Jack AVERY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Alexander Avery (95) on March 7, 2024, due to complications following a stroke. Jack (Jake) died with his daughters and loved ones by his side at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Born in Toronto on July 19, 1928, Jake's early years were action-packed. He often explored the Humber River and C.N.E., played pond hockey with his brothers, Don and Dick, cottaged at Big Bay Point, and built lifelong friendships at the University of Toronto Schools. While pursuing his degree in business at the Ivey Business School, Western University, Jake enjoyed the camaraderie of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He captained the Western hockey team and with his brother Don formed two-thirds of a formidable forward line. Jake eventually earned a spot in the Western Sports Hall of Fame. For tuition and pocket money, Jake sold publication subscriptions, painted houses, and fought fires in Northern Ontario. At university, Jake met the love of his life, Diane Knowles. Married for 57 years before her death in 2013, they shared their love of sports, like skiing, tennis, and golf, with their family and friends through memberships at Ontario Racquet Club, Caledon Ski Club, Beacon Hall, and the Toronto Golf Club. On ski vacations to Quebec, Colorado, and Utah, Jake would "Go for the bundle" in the card game Hearts, and he enjoyed après skiing in the hot tub, with a cocktail in hand. Jake was an active dad and grampie, coaching his daughters' basketball teams, introducing all family members to the game of golf, building tobogganing runs at the first snowfall, and attending most of his grandchildren's games and competitions. Grampie's unconditional love and unwavering support of family will forever be remembered and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him or have chatted with him on the links, courtside, or rink side. Jake believed, "A family that plays together stays together." Last summer, for his 95th birthday celebration in Canmore, Alberta, Grampie played golf and pickleball, and rafted the Bow River with all his children, grandchildren, and their partners! Golf was more than a game to Jake – it was a reason to connect and socialize with friends and family. Throughout his life, he mentored many young people and readily gave anyone introductory lessons to golf. He dreamed of having his own golf course – a dream that came true when he created 3 golf holes complete with sand traps at the family home in Oakville. Right until the end, Jake notoriously tinkered with his golf swing, got the latest tip from the Pro, or hit balls at the range. His goal was to get "5 more yards on his drive", which drove his daily workouts and 7000-step regimen. Serving as both Captain and President of the Toronto Golf and Rosedale Walking Clubs, Jake treasured his close friends and enthusiastically played thousands of rounds. Jake was a proficient salesman and quickly rose through the ranks of IBM, retiring as Vice President of IBM Canada after a 33-year career. With his intellect, kindness, and sense of humour, he led the company from typewriters and office equipment into the age of the computer. Jake was known for remembering everyone's name, having a warm handshake, and making each person he met feel special. Jake is survived by his daughters, Neville Wilson (Keven), Martha Avery (Dave Stark), and Andria Jelinek (Nick); his grandchildren, Peter (Leah Semple), Thomas (Taylor Pischke), James, Jack, William, and Josie; his much-loved nieces and nephews; and his companion, Ingrid McGillivray. Jake was predeceased by his wife, Diane; his parents, Gwendolyn Johnston and Roy Clifford Avery; and his brother, Richard Avery. A celebration of life will be held in the summer. Please convey condolences to www.morleybedford.ca. In lieu of flowers, a donation to movember would be greatly appreciated. https://ca.movember.com/donate