Jack Merchant

MERCHANT _ John Anthony. Jack, in his own words, lived "a long and lucky life". He died on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 with dignity and grace. He is missed and loved by his family: wife Betty, daughters Judi (Keith), Susan (Lon), grandchildren Adam, Stephanie, Kyle, Ashley, and Brooke and his many friends and extended family. Jack was born in 1919 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the youngest of six children. He received his B.A. and B.Sc. from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish and his engineering degree from Nova Scotia Technical College in Halifax. Like most Cape Breton Islanders, he was true to his roots, keeping in touch with his maritime nephews and nieces and introducing the "Nova Scotia hop" to West Coast party goers. In 1943, Jack entered the military as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Engineers. It was then, while stationed in Chilliwack, B.C., that he met Betty on the dance floor at Cultus Lake. In 2005, Jack and Betty celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary back in the Fraser Valley at Harrison Hot Springs - a happy time! In his career as a professional engineer, Jack worked as registrar for the Association of Professional Engineers for many years before joining Swan Wooster Engineeering Co. where he worked until retirement. The respect with which his peers regarded him is reflected in the positions he held at various times: President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada, President of Point Grey Golf and Country Club, President of the Engineers Club of Vancouver. He was honoured to be named a Paul Harris fellow by the Rotary Foundation. Curling, skiing, golfing, bridge, volunteering and charity work filled Jack's days but most important to him were the times spent with family. We all knew how much he loved us and we loved him in return. A memorial service is scheduled at Point Grey Golf and Country Club, on Tuesday, June 27 from 2:00 until 4:00. Flowers are gratefully declined.