- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JACK VICKERS
Unexpectedly, on February 20, 2022, Debbie lost her dearly loved partner of 34 years, Jack Vickers. Jack also leaves behind him to mourn, his mother-in-law Eva Billings, daughter Emily (Tim), son Garry (Alex), son Jackson (granddaughter Laura, grandson Jonah and great-granddaughter Lilly), sister Patti, brother Tom (Karen), nephews, Matt (Michelle, Kade, Remi), Mark (Shayna, Knoxy, Brooksy), so many extended family members (Suffrons, Kralkas, Russells), as well as many friends who are like family and cherished JJ Graphics colleagues. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Joan and Bill, his father-in-law Orie, the kids' mom Nancy, and Laura and Jonah's mom Sherry.
Jack was a lifelong and proud resident of Transcona, "God's Country", growing up on Cranbrook Bay and attending Wayoata School and Murdoch Mackay Collegiate. After pumping gas, with brother Tom since the age of 14, Jack followed in his dad's footsteps in the automotive industry, first at Datsun on Main Street quickly becoming the youngest manager in Winnipeg. Jack hired Tom straight after graduation and would often joke that he took Tom out of the gutter and made him a man, since he gave Tom his first job and set off his career as a painter.
Jack was the classic protective big brother to Tom and Patti growing up, pushing Tom down a ravine in the Black Hills, but quickly catching him before he fell, splashing Patti in his car while she was walking home from school, before offering her a ride. They remember fondly, camping trips to Blue Lake, the trio of them delivering flyers together, and spending time with cousins on holidays. We all miss the banging garbage can lids and terrible carolers who came every Christmas Eve.
After a long career in the automotive body shop, Jack ventured out on his own, and with Deb's support, started Team Graphics. Building on the success of Team Graphics, Jackson joined Dad in the family business and JJ Graphics was conceived. Our Dad couldn't have been happier when Jonah started working for JJ Graphics in 2019.
Jackson made Jack and Deb grandparents when he brought Sherry and Laura into our lives in 1999. Suddenly, Grampa was buying Polly Pockets and glitter and pink boas. Then, Jonah was born and it was chocolate fountains and water slides in the yard. Needless to say, when Lilly was born, he was smitten with her sassy attitude and big, beautiful eyes.
Our Dad, being the most stubborn Vickers, had many sweet, soft spots, one of which was Debbie. We are incredibly grateful he met the love of his life, and most patient woman on Earth. We couldn't have dreamed of a more supportive and loving partner in life for Dad. Jack and Debbie married in 1995 and lived a happy life, travelling often to Ontario to visit Grandma Eva, visiting Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island, two places they loved. They enjoyed nothing more than picking up Gramma Joan for a day of gambling at the casino, even though she was the only one among us with any sort of luck. Jack and Deb loved their early breakfasts out at Sal's with the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out), visits from Gar, and relaxing in the hot tub with Janice and Kevin at their little paradise at home. Dad was also the most generous man on earth, even as adults, it was impossible to EVER pick up the tab. It was not unusual to hear, "Garry do you want this laptop, Jackson do you want this fire pit, Tim do you want this snow blower?" We will make sure that Deb still gets family trips to Ikea followed by Caesars at BP, and one of us will finally be able to pick up the tab.
Growing up Jack Vickers' kid meant Star Wars, Snake Pliskin, air shows, Indiana Jones, comic books, Simon & Simon, WKRP, listening to classic rock, Dal's pizza, steaks and smokies on the barbecue, learning how to pour the perfect scotch, weekends at Grand Beach, and the most elaborate homemade costumes (Pac Man, a Ghostbuster and Garry as a pack of Winston cigarettes is still a favourite, oh the 1980s was a different time). Dad was also our very own Spielberg, videotaping our most awkward and embarrassing moments, Emily will never live down the Headpins video. We also can't forget his dry sense of humour that we all inherited.
If you were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Jack, you would think he was a simple guy. Nothing on the surface gave away his many talents - designing concept cars and dream homes on his drafting table (that the boys would use as an x-wing fighter), calligraphy, wood burning art, skydiving, slalom skiing and acting in Big Al's movies.
