John Leonard Prior

John Leonard Prior

John Prior Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 14 to Mar. 16, 2010.
PRIOR, (Jack) John Leonard On Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at age 68 years at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Berry), loving father of James, Bonnie Keefer (Mike), Rob (Yvonne Burton) and Michael. Devoted Poppa, Grand Papa of Cole, Ashley and Brooke; Simone; and Andrew. Son of the late Marjorie Mearon and Leonard Prior. Cherished son-in-law of Marjorie Berry and brother-in-law to Steve Berry (Bonnie). Will be missed by Jill (Tim Angus), Katie (Rick Gallinger), Charlie, their mom Linda Berry, great nieces, Elissa, Lily and Madison and many friends, especially the Baters, Allens, Clarks, Youngs, the cottage community and his beloved Arizona. Born in Winnipeg, a graduate of the University of Manitoba, Jack was a pioneer in the computer software industry. His career started in statistics (Agriculture Canada) and evolved into software (ComDev and BMO) but culminated with the formation and successful management of 2 top Canadian firms (PRIOR Data Sciences and Gallium Software Inc.). Jack would have wanted to be known, not only as "a Father of high tech in Ottawa," but also as a teacher and mentor of his peers, of his children and their friends. His greatest pleasures came from the ball diamond where he was passionate about teaching young people new skills. Next to "Dad", "Coach" would be his fondest title. He was a perfectionist, "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!". He placed a high value on fairness, honesty, hard work and getting the best solutions for any problem. He prided himself on being a "hand shake business man". Jack was a strong supporter of many organizations within the local and international community. He supported many charities, but in his memory, and, in honour of the 32 years of care he received from the Heart Institute, the family requests that all donations be sent to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Friends are invited to visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue (at Richmond Road) Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Service to Celebrate Jack's Life will be held at Woodroffe United Church, 207 Woodroffe Avenue on Tuesday, March 16th at 1 p.m.

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October 12, 2010

Joseph Majic posted to the memorial.

March 28, 2010

Gregg & Becky Kuntz posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2010

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60 Entries

Joseph Majic

October 12, 2010

Dear Priors,

It is extremely sad that we have lost Jack Prior. He was a coach and mentor to me as a youth and contributed to my development as an adult. He was truly a great man and will be remembered as well as missed.

Gregg & Becky Kuntz

March 28, 2010

Dear Sue and Family,
Becky and I were so saddened to hear about Jack. It seems like just yesterday that I was talking to Jack out front. You are in our prayers.

March 27, 2010

Dear Sue and family.
We were sorry to hear about jack's passing. Please accept our condolences and prayers at this difficult time.
Hal & Margaret Graham, Geraldton On
(Robin Smith's parents)

Barry Sullivan

March 26, 2010

Dear Sue and family

I am still in shock after learning of Jack's passing. I was going to say that I worked for Jack from 1989 until 2000 but in fact I always felt that I worked with Jack. Jack always made me feel like I was more than an employee, I always felt like I was a friend.

You couldn't work with Jack and not learn something, sometimes it would be something totally unrelated to the job.

As I progressed through the company, starting out as a Junior Sales guy and making my way to a Division Director and then to the board I was always being mentored by Jack.
Not that he didn't do some things that could drive you crazy; especially during negotiations. I mention negotiations because not so long ago, in the role of CEO, I was negotiating a contract and after being successful I turned to one of my people and said "My God, I've turned into Jack Prior". It showed me how much Jack taught me.
There is not enough space here to write evrything that I want to. He was a great man and I feel priviledged to have known him and you his family.

I will now open a bottle of the best red wine that I have and toast Jack and remember another of his sayings, Life is to short to drink bad wine.

Mike & Joyce Jaques

March 25, 2010

Dear Sue and family,

Jack never did anything by halves. He expected quality in everything and that attitude permeated PRIOR Data Sciences. He made it a pleasure to work there and gave many of us the opportunity to succeed.

We will never forget him.

