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JOHN DAVID (JACK) CUMMING Obituary pic

JOHN DAVID (JACK) CUMMING

Born: Sep 10, 1957

Date of Passing: Dec 12, 2017

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JOHN DAVID (JACK) CUMMING Knowing he was well-loved, John died on December 12, 2017 at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, at age 60. For over half of his life, John did not simply live with HIV/AIDS, he battled it - and cancer, diabetes, and ascites - with fortitude, optimism, and grace. When his quality of life deteriorated irreparably, John courageously and resolutely stopped taking medication and nourishment. John was predeceased by his brother, Robert (Bob) on November 19, 2017, his parents, Marion Gertrude (November 17, 2000) and Stuart Cochrane Cumming (June 24, 2001), and grandparents, Gertrude (Hobbs), Archibald Anderson, Eva (Buchanan), and John Cumming. He is survived by sister Linda (Richard Butler), brothers Larry (Pat), and Randy (Jacquie), best friends Jay Rich and John Cardinal, four nieces, five nephews, seven great-nieces, five great-nephews, one great-great-nephew, cousins, and friends. John was born on September 10, 1957 at St. Boniface General Hospital, and grew up in Fort Rouge. He attended Ashland and Riverview schools, and graduated from Churchill High School in 1974. John spent over 30 years working at many of Manitoba's iconic restaurants and nightclubs: Old Spaghetti Factory, Underground Pizza Café, Happenings Social Club, The Office, Giovanni's Restaurant, Manitoba Club, Winnipeg Winter Club, The Chocolate Shop, Eastside Exchange Bar and Grill, Tre Visi Restaurant, and Star Grill. John received two awards from the City of Winnipeg for food service excellence. John had an extensive history of volunteerism in the GLBTT* community, where he was a trailblazer. In a time when it was illegal to be who he was, John lived openly and unapologetically as a gay man - and as a drag artist. Over 43 years, "The One & Only Jennifur Coates" tirelessly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Manitoba charities. He was the consummate professional entertainer. He was a founder and former president of The Snowy Owl Monarchist Society. A major highlight was becoming Baroness 1 (Empress 1997). Other community titles included Miss Happenings, Ms. Gio's, and Miss Club 200. John was a founder of the first HIV/AIDS peer support established by Village Clinic. As its five-term president, John revitalized Gio's Cares. He served as a director of the Oscar Wilde Memorial Society, was a dedicated president of Artemis Housing Co-operative, and served on Crossways in Common committees. He cherished trips to Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, loved his dog Mocha, and enjoyed exercising at the YMCA. The Celebration of Life will be held January 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Young United Church, and a memorial show is on January 12, 2018 at 9:00 p.m. Brothers John and Bob will be laid to rest in a niche at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, on April 27, 2018. Heartfelt thanks to the nursing, palliative and spiritual care teams at Concordia Hospital (N1 North), John's long-time physician, Dr. Ida-Lynn Gregan and Nine Circles, his specialists, Herold Funeral Home, SOMS, Artemis, and Young United. Donations may be made to Gio's Cares, www.gioscares.org. For further information, please e-mail: johnd.cumming7@gmail.com "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." (Emerson)
Publish Date: Jan 6, 2018

JOHN DAVID (JACK) CUMMING September 10, 1957 - December 12, 2017 Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Young United Church, 222 Furby St. Condolences may be sent to: johnd.cumming7@gmail.com Full obituary to follow.


Publish Date: Dec 30, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2018

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • I met Jack in the early 80's My friend and I went on our first gay cruise with Jack, it was on the Paddle Wheel Gueen. What a blast that was. From then on we became friends. Jack lived above the Office Sauna Bath. l also had an apartment above it. We spent many sunny days outside on top of the garage attached to the apt getting our tans on. We had many fun times. Jack was very funny endearing and a very compassionate individual. I moved away from Winnipeg in the late 80's and we lost touch. I will never forget Jack he truly did live a full life. Rest in Peace my friend. Love 💘 Dale L Bailey - Posted by: Ms. Dale L Bailey (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2022

  • Indeed, Fortitude, Optimism and Grace are three words that characterize Jack most adequately. What an appropriate tribute! Jack was a gentle, generous but feisty soul. Though much of his life was spent under spotlights giving of himself to entertain his peers, he was at his best in his daily life, still giving himself to his friends through his gestures and his warm, genuine smile. Winnipeg’s gay community sadly lost one of its gems. Jack’s star will always sparkle in Winnipeg’s sky. My thoughts will be with his friends and family members today. - Posted by: Jean Pierre Weilbrenner (Acquaintance) on: Jan 07, 2018

  • I'm sorry for your loss. I met John in 2002 when we worked catering at The Star Grill. He was a great coworker and whole lot of fun. John would often want to challenge me at a legs competition. He would claim that he had great legs and that my Latina legs had nothing on him hahaha. I will always rember him for his great sense of humor, warm hugs and vibrant smile. Rest in Peace Amigo Karen P - Posted by: Karen (Ex coworkers ) on: Jan 06, 2018

  • Jack went to high school with my older brother. I remember when he would come over, he was always so happy and cheerful. He was always very sweet to me. I will never forget his big smile, and how he used to flash the peace sign when he would leave or when someone took a photo. I hadn’t seen him in many years, but recognized him instantly when I saw his photo in the paper. I will always remember his contagious smile and friendly spirit. My very sincerest condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Teresa Johnson (Younger sister of Jack’s high school friend) on: Jan 06, 2018

  • As Ryan and Sherrie’s aunt of the same age, I vividly remember playing with Uncle Jack when we were little. He was exuberant and SO FUN, as he’d get down on the floor to really play with us! They say that kids love to look at beautiful things and I remember being very enamored with Uncle Jack. I haven’t seen Jack since I was about 12, but I do recall thinking that he was the most handsome man I’d ever seen. Looking at these pics today, it’s truly confirmed. I didn’t know of his many accomplishments and how active he was in the community. That will now only add to my memories of fun, beautiful Uncle Jack. So sorry Larry, Linda and Randy. Love to you all. - Posted by: Sheila McEntire (Larry’s sister in law) on: Jan 06, 2018

  • A true community leader who made many lives better and brighter. - Posted by: Michael Payne (Colleague) on: Jan 06, 2018

  • Jack was truly one of a kind! To know him was to love him. I can't say I ever met anyone who was as consistently upbeat an energetic. I have many images of Jack and Jennifur that I will carry with me forever. He's had a difficult struggle and is deservedly finally at peace. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and close friends, and my appreciation for an obituary that acknowledges who he truly was. He would have wanted it no other way. - Posted by: Gord Richardson () on: Jan 06, 2018

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