March 27, 1932 – April 22, 2019
Our Dad passed away peacefully on April 22, 2019, a life well lived as a father, grandfather, uncle and good friend. Jack was an optimist with a captivating smile and a highly memorable laugh. He embraced life and those who shared it with him. Always up on current events, he loved to engage in good conversations with those that were lucky enough to have made his acquaintance. And no matter the person, Jack made them feel special after meeting him.
Jack was born in Kenora, Ontario the youngest of the three Manson brothers. Growing up with his family in Kenora and Fort William he developed a passion for the outdoors. In his youth he was proud of his paper route, loved the game of hockey, playing center for a number of teams and later raced stock cars as “Mad Man Manson”. Starting as a telegrapher in 1951, he had a highly successful career with CP Rail that spanned more than 38 years. After many promotions that resulted in transfers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Jack retired from the railroad in 1989 as General Superintendent of Grain Transportation. Over his career he was a respected and skilled leader sought out for his sage advice. After retirement he briefly consulted internationally in China and Kazakhstan. Jack was married to Maureen Douglas in 1956 and together they raised a family over the many places they lived including Thunder Bay (Fort William), Kenora, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Winnipeg. After Maureen’s untimely death in 1998 he was lucky to find love again, and married Corinne (Taylor) in 2000. Jack and Corrine resided in Winnipeg and spent many happy years with family and friends at their two happy places: Lake of Two Mountains and Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Throughout his entire life Jack enjoyed the log cabin his grandfather built and the camp he subsequently built at Lake of Two Mountains. In his 87 years he never missed a summer at his lake! His legacy to his family is the cottage and wonderful memories created over five generations. As evidenced of his love of the outdoors he spent many wonderful times with his lifelong friend Bert Johnson enjoying fishing, hunting and camping trips – especially the canoe trips to White Otter Lake. In his later life he was able to live out one of his lifelong dream and that was to farm. Facilitated through Corrine’s brother and sister in-law, Ted and Sharon, he was proud to become a cattle baron, owning a herd that peaked at four head. This gave him endless hours of joy and conversation.
Our family expresses our sincere gratitude to all of the care givers over the last several years who have cared for Jack both in Winnipeg and Edmonton. Special thanks to the staff and Dr. Leon at the Sturgeon Hospital for their care and compassion during his final days.
Jack is survived by his son, Scott (Myrna); daughter, Carol; step-daughter, Leslie (David); grandchildren, Meghan (Doug), Erin, Rhiannon (Jonathan), Caitlin, Andrew, Carter; brother, Hugh Manson; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by the loves of his life Maureen (nee Douglas) and Corinne (nee Taylor); his parents, John R. and Felicie (nee Bavery) Manson; brother, George; sisters-in-law, Dorothy, and Margret.
At Jack’s request no service will be held at this time.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Messages of condolence can be sent to JackWManson@gmail.com.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers a donation to
a charity of your choice in Jack’s name would be appreciated.
