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JOHN BURT (JACK) GILLINGS
Born: Apr 10, 1923
Date of Passing: Dec 04, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN BURT (JACK) GILLINGS April 10, 1923 - December 4, 2014 John Burt (Jack) Gillings passed away peacefully after a brief stay at the Niverville Heritage Life Personal Care Home in the evening of December 4, 2014. He was embraced and supported with great love and respect by many family members who had the honour to be with him at the time of his passing. Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife and partner Irene on June 2, 2005. He missed her every remaining day of his life. He is survived by his three children Burt and his wife Wendy, Charlotte Johnson and her husband Joel Kettner and Larry; grandchildren Christopher Gillings, Heather Johnson, Ben Johnson, Jace Kettner, Michelle Kettner, Beth Kettner and Joanne Kettner, John Gillings, Edward Gillings, Theresa Gillings and Jennie Williams and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his devoted sister Ruth Huggan, sisters-in-law Esther Goetz and Florence McDevitt, brother-in-law Albert Ward. He was predeceased by his father Benjamin and his loving mother Elizabeth Ruth Gillings, also his parents-in-law, John and Eveline Ward. Jack was born and grew up in Winnipeg attending Principal Sparling and General Wolfe schools and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He took "shops" at Kelvin High School. He showed his talent for art and math from an early age and developed those skills in his many interests in both career and artistic endeavours. Jack left school on his sixteenth birthday and took employment with Trans Canada Airlines immediately, beginning his thirty-nine year career, first as a parts-cleaner and advancing to the position of Maintenance Superintendent, Power Plants, at the Winnipeg aircraft maintenance base and subsequently General Foreman in Montreal's aircraft maintenance facility. After retiring, Jack and Irene returned to Manitoba with son Larry to take up residence on ten acres of property on Monominto Road, between Anola and Ste. Anne in eastern Manitoba, alongside Charlotte and her family there. Jack created a beautiful homestead, homes for Irene and Larry and meticulously groomed his property, building one shed after another. He enjoyed country life, his extensive workshop, flower and vegetable gardens, his growing family and the surrounds of Steinbach and Ste. Anne, Manitoba. He was available to all his children and grandchildren to help them meet the challenges of life, especially by helping with any project that he could (by that we mean all projects) and to his great pleasure and the appreciation of all fix, replace or repair anything and everything. Products of his many artistic pursuits, stone and wood carvings (many award-winning), paintings and projects, grace our homes. He enjoyed nature, wildlife and was a tender and generous friend to the birds and deer that visited his property daily and to his pets and those of his family. Every pet loved him, especially as benefactors of unauthorized treats passed secretly under the table. They followed him around and sat beside him and heard his soft voice. Jack was a devoted husband to Irene and demonstrated daily their equal partnership and the importance of their relationship as the foundation of family life. His love, affection and caring for Irene was noteworthy and constant. He set a high standard for a man to strive toward. He was a life-long learner, a Renaissance man who worked hard, created beautiful things and enjoyed the news, debate and the joys and challenges of family life. Jack was not shy to share his views, was ready to defend them eloquently and knowledgeably and modelled his values of human rights, inclusiveness, truth and fairness for all people, especially the underdog, hard work and working people. He was honest and straight forward, more concerned with saying and doing what was right than how he might be perceived by others. Always forthright, his frankness sometimes hid the heart and soul of a very sweet, loving and fair-minded man. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Our family appreciates the care provided during Dad's stay in Ste. Anne Hospital. His last days in the Niverville Heritage Life Personal Care Home, though brief, were a blessing of care and respect for him and his family. Should you so desire, donations may be made in Dad's memory to Siloam Mission for Christmas dinners or the Winnipeg Humane Society. His family would really appreciate that and our dad would be pleased. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2014
