JOHN AIDAN JAMES "JACK" KAVANAGH

KAVANAGH, JOHN AIDAN JAMES "JACK": Former President and Chief Executive Officer, BC International Power Group, former Vice President, Design and Construction, Westcoast Energy, age 79, of North Vancouver, BC, died on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Lions Gate Hospital. He was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The mother of his children, Betty Kavanagh, predeceased him. He is survived by his spouse Janet, three daughters, Tracey Kavanagh (two granddaughters, Kylie & Jenna), Wendy Kavanagh (Serge Beaudry (four granddaughters, Nicole, Natalie, Sydney & Taylor)), Kelly Kavanagh, one sister, Sheila Marie Alexander, one brother, Robert (Carol) Kavanagh and nieces and nephews. Jack received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, followed later by an MBA from Simon Fraser University. He spent most of his career (1966-1996) with Westcoast Energy (now Spectra Energy) where he was in charge of design and construction of more than 3,000 miles of high pressure natural gas pipelines and some 28 gathering system and mainline compressor stations. The construction of the Vancouver Island Gas Pipeline system involved one of the deepest marine crossings. Jack has frequently appeared as an expert witness before the Federal Power Commission in Washington, D.C., the National Energy Board of Canada and the British Columbia Utilities Commission. Jack was active in the Westcoast Energy evaluation of the Moomba-Sydney, Australia, Pipeline Project and spent two years in Australia as the Project Manager of the Eastern Gas Pipeline, a joint venture between BHP Petroleum and Westcoast Energy where he was appointed President and Director of Westcoast Energy Australia Engineering Pty. Ltd. Jack continued to provide his expertise to the Company after his retirement. Jack was also active within the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for over 30 years and, among other things, helped develop oil and gas pipeline standards for Canada. Jack was an avid skier (and heli-skier) who shared his passion for skiing with his daughters, granddaughters and many others. He loved the sport and volunteered at many ski racing events with the Whistler Weasels, such as, the Whistler Cup, World Cup and the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics. He also sailed off the Coast of British Columbia in many races with the crew of Moody Too. In later years he switched to power boating with Janet when they lived in the Okanagan. The Kelowna Yacht Club became a second home for Jack and he devoted many years to its service as volunteer, Director, and ultimately Commodore. Jack was a loving family man who always put his family and friends first. Jack lived life to the fullest and had many stories to tell. For those he has left behind there is an irreplaceable void, but the cherished memories of his kind and fun loving spirit will be in our hearts forever. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm at First Memorial Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver. Donations may be made in Jack's memory to the Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network, Inc. (www.thecasn.org/donate.php). First Memorial Funeral Services, 604-980-3451.