John Clarke "Jack" BRAMM

In his 98th year, Jack died at home in Don Mills on March 8, 2025, with his beloved wife of 70 years, Lorraine (nee Holle) at his side. Born October 28, 1926, in Kitchener, Jack was a graduate of Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and completed his education at Waterloo College, then part of the University of Western Ontario. He was the patriarch of the family and an incredible father to his five children, Holle Watts (Joie), John (Kym) of Harrogate, UK; Julie (Doug), Lisa of Sanibel Island, FLA, and Nancy. He was the proud Poppa to 9 grandchildren, James Watts (Anne), Kelly Scott (Tyler), Kimberly Watts, Rebecca Watts (predeceased), Karin Bramm, Jack Bramm (Erin), Christian Cooper, Adrian Cooper (Alexa), and Gillian Bramm; and three great-grandchildren, Lane and Harrison Watts, and Ashton Scott. Jack was one of the original 'madmen' spending his entire 40-year career in advertising - 36 years with the same agency as it evolved throughout the years from Spitzer, Mills & Bates to Ted Bates to Backer Spielvogel Bates. He loved his work, the creative energy, and the relationships he forged - he was a consummate ad man. He was an active member of many industry associations, a board member for Wilfrid Laurier University, and a volunteer president of the Royal Life Saving Society. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his community contributions. Perhaps the only other love of his life that could even begin to rival the love for his family - was that of fishing. Most famously in 1966, he netted a 35-lb lake trout on a 10-lb test line from his beloved Lake of Bays - and that lunker is still displayed at Robinson's General Store in Dorset. His lifelong friendships and countless hours spent in the fishing boat with his Lake of Bays Lunker Club buddies Greg Clark Jr., Tony Whittingham and Bob Dyer were priceless and fed his soul. He also became an accomplished fly fisherman who generously tutored many in the art of fly tying over the years. One of the founding members of Stonecrop Trout Club (now The Upper Credit Trout Club), and longtime member of the Caledon Mountain Trout Club, he travelled around the globe in search of the perfect fly cast. An avid curler, he developed many friendships at the Granite Club - both on the sheet and during the post-game cocktail hour. He had a passion for music, and would find every chance he could to play piano and sing from his extensive songbook of jazz and big band classics. Much gratitude to Dr. Yoon and the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care for their gentle guidance and medical expertise. And special thanks to PSWs Jean and Beatriz for providing such caring in-home support to Jack in his final years. The family welcomes friends and relatives on Thursday, March 13th to a service at 2:00p.m. followed by a reception from 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. at Humphrey's Funeral Home (1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto). Donations may be made to Freshwater Conservation Canada or the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Tight lines Jack. Your legacy of joy remains and you will be so missed.