Richard JACKSON

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JACKSON: Richard (Dick) Jackson. Dick passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday July 7, 2012, at the age of 87 years. He is survived by his children, Lynda (Jean-Paul) Lebel, Leona (Bill) Guy, Roger, Judy Anderson, Vincent, his sisters Dorthea (Al) Dane, Marjorie (Tom) Norman, brothers Bob (Leanne), Tom Evelyn), thirteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased: by his parents Bert and Gertrude, his infant daughter Gloria Ellen, his sisters Helen (Allan) Bond, and Marion (Will) Wensley. Dick was born on the family farm near Hartney, MB. They later moved into town, where he attended school. During this time, at the age of ten years, the Silver Cross for Gallantry, was awarded to him, by the 1st Hartney Cub Pack, on Nov. 29, 1934, when he rescued a local boy who had fallen through the ice into the river. Upon leaving school in 1942, he moved to Portage, where he worked for his maternal Grandfather, J. T. Lee, painting, for fifty cents a week, plus room and board. He also worked at Southport for Clayton & Co. driving a truck for construction. Joining the R.C.A.F. in Aug. 1943, at the age of 18, he became an aero-engine mechanic. His training took place in Brandon MB, Moose Jaw SK, London ON, and P.E.I. We are so proud that he served, and so thankful, that the war ended before he was sent to the front. He married Eva Sharp on Oct.9, 1946. They lived with his parents while he worked with his Dad as a bee keeper. Together they had six children. In 1948 he started working for Hay Decorating Co., became a partner in 1971, retiring in 1983. He liked to travel, and once retired, he drove south, and began a twenty- year adventure as a “Winter Texan / Snow Bird” for five months of the year. He settled in Magic Valley Park, where two of his sisters and their husbands also stayed. While he was still in good health: Dick was an active member of the Knights of Columbus council # 4250 since 1960, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Army Navy Air Force Club since 1983, a practicing member of St. John’s and Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Our family would like to thank: all his friends and relatives who consistently visited him at the manor for the last eight years, all those caregivers who played along with his shenanigans and teased him back (to his great delight), all the Knights who turned out in numbers for his birthday celebrations, all the Sharps, who entertained at the manor, as it reminded him of your Dad, all the eucharistic ministers who prayed with him, and Father Eric for his blessings. Mass in his memory will be celebrated at The Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 1:30 p. m. Saturday, 28th July 2012, with fellowship in the parish hall to follow. A private family burial is planned for a later time. In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to the Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 421, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1B5, or to a charity of your choice, in his name.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 21, 2012