Jack Wayne Appleton

Jack Wayne Appleton, 84, passed away on April 18, 2020, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. He was born on December 14, 1935, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to George and Elsa (Mueller) Appleton. He graduated from Mayfair High School and earned a Bachelor of Commerce at University of Saskatchewan. While in high school, Jack served as a cadet in the Royal Canadian Air Force where he picked up a love of travel and exploring.

Early in his career, he moved east to Toronto as an executive at Imperial Oil and eventually found his way to Ottawa where he worked in the Department of Indian Affairs and then Health and Welfare Canada. Eventually Jack left a successful career with the federal government to establish a distinguished career in real estate development. He was instrumental in improving several historically significant buildings, restoring them to their former glory and preserving important heritage structures that had fallen into disrepair. His efforts made measurable improvements to the revitalization of downtown and particularly the Byward Market area, which eventually became a major draw of downtown Ottawa.

Jack was a devoted father to his daughters and adored spending time with his family. He was loved by all and could always brighten anyone's day with his infectious smile and charm. He will be forever remembered as the funny, smart, and generous person that he was. Jack had a passion for learning, walking the family dogs, photography, reading, and enjoying the beauty of nature. He was a stranger to no one and there isn't a day that goes by that our sweet "Poppa" isn't missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Appleton Jaycox (Bill), his grandchildren, Noelle Jaycox Acosta (Alexei), Shannon Jaycox, and Randy Jaycox, as well as his great-grandchild, Avery Jack Acosta, all of Jacksonville, Florida. Also survived by his brother, Doug Appleton of Regina, SK and his former wife, Edith Kathleen Appleton of Toronto, ON. He is preceded in death by his mother, Elsa (1996), father, George (1967), daughter, Corinne Appleton (2011), brothers- Bob and Bill Appleton and sisters- Mary Dempster and Violet Appleton.

Jack was laid to rest at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery in Florida. He always had a strong desire to be close to nature and chose a natural return to the earth for his final wishes, wrapped in quilts lovingly made for him by his daughters.