JOHN EVERETT DENBOW (CHICKEN JACK)

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JOHN EVERETT DENBOW (CHICKEN JACK) With his wife Sandra and family by his side, Jack passed away Thursday, August 11, 2005 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. Jack was born in the Souris, MB, July 31, 1947 and lived there for a short time before moving to Brandon where he attended school. He started working at a very young age in Winnipeg and entered the restaurant business where he owned and operated outlets in Souris, Shoal Lake, Killarney, Rivers, Dauphin and Elgin. He did try his hand at BMHC in Brandon and worked on the railroad in British Columbia for a short while but the restaurant business was his true calling. With his outgoing personality and love of people and life, this was a perfect niche. He was loved by his staff and customers alike. Community was extremely important to Jack and he served two terms as a Town Councillor and then Mayor of Souris from October 1998 up until his passing. He was also involved with the Conservative Party, provincial and federal and spent many hours working for and promoting their vision for an exceptional country and province. Jack was influential on many committees over the years and committed himself wholeheartedly to whatever project he was involved with. Some of his commitments included board member at McKenzie Seeds, Souris Health District, Cemetery Board, Victoria Park Lodge, Public Works, Civic Association, Little River Rockfest and many more over the years. Many wonderful hours were spent at Thomas Lake, fishing, boating, quadding and enjoying the grandchildren. Sandra had actually convinced him to slow down a bit and the two spent countless hours together, puttering and having fun with home projects. Jack loved playing in the garage with his classic and antique vehicles. Jack was absolutely thrilled when a year ago a little fellow named Dominic took up residence with his much loved Grandpa and Grandma. The pair were inseparable and gave us a new perspective of just how much this man loved family and friends. Let us Live and Love. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Cleve and Eileen and stepfather David Reid. He leaves to cherish his memory wife and soul mate, Sandra; special grandson Dominic Anderson; daughters, Tracey (Gary Peasgood), Alyson, Christopher; Jackie (Dwayne Austin), Brittany, Sydney and Emma; brother, Laurie Denbow; sisters-in-law, Phyliss, Angela, Melissa, Dustin; stepsons, Darrell Zawada (Sue), Will, Ryan; Terry Shurvell (Micheline), Savannah, Ethan, Carter, John Lukacin (Natalia); stepdaughters, Regan (Kelvin Day), Desiree, Kendra, Kelsey; Jaime Lukacin (Bill Andrew), Brady; Ashley Skinner (Wayne McCulloch), Terri, Acacia, Stephanie, Michael, Zachary; Amy Skinner, Dominic, Jay; mother-in-law , Alice Shurvell; brothers-in-law, Herb Shurvell (Wendi); Garth Shurvell (Kelly); Lloyd Shurvell (Kim); sisters-in-law, Marilyn Storey (Ray McPhail); Pam Tai (Corey). Jack is also survived by many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. From his two little chicks he will always be remembered as the world's greatest father. He was our mentor, our rock and our best friend. He taught us the meaning of unconditional love. He was always there to lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to our troubles and a hand to guide our way. We miss his love, laughter and zest for life. We promise to try and pass on your wisdom to our children through our memories of the exceptional man we knew as Dad. Funeral service was held from the Souris - Glenwood Memorial Complex on Tuesday, August 16 with Rev. John Oldenkamp officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In memory of Jack, donations may be made to the Souris Day Care Centre or to a charity of your choice. Kowalchuk's Funeral Home, Souris, Manitoba in care of arrangements. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2005