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JOHN THOMAS (JACK) ARMSTRONG
Born: Aug 26, 1936
Date of Passing: Mar 17, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN THOMAS (JACK) ARMSTRONG John Thomas (Jack) Armstrong passed away peacefully in Winnipeg on March 17, 2019 at the age of 82. Jack is survived by his wife of 29 years, Doris Quinn, children, Erin, Pat, Terry, Rick, Craig and their families, all of Winnipeg, MB, stepdaughter Tanya and her family, sister Leila, brothers, Bob and Bill, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Don and Dave. Jack was born on August 26, 1936 in Canora, SK to parents, Donald and Mabel. The family lived in Kelvington and Nut Mountain, SK before moving to Winnipeg where they lived in the West End and St. James. Jack attended St. James Collegiate. Jack joined the CNR at age 20 and worked as a draftsman and instrument man on railway lines in northern Manitoba. At age 23, he left the railway and spent a year backpacking in Europe. He then returned to Winnipeg and took a job with the Weather Office. Jack married Julie Leitch in 1960. The couple welcomed Erin and Pat into their family before moving to Kugluktuk (Coppermine) and Fort Smith, where Terry was born, and where Jack worked as an upper air tech. Jack also spent time in Resolute Bay. In 1965, the family moved to Montreal where Jack began learning an emerging new technology called computer programming, and where Rick was born. Jack and family returned to Winnipeg in 1970, where they welcomed Craig. Jack spent one year working in the far north at Alert before returning to Winnipeg full time in 1971. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he was extremely busy raising and supporting the five children in St. Vital. Jack was highly involved in the St. Vital and Winnipeg Minor Hockey Associations. He taught and demonstrated to the kids the value of education and hard work, and to never be afraid of taking on challenges. Jack and Julie divorced in 1988, and Jack married Doris Quinn in May, 1989. He retired from Environment Canada in 1991 and took up travelling and sailing, among other activities. He continued applying his unparalleled spirit of volunteerism and activism with organizations like the Deer Lodge Centre, the Royal Canadian Legion, the United Church, the North End Artists Collective, All Native Circle and many more. He never forgot what was most important and worked tirelessly with others invested in community-building. Jack's story-telling abilities were appreciated by many. His grandkids most enjoyed hearing his colourful recollections of events from years ago and were captivated by his tales, which always ended with a laugh. Stories were about him, his kids, and various shenanigans he and his friends got up to during his "flaming youth". He will be missed immensely by everyone. Cremation has taken place and a private burial will occur at a later date. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the skilled and gracious medical professionals who provided care to Jack during his last days. In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to a charity of your choice. This obituary is also available at https://friendsfs.ca/
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I was at the Weather Station in Resolute Bay NWT in 1963 and 1964, basically total isolation for 2 years. Jack was there at the same time and was the kind of guy that made isolation just a bit better. He is missed. Condolences to Family and Friends. - Posted by: William (Bill) Stadnyk (Friend) on: May 08, 2023
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Doris and family of Jack, Just want to offer our very late but sincere condolences at learning of Jack's passing. We met Jack when Angela and I bought our first little sailboat and joined the wonderful Silver Harbour Sailing Club where Jack was the club commodore in 2001. A class act in every respect, Jack kept an eye on the new sailors always sharing friendly wisdom in favour of our safety. A wonderful story teller with a contagious laugh, I am grateful to have shared a good number over a beer or two around the clubhouse. Rest in peace my friend. Angela and Bob Howard, Ottawa - Posted by: Robert and Angela Howard (Sailing Friends) on: May 15, 2020
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So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing and our condolences to his family. Jack was always a great guy to be around, a very smart and humorous fellow who will be sadly missed but fondly remembered. I’ll never forget when I was about 10 or 12 years old Jack took me and my brother to a Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball game when they were a farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals and the legendary great player Stan Musial came to town. We even managed to get his autograph! It was something I’ve never forgotten. R.I.P. Jack - Posted by: John Enstedt (Cousin) on: Mar 25, 2019
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My condolences to Jack's family. I always admired him and he was so kind in every way. - Posted by: Bill Enstedt (cousin-in-law) on: Mar 25, 2019
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Our heartfelt condolences to you Doris. It was a great honour and pleasure to be a friend of Jack’s. - Posted by: Randy Melnyk & Barbara Wakefield (Friends) on: Mar 24, 2019
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I met Jack at the Silver Harbour Sailing Club in early 2000s. He was a kind, gentle, funny and knowledgeable man. He reminded me very much of my Dad in so many ways. I am saddened to hear of his passing which is truly a loss to so many people. May he have fairwinds and a glass of wine in hand where is now. Deepest condolences to Doris and all the family. May you find peace. - Posted by: Cathy McKay (Friend ) on: Mar 23, 2019
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Jack was my 'Big Sister's' husband and when I was about 10 Doris couldn't take me to the Big Sisters Annual Picnic, so Jack took me. I was the only one there with a big brother. A lot of the activities were a little young for me, so mostly we sat on a picnic table while he smoked. We did however enter the egg toss; the famous egg toss. Jack and I won that egg toss with a record 38 feet. I think it was 38 feet, Jack always remembered the distance, but I think it was 38 feet. Maybe 39. - Posted by: Michelle Gougeon (Honourary little sister) on: Mar 23, 2019