Sylvia Hoppner

March 23, 2010

Sue-
We were so sorry to hear about Jack's passing-We were away and came back to the news of your loss-Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family-

Steve Shadoff

March 22, 2010

I am very sorry to hear about Jack. I worked for Jack from 1991 to 1995 and always enjoyed working for him. I will always appreciate the chance he gave me to work on Aerospace software.

March 20, 2010

Sue & Family
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Jack's passing. Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Will always have fond memories of Jack at the diamond and rink.

Rob, Carolyn, Keith, Bryan & David Fenn
Stittsville, On

Kathy and Maren Ullrich

March 19, 2010

Dear Sue and family,
Very sorry to hear about your loss.
You are in our thoughts.

March 18, 2010

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Peter Manley.

Shae and Richard Alton

March 18, 2010

Dear Sue. We are thinking of you in Arizona and send hugs to you and yours.

March 17, 2010

Dear Sue & Family,
We will definitely miss Jack our great golfing buddy and dear friend. We feel very fortunate to have had the pleasure to know him and will miss his ever present smile, humor and positive attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eileen and Al Hand

Diane Cousineau

March 17, 2010

Bonnie, Sue and family:
Laura passed on your sad news. We are in Calfornia, so were unable to attend the service, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Our sincerest condolences,
Diane and Bernie

Elaine West

March 17, 2010

Dear Sue and family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time, and wishing you
comfort and strength. I was so happy to meet Jack and clearly remember his words to Rob at Andrew's Christening event. He has left beautiful memories and a fine example as seen in his family.
I wish you peace as each day brings its own joys from family and friends.
God bless you. Sincerely, Elaine

Barbara Haines

March 16, 2010

Dear Susan,
Remembering all the crazy, good baseball times at Pinecrest and at the Ontario LL championships in Ancaster so many years ago (Mike's team). Jack did not do things by half measure! So pleased to have known him.

Thinking of you and your children.
Best wishes.

Bernie Benovitch Subway Restaurants

March 16, 2010

I first met jack when he came into my Subway Store in Bells Corners.
I had just purchased that store and was behind the counter helping make subs.
Jack came in, with his assistant to order a bunch of sandwiches to celebrate a large sale they had made.
When it was time to pay, neither Jack or his assistant had money.
Embarrased to say the least, I told Jack to take the subs and come back when he had time.

Jack, never forgot my generous gesture, we continued to provide catering services to Prior Data Sciences for a long time and I had the priviledge of meeting Jack on a number of occasions to discover what a super guy he was. The kind of person I would have been proud to call my friend.

My deepest sympathy to the family

March 16, 2010

Jamie & Family
Although we did not know your family well, your family was such a big part of Mark's life. Blaine & I were so saddened to hear of your Dad's death. He seemed that he was a force to be reckoned with and will be missed by many. Thinking of you and your family. Blaine & Judy

Nick D'Errico

March 16, 2010

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Carol Tracey

March 16, 2010

Dear Sue and Family,

I am sorry to hear this news. I have great memories of Jack and your family during my tenure with Prior Data Sciences. I was very fortunate to get to know this amazing man, his leadership skills and be part of the PRIOR baseball team.

Our prayers are with you and your family.

Carol & Ron Tracey

Carl Floren

March 16, 2010

Dear Sue,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Jack was very generous with charities and one who would always be willing to offer his help.
He will be missed and my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

March 16, 2010

Sue:

Our condolences to you and your family. I know you and Sandy go back a ways and I always had great respect and admiration for Jack, his ways and his accomplishments.

LeRoy and Sandy (McGregor) Pearce

Mokbel Sayed

March 16, 2010

Dear Sue and Family,
Please accept my condolences. Jack was a great man. He touched and inspired the best in so many people. I have great memories working with him at PRIOR. He was a great motivator well respected by all who knew him.

