Jack Nissenson

I just happened across this site and was shocked to hear of Jack's death. I first met him in 1971 when I was working with a bilingual theatre troupe called Theatre I. He kind of attached himself to our group and we designated him our "dramaturgue." He came to all our rehearsals and performances providing his inimitable witty and valuable feedback. In 1974 I began singing for a living and it's thanks to Jack that I acquired a rich repertoire of Canadian songs. He was a fine singer/storyteller and an accomplished guitar player. He and I did a singing tour across Canada in 1975. I last saw him in his beloved Montreal about 5 years ago and was hoping to connect with him next week when I'm in Montreal. Googling him told me he had died. I will miss him as will my old theatre colleagues to whom I will pass on the news. Thank you for mounting this site!Rika Ruebsaat

I saddened by the news of Jack's passing. I, along with Danny, Carol and others sang with Jack in our earlier days. I had lost contact with Jack once he returned to Montreal, however, I never forgot him and I never will. Go in peace Jack!
Gail Carrozzino (former Bread & Roses member)

I haven't seen Jack for many years, since he returned to Montreal where we first met. I thought of him often & am sorry that we'll never meet again on his earth. He wrote out his wonderful version of Matty Groves for me. I still sing it...all the verses! God speed precious friend. Charlie misses you too. Our deepest condolences to Jack's brother.

Dearest Harvey,

My sincerest condolences! I was only apprised of this today and had extended an invitation to him very recently. I am so sorry that I missed the celebration. He will be missed.

I remember every single story I ever heard Jack tell. He had a quiet, unemphatic, utterly memorable way of spinning a yarn. And they always caught at the edge of my mind with a touch of wisdom. He'll be very welcome around the celestial campfires. Dan Yashinsky

Although the Toronto storytelling community has missed Jack for many years since he moved away from Toronto to his beloved Montreal, we will miss him even more knowing that we will not see him again on this earth. (Lynda Howea, Toronto)

Sorry to learn of Jack's passing. I was a Mountain City 4 fan. Later we worked together to organize the library workers at Sir George Williams (now Concordia) University.

Jack was a storyteller, a musician, and my good friend. He brought much beauty into this world and I was fortunate enough to share some of it. Good night, sweet storyteller.

To hear one of his stories, visit:
https://soundcloud.com/shorteningtheroad/fear-of-lions

I am very sorry to hear of Jack's death. The Toronto storytelling community is also saddened. Jack was a stalwart member of our group back in the 70s, and he and I became good friends. We both shared a love of traditional music, and he often regaled me with stories of his musical exploits.
He was a kind and gentle soul and I miss him already.

My heart goes out to this wonderful man who became such a popular, regular customer at Mariposa over the last several months...he will be sadly missed and happily remembered as a man of true character and a beautiful person.
God Bless!
Rest in Peace, Jack.

A number of us sang with Jack in the 70s and 80s. We'll miss him a lot.

Jack was a mentor to me in Toronto back in the eighties. I expect many people who knew him feel the same way about this artist and teacher. RIP comrade.

A great human being.

Not since I met Jack have I known anyone with such a consistent ideological ardor, especially on behalf of the oppressed everywhere.

Jack was a beloved storyteller and folksinger of the Montreal Storytellers Guild and a memeber of Storytellers of Canada. He had a beautiful way of bringing you into his tale as he told it. He often told me of Jewish Folktales that he thought might interest me. He was a gentle man and a gentleman and I wish him peace, story and song in his eternal resting place. Journey forward Jack! Fondly, Selina