It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Jack's passing. He died in the tender care of the Palliative Care team at NRGH.

We are grateful for the many doctors and other professionals who have helped over the years, in particular, Dr. Colin Duncan who always made Jack feel better. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Elsemarie, brother David, nieces Annemarie, Kirsten, Kimberley, and Tamara, and nephew Robert. He is mourned by countless friends and extended family members. 

Jack was born to Helen and Dr. Bill Wilson in Vancouver. Raised in Vancouver, he graduated from University Hill as high school president. He enjoyed his first 16 summers on the beach at Qualicum and it was the idea of eventually living in a small town like this that motivated him to study law at UBC, following a BA (History) from UBC and an MA (International Relations) from Carleton. 

Jack worked for Cominco in Vancouver and moved to Rossland in 1981 as corporate counsel for the then West Kootenay Power Company. The skiing in Rossland was unparalleled, and Jack served as a director of the Ski Club as it was sold to private interests. 

In 1989 Jack and Elsemarie moved to Qualicum Beach, where his parents had previously retired, and joined Ken Walker in his legal practice. He continued with Walker and Wilson until his retirement in 2005. It was during this time that Jack became aware of the proposed development of what is now the Heritage Forest. Together with other concerned citizens he founded the Brown Property Preservation Society. More than 150 dedicated fundraising volunteers, over many deadline extensions, finally succeeded in raising the funds necessary to purchase the property. In 2002 Jack made a successful run for town council, and eventually secured a covenant to prevent any future development of the property.

 Altogether, during his 9 years as Town Councillor, saving the forest was Jack's proudest moment. He also very much enjoyed serving as liaison with the Memorial Golf Course as the new club house was built, and he had a special smile for arranging free swimming at the Ravensong pool for anyone over the age of 80. 

A lifetime love of sport, especially baseball, led to his playing Slo-pitch softball with the Turkeys in Vancouver (the core of which still meets for New Year's celebrations), and later in the PQ Mixed Orthodox softball league with the Thirsty Turtles, retiring with a career ending injury at the age of 60. He also loved fishing, and enjoyed visiting lodges at Bella Coola, Winter Harbour, and Friendly Cove. 

In retirement, Jack liked to grow roses, and tomatoes. With Elsemarie, he continued to travel, often focussing on destinations where one could snorkel. He was a founding member of the Qualicum Beach Multi-use Cinema Society. 

We will be celebrating his life on August 8th at the Qualicum Beach Inn, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Brown Property Preservation Society or the Qualicum Beach Multi-use Cinema Society.