JACK LEO CHESLEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JACK LEO CHESLEY June 25, 1926 - June 21, 2003 It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Jack at Deer Lodge Centre after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his loving wife Edith (nee MacPhail) daughters, Kristine Wiklund (Ronald) of Winnipeg, Tammy Burns (Peter) of Mishawaka, Indiana; son Tim of Winnipeg; sister Marie Chesley of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren, Lena and Jenna Wiklund and Kelson Burns and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth; brothers, Edward, Tom and Frank and sisters, Emilie, Bertha and Margaret. Jack was born in Winnipeg. He lived in the North End, attending St. Johns High School. While in grade 12 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces from which he was honourably discharged at the end of the Second World War. For many years his summers were spent running the Matlock Red & White store and helping his sister and brother-in-law at the Whytewold Grocery and Cafe. It was at the cafe that he met his wife Edith. Winters involved several years of working at various locations in the United States. In 1960 he returned to Winnipeg to work at the fledgling CJAY television station, but again went to Whytewold in the spring. After his wedding he worked at various jobs across the west (including his own drive-in in Kindersley, SK.) He then returned to Winnipeg and took cooking courses at Red River College. This led to several years working on the DEW-line which gave him a deep love for the north. In 1972 he returned to be with his family in Winnipeg and worked at many of the Winnipeg hotels. At age 64 he retired from his final position at the Winnipeg Concert Hall. Jack was a life member of the Canadian and Manitoba branches of the Federation of Chefs & Cooks. He was also a member of the AOTS at Gordon-King Memorial where he attended faithfully. Jack loved his wife and family. He was known for his unfailing politeness to strangers, his interest in other cultures, and his gentlemanly ways. He was a keen observer of people, and in retirement he enjoyed nothing better than to visit his local Salisbury House with his neighbour so he could sit and watch the world go by. While travelling he loved to talk to the many strangers he met. He was also an avid reader, devouring the works of the great Russian writers, as well as the writings of Farley Mowat, James Herriot and Pearl S. Buck. Respecting Jacks wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will be held on Monday, July 28 at 9:30 a.m. in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St., with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Troy van Ginkel officiating, at Gordon-King Memorial United Church, 127 Cobourg Ave., Winnipeg. At this time the family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of 4 West at Deer Lodge Centre for their care and support while he was a resident there. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to Gordon-King Memorial or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2003