Alexander Jack

JACK _ Alexander Born in Avoch, Scotland, May 8th, 1929 Died in North Vancouver, BC. June 3rd, 2006. It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Alex, who peacefully died at home Saturday evening with his eldest daughter, his youngest granddaughter and his partner at his side. He will be laid to rest beside his most beloved wife Margaret McLean Ure (dec. April, 1960). Left to mourn are his children, Frances Margaret, Brian Alexander (Jennifer), Sandra Louise (Kevin) and David Alan (Nicole) along with grandchildren Brennan Alexander, Dallas Scott, Cory James, Laurel Maureen and Shawna Elleen. He is most sorely missed by his partner and companion, Barbara, (one of the two founding members of SSS). Alex, with his wife Margaret and eldest child Frances, came from Scotland to Canada in 1957. A Professional Engineer with a degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of Glasgow (1954), he was a soft spoken man who left British Columbians with a legacy of which many are unaware. Among his many projects were the bridge at Kitwanga, the Nelson Creek and Capilano River Bridges in West Vancouver, the Lanark Avalanche Sheds near Revelstoke, No.3 Road Bridge in Richmond, the beautiful Kinnaird Bridge in Castlegar, the Cassiar Connector, the Cambie Street Bridge, completed in time for Expo '86 and the Lonsdale Street Overpass. His final contribution to some of the bridges which span the province, was the Westview Overpass which he came out of retirement in 1995 to complete. An avid outdoorsman, he hiked, canoed, fished, climbed and white water canoed through more of the province than most people have seen. All of his children shared these enthusiasms and, as a team, they could out-hike, out-climb and out-portage most adults. The only problem on some of these treks was in not packing adequate provisions to satisfy the appetite of the rapidly growing Brian. Intensely interested in sports, he invested much of his time during their teen years in supporting them in a wide range of activities. Their household was one that welcomed animals and there were always dogs and cats scampering around underfoot. To this day, all of the children fondly remember Alex's favourite "Black Bart", a gorgeous and enormous black lab. Retiring in the early 1990's from bridge building, Alex turned his hand to another form of bridge. Taking up duplicate bridge, under the capable tutelage of his teacher and friend Connie DeLisle, he rapidly became a force to be contended with at the table. Travelling to sectionals, regionals and nationals in Canada and the United States, he achieved the status of ACBL Master in 1996. Putting this aside for a few years, he came out of retirement in 1995, returning to his love of other bridges, overseeing the building of the Westview Overpass. Once this was completed, he returned to his much enjoyed duplicate bridge. Early in 2001, playing casual and friendly bridge at the Parkgate Senior Centre, he had the courage to take on a new bridge partner and companion. He spent many delightful (and some not so delightful) hours trying to teach her the complexities of the game. In their last few years, they went to many regional and national tournaments with Christmas and New Year's at Reno being one of their favourites. Alex was known by many and enthusiastically greeted at these tournaments. Two of these that stand out in his partner's mind, one from a local sectional "Well, hello Sunshine, long time no see" and at St. David's Wednesday game "Now Professor, how should I have played that?" The Jack and van Blankenstein families sincerely appreciate the work done by Trish and Shelley and Samantha from the Central Community Health Centre and by Barbara's daughter, Karen. Through their care and compassion, they were able to provide Alex with a peaceful and comfortable passage. No service by request and in lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the BC Cancer Agency would be appreciated. Rest in peace thrawn laddie: 4RB, Frances, Brian, Sandra, David, Brennan, Dallas, Cory, Laurel and Shona.