Bill & Nancy Cowick

March 15, 2010

Dear Steve & Bonnie, Sue & family

We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We have our memories which can never be taken away. Our sincere sympathy,

Bill & Nancy Cowick, Florida

Frank Jones

March 15, 2010

Jack and I shared so many great experiences over the years at Prior and Gallium. I'll never forget the first time I met Jack, when I, as a young coop student joined Prior Data Sciences in 1985. Who could forget the man with the big smile who had collected all the ribbons in the "never say no" game. A couple years later, Barb & I both remember vividly how Jack's irresistible urge for new toys found him secretly walking the halls with one of the first Motorola StarTac cell phones, calling people at their desks then surprising them by jumping in front of them - what a hoot! I'm grateful for all I learned from Jack and all the fun we had together. Thanks to Jack for letting me drive his new M5 (the nicest vehicle I've ever driven). I did pay him back by giving him the controls of the Cessna as we flew to Collingwood once, but I wouldn't let him land it, even though he wanted to. A couple of years ago we reminisced about how we practiced Pig Latin enroute to Norway in preparation for some tricky negotiations. Jack figured the Norwegians had the advantage of another language and wanted to even the odds. Jack so often found a way to mix fun into business and maximize his chances. Thanks for all the great lessons and memories. You'll be greatly missed by many.

Harvey/Suzanne Lieske

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and Family
So very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our prayer's are with you

Pat Beasley

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I have many fond memories of my years at PRIOR. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pat and Beth Beasley

Doug Conway

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and family,

Donna and I were so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We want to pass on our sincere condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Robert Bissonnette

March 15, 2010

Sue and Mike,

We were so saddened to learn of Jack's passing. He will undoubtedly leave a very large hole in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Robert Bissonnette and Laurie Sanderson

Danny Lelli

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and family,

I wanted to pass on my prayers and sincere condolences to you. I will always remember Jack fondly as someone who was dedicated to teaching and supporting young people.

He, without knowing me personally at all, sponsored my place in Shad Valley while I was in high school which allowed me to participate in a highly educational camp aimed at bringing out excellence in young people. I would not have been able to attend this camp otherwise.

This speaks to the kind of person you all know he was. He will be remembered always, and his legacy of contributions will continue to touch people forever.

Mary Davies

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
With sincere sympathy

Margaret Taylor

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Don Hewson

March 15, 2010

Sue...Very sad to hear of Jack's passing. You mentioned his delicate state when I saw you at the ORCF fundraiser. You also mentioned that he was very keen to get back to Arizona to golf. What a great spirit!

My condolences to your whole family.

We will all miss his passion for art, good wine and life.Not to forget his feisty sense of humour.

Don

Bob Bova

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and family
Catherine and I were both surprised and chagrined on Jack’s passing. Anyone who knew him was convinced he would go on to other challenges. Since we can’t be with you, please accept our most sincere condolences and know our thoughts are with you. Bob and Catherine.

Fernando Campos

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue:
My prayers are with you during these tough times! Jack was a good man and I am grateful that I had some quality time with him during our golfing times at Gainey Ranch but especially at Pinehurst Golf Club! He made us enjoy the four days greatly! Jack will always be part of our foursomes at Gainey Golf Club!

Dave "OO6" Bond

March 15, 2010

To all of the "Prior" clan:

We the "Bond" family (i.e. - Dave, Louise, Cory, Mark & Laura) send our heartfelt condolences to you all.

Please be assured that your beloved "Jack" will always be a highly respected legend within the alumni ranks of the Pinecrest Little League.

I will forever remember being literally mezmerized while watching "Coach Prior" standing in the third base coaching box - theatrically sending in carefully choreographed coded instructions to both his batter and third base runner. A rub of his earlobe in combination with a tip of his baseball cap and a swipe across his chest magically resulted in his favourite play of all - (i.e. - the dangerous and spine tingling "SUICIDE SQUEEZE"). I never knew who was more excited - Jack or the kids ????

He was just so terrific - and our thoughts are with you all !!!

Joan/Bruce Miller

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue,
We will miss Jack..Bruce's Buddy...hope you will come back to AZ.
Our love to you and family,
Joan & Bruce Miller

Sue Dupras

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and family,
So sorry to hear about Jack. He inspired me throughout my career. Words will never be able to express what he brought to people's lives. My thoughts are with you all.

