We are thankful to have been in his life. - Posted by: Darrel, Andrea & Vada () on: Aug 23, 2012
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On behalf of all of us at Redwood Park Church we want to extend our sympathy to Linda Block, one of Jack's daughters, on the passing of her Dad and to Linda's husband Larry and their children Erin and Kellie. We know God's presence will be with you and also the prayers and love of your church family here in Thunder Bay. - Posted by: Redwood Park Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario () on: Aug 23, 2012
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I remember Jack with great fondness. He was truly inspirational to all of his students, especially because he treated us as friends. Please pass along my deepest sympathies to the whole family, and in particular to Gord and Jane who were colleagues of mine at Towers Perrin. Jack - the world is a much better place because of you. Thanks for your leadership and friendship -- Ken - Posted by: Ken Ransby (Student and long-time friend) on: Aug 22, 2012
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My sincere condolences on the passing of your Husband, Father / Grandfather. My Parents, Jim and Barb Eastwood, spoke fondly of Jack. May you have peace ahead in the upcoming days. - Posted by: Karen Eastwood (My Parents' Friend) on: Aug 22, 2012
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Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to meet Jack Latter but the wonderful tribute to him by way of the obituary shows that he was an honourable man who has left an invaluable legacy to his family, friends and former students. His teachings and influence will live on in the hearts and minds of those he knew. - Posted by: Loretta Basiuk (Friend of Carol Latter) on: Aug 22, 2012
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Sandy, Ralph and family. Our thoughts are with you all. What a wonderful story about your dad. Love Cheryl & Dana - Posted by: Cheryl and Dana Anderson ((Friends of Sandy and Ralph)) on: Aug 22, 2012
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Thinking of Jack Latter brings back many fond memories of the big RISK games at the cottage on ZigZag. But the biggest impression that he made for me was his encouragement of students to learn about people and cultures from around the world. While he was the Principal at General Byng School, he was the driving force in organizing a student exchange with Japan (the first in Winnipeg) that continues today - what a legacy! From that first taste of travel, I was inspired to travel to many other locations around the world. My condolences to the family. It is hard now, but the good memories will stay with you and ease the pain. - Posted by: Jay Adamson (Family Friend) on: Aug 22, 2012
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Carol, my thoughts are with you and your family. Take care. - Posted by: Lindsay Waters () on: Aug 22, 2012
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Sandy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Ralph at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Sharon Mueller (Co-Worker/Friend of Sandra) on: Aug 22, 2012