Skip to content

John William (Jack) deVries

September 3, 2008

DeVrieobit

de Vries,

John William (Jack)

Jack died peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 3rd, in the company of his wife, Pat, and sister, Anne, after a three year struggle with cancer.

Jack was born on September 29, 1931 in East Kildonan, Manitoba, the youngest child of Bill and Elizabeth de Vries. The family moved to Vancouver in 1944, where Jack later became a printer at the Vancouver Sun. In 1953, he married Pat, his beloved wife and partner throughout his remaining 55 years.

Jack and Pat moved their young family to Campbell River in 1960. Jack worked for the Courier newspaper for 16 years, and then took a job with the District of Campbell River in 1976. There he gained an enviable reputation as a caring colleague and a diplomatic liason with the public. He retired in 1996, and pursued his passions of cycling, gardening and family. He is survived by Pat, son Jeff (Marcy), daughter Joanne (Simon), grandchildren Kate and Rab, sisters: Betty, Anne (Norman) and Willy (David), numerous nieces and nephews - and Nellie!

Jack spent many years as a dedicated scoutmaster and was an avid outdoorsman and cyclist. Above all, he was a warm and caring family man with a ready smile and a compassionate heart who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

The family extends sincere thanks to all Jack's wonderful caregivers. A gathering in Jack’s honour will be held at the Maritime Heritage Center on Saturday September 13th, from 2:00-5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.