Jack, it's hard to imagine a world without you there. We will toast you with a scotch, watch Star Wars on repeat, and yell "foxhole" to every answer when we play Trivial Pursuit. Rest easy until we see you again.
A celebration of Jack's life will be planned at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2022
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
-
Condolences to the Vickers family. Jack was my first boss in the Autobody business. He told me to go to college because things will be different in the future. Jack was right. Jacks work ethic and humour was like no other I worked with. Rip Jack - Posted by: Victor Celhar (Former employee ) on: May 12, 2022
-
I just heard about Jack's passing and would like to offer my condolences to all the family. Rest in peace, Jack. - Posted by: Betty Simpson (Friend) on: Apr 20, 2022
-
I'm terrible sorry to hear about Jack's passing! I've been doing business with Jack since 2007/2008 and has always been an amazing man. Always willing to make time to squeeze you in a pinch. I have great memories of him and he will be dearly missed. Such an amazing human being. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Lily (Colleague ) on: Mar 09, 2022
-
So sorry for your loss Debbie. Also, sorry that your mom is not well and in the hospital. It's been a long time, but I wanted to pass on my condolences to you. - Posted by: Liz Shantz (Hiller) (Friend from long ago) on: Mar 06, 2022
-
My condolences go to Debbie & family on the passing of Jack Vickers. My prayers are with you at this time. Sorry I just learned that Jack passed away on Feb. 20. May God comfort you at this time. - Posted by: Joanne Arndt (Aunt) on: Mar 06, 2022
-
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers during this most difficult time. - Posted by: Dorothy Hallmann (Debbie’s former coworker ) on: Mar 03, 2022
-
I want to share my condolences to the family of Jack on this sudden passing of a Cherished person. He would call me to pick up orders for him and I will miss that. He was very friendly and giving person with a big heart. He will surely be missed. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Ervin Payne (Friend ) on: Feb 28, 2022
-
Sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of time spent in Transcona. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Helene McCarthy (Emily's teacher) on: Feb 27, 2022
-
This is very sad news for us to hear. Jack was a true friend to us and was quick to always help us and many of his friends out. We will miss his warm smile and big heart. Hugs go out to Debbie and the family. May his memories never die. - Posted by: Steve and Ellie Bouderlique (Friend ) on: Feb 26, 2022
-
Fond memories of Jack. I've known Patti and Tom forever but I didn't know about Jack until he showed up at a Christmas celebration with tiny Emily. Lol. I loved his dry sense of humor. He was quiet but interesting to talk to. Very generous! I remember being in quarantine with Patti early on during Covid - Jack and Debbie dropped off a steak dinner with all the trimmings for us. If was fabulous and so kind. It was such a shock to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Shelley McKay (Sort of cousin) on: Feb 26, 2022
-
Such a nice man. - Posted by: Glenn Tataryn (Friemd) on: Feb 26, 2022
-
Sending my deepest condolences to you Debbie and Jack's Family Take Care and find comfort in this sad time - Posted by: Helen Andreychuk (Friend) on: Feb 26, 2022
-
We were sadden to learn of Jack's passing. There are so many wonderful memories and times with Jack its really hard to pick one. One that stands out is on the way to the gym and work at 5:30 am we would meet at the 7-11 on Plessis Road and I would leave the Harley running as I ran in to grab a few things and I'd come out and there would be Jack, saying one of these days he was going to get on the bike and ride away will that little smile that we all have come to know. Jack had a big heart and had the ability to make everyone around him feel accepted and respected. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Deb and the Vickers family on the loss of a very special man. William Wolfe - Posted by: William Wolfe (Friend) on: Feb 26, 2022
-
My heart goes out to you, Patti and Tom on the loss of Jack. I will always remember those wonderful camping trips at Blue Lake with your family. You are such a close family, hang on to each other and help each other heal. Love from Barb and Martin - Posted by: Barb Putnam-Hayward (Second cousin) on: Feb 26, 2022
-
Patti and family, May time,love,family and friendship help getting through the loss of Jack... Goodbye is always challenging .. Jack will forever remain in your memories.. " Life has to end .. Love doesn't.. sending love,hugs and comfort.. Dawn ❤️ - Posted by: Dawn Lutz (Long time friend) on: Feb 26, 2022