Jack William Rogers

Jack William Rogers, Dad, Papa to his grandchildren, and most of all number one husband, passed away on the morning of March 18th.  Jack was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago, but through the dedication and care of his loving wife Sharon, he was able to remain at home until his final weeks.  Jack passed peacefully from this world with Sharon at his side.  In addition to Sharon, he is survived by his daughters Linda Ambury (Mark) and Diane Chamberlain (Rob), grandchildren Amanda Harbour (Jason), Christyna Bouliane (Rob), Justin Chamberlain and Mitch (Sydney) Chamberlain, great-grandchildren Sarah, Owen, Aubrey, Nicola and Atticus.  He also leaves behind his sister Barbara Tole, sister-in-law Marlene Elliott, brother-in-law Don Randall and numerous nieces, nephews, and caring extended family members and friends.

Jack was born to Frank and Kitty Rogers on the warm sunny day of July 14, 1936 in North Vancouver.  The family later moved to New Westminster where Jack spent most of his youth.  He loved sports, playing softball, lacrosse and he almost lived at the rink with hockey.  His love of sports continued throughout his life, shifting from playing to coaching.  Jack coached minor hockey in Coquitlam for several years.  It was at the hockey rink that he and Sharon formed many close friendships that have lasted for years.  He enjoyed coaching both his girls’ softball teams, which wasn’t an easy task, sometimes requiring a great deal of patience.  After retiring, he tried his hand at golf and curling.

Jack courted Sharon for four years before marrying on June 9, 1962. Theirs is a love story that will go beyond the near fifty-nine years they shared on earth.

After marrying, Jack and Sharon moved to Coquitlam where they raised their family and lived for thirty-three years.  Jack was a very proud family man.  He worked at Continental Can Company for thirty-five years.  Summer was the busy season at work, but even when long days of overtime were needed, time was made for dinner picnics on the company lawn under the big willow tree next to the trains.  There were barbeques on the sundeck, road trips, including adventures on overnight ferries, and Sunday drives to nowhere (almost always ending with ice cream).  Dad loved his cars, and he would pick up his daughters “little hitch hikers”, for a ride around the block after a day of work.  Jack was a very devoted person.  This was evidenced to all who chose to overhear his declarations from a hospital bed; his wife was the best a man could ever have, and his daughters the apples of his eyes.

Jack loved the water.  He and Sharon had many fun adventures in their boat the “Tequila I”, later making way for “Tequilla III”.  Whether it was weighed down with laughing kids and water skiers in Aldersyde and Osoyoos or just the family of four after work out for a picnic dinner on the water.  Jack and Sharon spent many weekends and summers at their place in Birch Bay, meeting friends and having lots of laughs.  They retired to Parksville in 1996, with their Dusty Dog, living just two blocks and 106 steps from the beach. 

Jack had an easy way of striking up a conversation with complete strangers, particularly if you had a dog with you.  He had an incredibly quick wit.  Dad loved to make people laugh.  He would tell a funny story, get you laughing and then pleased by that, chuckle to himself, give that “Jack Rogers” smile and walk away with a laugh and a hitch in his step.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Palliative Care Unit, Nanaimo General Hospital.  You are an incredibly loving and caring group of people who look after not just the patients, but their families as well.  We are truly grateful for you making Jack’s last days as pleasant as they could be, and for affording him the opportunity to pass with dignity.

It mattered that you occupied these years on this planet.  Your imprint is left behind by the footsteps of your two daughters, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Jack, I know you will be lovingly looking out for all of us. Xxxooo~~~  Til Later.

At Jack’s request, there will not be a formal service.  Instead, please raise your glass, recollect a fond memory and toast a life enjoyed.  Donations can be made to the SPCA.