ALAN AND RITA BURKE

March 15, 2010

We have wonderful memories of Jack. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dianne Elliott

March 15, 2010

Sue and family,
So very sorry to hear about Jack. He was the best employer I ever had and I have wonderful memories of my time at Prior. Jack was always finding ways to thank his employees and created a wonderful working environment. My deepest sympathy.

Chelsea Lynn

March 15, 2010

Dear Sue and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack's death. My thoughts are with you all.

Janet and Ken STUART

March 15, 2010

Sue & Family,
We are very sad to hear about Jack's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom Moore

March 15, 2010

Sue & Family
I was so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a fine man and a great contributor to his community.

Eric Davidson

March 15, 2010

Sue and Family,

Very sorry to hear about Jack. He was a very inspirational person in my life, as boss, mentor and friend. Hard working and passionate with a great sense of humour - who could ask for anything more. There are many, many people who have benefited from all that he was, and all that he did.

Eric Davidson

Laura Cousineau

March 15, 2010

Sue, Bonnie and Family,
My love to all of you. Wish I could be with you in Ottawa. I will always hold your family dear to my heart as you became my family away from home while I was Ashbury.
Love you,
Laura (limerick) Cousineau

Andrea & Trevor Jahn

March 15, 2010

Sue & Family
It was with great sadness that we learned of Jack's passing. He will be dearly missed by all his extensive and extended family.

Suzanne Swan

March 14, 2010

Dear Sue and family: I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's death. Jack was a wonderful man. I have many happy memories of my time at PRIOR and as neighbours of yours many years ago. I hope the love of friends and family will help you during this difficult time.

Earl & Lois Berry

March 14, 2010

March 14, 2010
Dear Sue & Family
We were so sorry to hear about Jack's passing, wish we could be with you. As you know we are in Florida, will see you when we get back home. Our hearts ache for what you are going through right now.
We send you our Love
Earl & Lois

March 14, 2010

Dear Sue and family,

Our deepest sympathy to you all. I plan to attend the funeral on Tuesday.

Love-Allan, Dianne and Luke Rae

Shannon Kane

March 14, 2010

Dear Mike,

We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Shannon Kane & Family (Victoria,B.C.) (Shannon, Eric, Mary, Andre).

Ivy Engler & son Brian

March 14, 2010

So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marcy Baugh

March 14, 2010

To Sue and the Kids,
You are much in my thoughts; please know that I send my sympathy. I know how much you will miss him; may memories of happier times together sustain you in the days to come. Marcy Baugh

Ivy Engler & son Brian

March 14, 2010

So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Robin & Vern Smith

March 14, 2010

Sue & Family,
We are very sad to hear about Jack's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry we did not connect in Arizona this year but last year we made memories to cherish. We will see you when we visit Ottawa this summer.
With our deepest sympathy and love,

Mike & Julie Johnson

March 14, 2010

Sue,
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Jack's passing. He was a wonderful, generous man and it was an honour to be a friend. Our deepest condolences to you and the extended Prior family.

Diane & Mike Purdy

March 14, 2010

We are so sorry to hear of Jack's death. We will be thinking of you all on Monday and in the coming days.

March 14, 2010

Sue & Family
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have many good memories of my years at Prior.

Shirley Gamble
Prior - 1984-2000

Kay & Buddy Stephens

March 14, 2010

Sue & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Jack. He fought a tough battle. I thought the descriptions of Jack were "perfect." You are in our thoughts. We are still in Arizona. If there is anything you need down here let us know.

March 14, 2010

Susan & Mike
We are very sad to hear about Jack. We are currently out of town and unfortunately will not be able attend the service. This time of year we most think of Jack - Junior B playoffs, holidays down south and looking forward to getting the BMWs out of winter storage. Thinking of you and the boys at this sad time.

Carl & Judy Baltare

Lori MacDonald

March 14, 2010

Steve and Family,
My deepest sympathies ... may your fond memories provide comfort at this very difficult time.

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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry - West Chapel

150 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 3T9

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October 12, 2010

Joseph Majic posted to the memorial.

March 28, 2010

Gregg & Becky Kuntz posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2010

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