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Just a note of part of (Jack) John Gillings. Jack was an employee of Northern Sales Co. Ltd ( now closed down) for a few years as a maintenance man with a helper. I was the Supervisor of the grain plant at the time and part of my duties was to make sure there would be no shutdowns due to unforeseen major problems and working with Jack and his helper on a lot of "special" projects that I had to work out with them. Jack was already retired by then, but he couldn't stay still. I don't know if I could drive the 40 miles (80) both ways to drive to work each day from somewhere around the Richer area. He loved the country very much, but he said his wife sort of hinted she like the city better. I know it's a hard change as I did it once, and I sure found out I'm no country bumpkin' and I sold out. Jack certainly was an opinionated man and quite astute. He couldn't wait for coffee periods and lunch time. Wow, could he ever talk on myriad subjects and there was sure a lot of political views. Jack was very easy to work with and it took little explaining to what had to be done. Had he been trained to be a mechanical engineer, he would have excelled genuinely. I seen some of his handy work, especially the stone work. The "praying hands" was one of the nicest pieces I seen. I tell you, it takes great patience to make such hobby work. I was amazed at Jacks vitality at his age working at a place where a lot of work had to be done in the cold cold winters in the cold mill and outdoors. And, I mean COLD. Changing a large 20 amp motor way up 50 feet on a rickety walkway at - 30C is no easy feat, but he did it without complaint. Most men his age are all worn out. I am sure he was over 65 at the time. He was a wonderful worker, and even I liked to hear his stories and views of the past. I felt sorry for him the day that his car door was hit on the highway by a freak accident, leaving him with a hip injury. In my heart, I don't think he would ever totally recover from that, but he surely lived a long time regardless. I didn't agree with everything we chatted about, but each to their own. I know much more, but it is not needed here. With great respect to Jack's contribution to society and respect to all his living relatives, I have to say that I hope God will embrace this unusual and ever interesting man. Dear Jack, now for the long sleep until God takes you and embraces you and may you see your lifelong love one day. I know dear God knew his heart and mind regardless of his religious convictions. In closure, rest in peace Jack - you earned it. Perhaps we'll all see each other some wondrous beautiful day. Ron M - Posted by: Ron M (Ex worker and friend) on: Dec 30, 2016
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Hi Charlotte Burt and Larry So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing and of course your mom as well. Hope you remember me from the Sands Trailer park. I was up there with Mildred Davis across from The Brooks. We sure had fun up there with your Dad and Mom sitting around the fire or playing Cards. It was a laugh! Wondered where they had gone too. I wish I knew they were back in Winnipeg. They were a great couple. Mary Lou Bettess nee Snell - Posted by: Mary Lou Bettess nee Snell (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2014
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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gillings at Canadian Tire in Steinbach, and from that day forward anytime he came in he would come to see me with a hug and smile... Mr. Gillings was a kind and gentle man... Prayers of Love n Comfort to his family and friends... He will be greatly missed... - Posted by: Gina Wilson (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2014
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Deepest sympathy. Thinking of you and your family during this tough time. love, Veda - Posted by: veda ((friend of ben johnson)) on: Dec 11, 2014
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I had the lovely opportunity to meet with John on one occasion. He was such a delightful man. I know Charlotte you will miss him, but do know our parents and all loved ones live on in our every day thoughts and deep within ourselves and who and how we know ourselves to be. - Posted by: Laura MacDonald (FRIEND OF CHARLOTTE) on: Dec 10, 2014
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My heartfelt sympathy Charlotte to you and your family. It is difficult to say your goodbyes but love seems to soften the transition. Take care of each other. Sending you hugs. - Posted by: Marie Buchok (Friend) on: Dec 10, 2014
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I had the honour and pleasure of meeting Mr. Gillings 5 years ago when I travelled to Winnipeg to visit Larry Gillings. It was so neat that father and son lived a pathway away from each other. I stayed for 3 weeks. Every night we would have supper at Mr. Gillings house. Larry or I would cook of course. To say the least, what a pleasant person he was. He had the gift of story telling and we would chat about everyday events. If my memory is correct John has a menorah sitting on his coffee table which I first admired when the Gillings family lived in Dollard des Ormeaux. I always wondered why they had a menorah. Apparently it was a gift to the family. I just want to wish the entire Gillings family my sincerest condolences for your loss and tell you all how much fun I had visiting and meeting your father/grandfather. I hope my kind words soothe you. Always a friend Sandy Goldman Montreal, Quebec - Posted by: sandy goldman (friend) on: Dec 10, 2014
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Condolences to the Family on behalf of the Air Canada Pionairs. - Posted by: Diana DuVal - District Director Air Canada Pionairs () on: Dec 09, 2014
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I, myself didn't really know him but from what I heard he is, was a great man, he will be never forgotten, my condolences to the family, aunty theresa, aunty Jennie, john, Larry, and everyone else, may god be with you in this Time, love you guys <3 xoxo - Posted by: Misty Ste-Marie (family friend ) on: Dec 08, 2014
