Jake EBERTS

EBERTS, John David (Jake), O.C.
Jake left this earth peacefully on September 6, 2012 in the arms of Fiona, his soul mate of 44 years, and his adored and adoring children, Alexander, David (Maria Toumanova) and daughter Lindsay. He was the third son of the late Ted and Toppy (MacDougall) Eberts. Jake was the centre of an extended family which includes his five siblings, Edmond (Maureen Mannix), Gordon, Lindsay (Patti Paxton), Beth (Tony Stikeman) and Jeremy; fifteen nephews and nieces and sixteen great-nephews and great-nieces who drew constant inspiration from him. Jake's life was as full and varied and vibrant as he could make it. He channeled great energy, intelligence and passion into every waking moment which enabled him to accomplish virtually anything to which he set his mind. He was driven, restless and possessed insatiable curiosity and a voluminous memory about the widest range of subjects. Born in Montreal in 1941, Jake was educated at Arvida High School and Bishops College School. He graduated from McGill University in Chemical Engineering and completed an MBA from Harvard University four years later. After three years on Wall Street, Jake joined Oppenheimer & Co. in London in 1971 where he later became Managing Director. In 1977, he founded Goldcrest Films which became one of the most successful independent producers of motion pictures. In 1985, he started Allied Filmmakers, an independent feature film development and production company based in London and Paris. Over 35 years, Jake was the executive producer or producer of many internationally acclaimed feature films of the highest order and box office success. His films earned 65 Oscar nominations and 37 Oscars including four Best Picture awards, namely Chariots of Fire, Gandhi, Driving Miss Daisy and Dances With Wolves. His book, My Indecision is Final, is widely read in film schools. Jake was deeply involved in many business and philanthropic endeavours which he led with his customary integrity and principles. His natural creativity, tireless globe-trotting and ever ready cellphones were in constant demand. He earned numerous honours in Canada, the U.S. and abroad including Officer of the Order of Canada, honorary doctorates from McGill, Bishops and Trent Universities, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Citizenship Award. He received these honours with his trademark modesty and self- deprecating wit. Jake was comfortable with people from all walks of life and generous in kind and spirit to so many. He loved the outdoors where he was most at home in the forests and on the rivers of his native Quebec. The natural beauty and serenity provided an environment to imagine the possible and set his sights on something new and worthwhile. Jake's family was the centre of his life. They will dearly miss his indomitable presence and loving leadership at the vortex of so many activities. His family will forever remember and be inspired by his love, his modesty, his sharp wit, and his boundless enthusiasm for life that left them exhausted and exhilarated. A private family funeral will be followed by a memorial service in the near future. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be directed to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 1000 – 55 Mont-Royal Avenue West, Montreal QC H2T 2S6 (www.natureconservancy.ca). Or to McGill University, c/o Valerie Maurer, 1430 Peel Street, Montreal, QC H3A 3T3 (https:/ /www.alumni.mcgill.ca/give); these funds will be directed to McGill's First Peoples' House which is supported by the Eberts Family Fund.