Jack SWITZER

SWITZER, Jack Jacob
June 24, 1937 - January 14, 2012
It is with great sadness that Jack Switzer, our husband, father, grandfather and friend has passed away. Jack was a teacher, historian and community builder. Jack is survived by his wife and partner of 51 years, Shauna, his sons Ted (Michele) and Steven (Kathy), his granddaughter Sydney, his brother Sruki (Bryna), and his sisters-in- law Tobey, Miriam (Larry) and Shirley (Denis), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mendel and Rivka, and his brothers Henry and Albert. Born in Calgary in 1937, Jack lived here his whole life. His parents had come to Calgary from Poland in the 1920s to join other family members. He grew up on 7 Avenue East and in South Calgary. He spent most of his career as a business instructor at SAIT. After his retirement he pursued his interest in the history of the Jewish community in Southern Alberta and spent many hours doing original historical research and writing about this subject in historical journals. He was instrumental in the founding, development and growth of Temple B'nai Tikvah and the Little Synagogue on the Prairie Society and served on the executive of both organizations, as well as the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta. Jack loved the outdoors, to go fishing and camping with his family, and was an avid bird watcher. Jack and Shauna enjoyed travel and visited many countries and continents. Jack cared deeply for his family and taught us all values that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. The family would like to thank Drs. Dan Botha and Sasha Lupichuk for their care throughout Jack's long battle with cancer and the many staff at the Rockyview Hospital who helped to ease his suffering in his final days. Funeral services will be held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel located at the north east corner of Highway 22X and 37 St. S.W. at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, with a reception to follow at Temple B'nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue S.W. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to either Temple B'nai Tikvah or the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta, two organizations he helped build and of which he was an integral part.