JACK KUSHNIER

Jack (Gordon John) Kushnier, born November 4, 1947 in Port Arthur, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025 at St. Joseph's Hospice after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Jack attended Lakehead University, where he served a term as President of the Alma Mater Society. Over summers in high school and after graduation from LU, Jack had a succession of short term jobs (he once counted about 25). On a visit to Toronto in 1973, Jack met Heidi Uhlig. He moved there and they married in 1975 returning that year to Thunder Bay. Jack worked for over two decades at Confederation College retiring as Manager of Youth Employment Services.

In younger years Jack and older brother, Len, played Lacrosse and hockey (a sport they would return to in later life). Jack also played soccer for many years. He was a regular at the Con College Fitness Centre. He took part in many local running races and was a member of the Lakehead Masters Running Club. His love of the outdoors was evident in his enjoyment of cycling and cross-country skiing. He enjoyed hiking and especially the family overnighters into Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Jack and Heidi spent many summers camping at Neys Provincial Park again with friends and family. Evening campfires with hot chocolate and brownies included Jack reading from Garrison Keillor's Tales of Lake Wobegon creating cherished memories for his nieces and nephews. He had numerous memorable canoe trips with close friends Peter, Doug and others as well as family trips.

Jack had a quiet wit and great sense of humour. He loved to host dinner parties and was well-known for his ability to mix interesting cocktails. Many of his friends had special ones named for them.

Jack had a remarkable aptitude for all things hands-on. He was the "Go to" guy for friends and family.

He was always busy with wood-working projects or assembling detailed models of vintage cars, trucks, and planes. He had all the tools to accomplish any undertaking. In retirement, Jack began the ambitious project of creating an entire town for his N scale model railroad train. N scale is tiny and requires infinite patience and precision.

Jack's love of music was shown by his extensive collection of records now replaced by CD's. He owned several guitars, playing for his own pleasure and enjoying occasional jam sessions with friends and family.

Jack was a kind and generous man. He was very proud of Heidi's involvement with Habitat for Humanity and most importantly, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery where she served as Chair. He was very supportive of many worthwhile community causes including the restoration of the Chippewa Carousel.

Jack's is survived by his brother Len Kushnier and wife Kathryn Eggert of London, Ontario, and family Brad and Olga Kushnier, Emerald Kushnier and Helen Spencer of Toronto; his sister Janet and husband John Pike, and family Jeff and Susan Pike, Heather Pike, and Ally and Alex Lovelight and children AuraRose and Cohen and Julian Arnone of Thunder Bay and his beloved companion, his cat Jasper. He is also survived by Heidi's family Barb and Bob Ewing and family in B.C., Karl Uhlig in California, and Chris and Ron Kleinfeldt and family in Alberta. Jack was predeceased by his wife, Heidi Uhlig in 2018, parents Bea and Joe Kushnier, in-laws Erna and Karl Uhlig and sister-in-law, Sheri Uhlig.

Thank you to Dr. Magee Adams for your care of Jack. We also thank Neurosurgeon Dr. Lohkamp, the Cancer Centre team working with Dr. Holzapfel, Radiologist - Dr. Abugharib and staff, the Palliative Care team - Dr. Ward and Dr. Simpson, the amazing nurses and staff at St. Joseph's Hospice, and the support team of VON nurses, physiotherapy and occupational therapy who attended Jack at home. Thank you to the many dedicated first responder ambulance teams who came to Jack's aid with kindness and utmost respect.

Thank you to Jack's friends for your much appreciated calls and visits. We are so grateful for family and friends, especially Andrea, who were able to care for Jack at home and stay with him at St. Joe's.

A Celebration of Life in honour of Jack will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Current River Community Centre, 450 Dewe Ave. Friends and family are invited to come together to share memories, with refreshments and a light spread to follow.

Donations to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in Jack and Heidi's memory or a local Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated. A private interment will take place in the family plot at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Jack loved good wine, a well-mixed cocktail or a cold beer so please sit back, preferably by an outdoor fire and raise a glass to him.
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Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com