Jack’s life began in Mabou on December 21, 1934. He was a son of Angus Anthony Johnny Ban and Katie Margaret MacDonald. He is predeceased by brothers, Alexander (Suzanne), Roderick (Margie), Mary (Bernie) and Christy Anna (Dougald).
Uncle Jack devoted his life to his family and community. He was a firefighter for many years, as well as a fisherman on his boat, the Bamboo Blondie. When fishing season ended, he worked as a mechanic at the school bus garage in Mabou and for Carmen Campbell.
Jack was a devoted uncle and friend to many and we will miss his witty humor and generous spirit. Throughout his life, he formed countless memories with his nieces, nephews and siblings, and extended family, always willing to lend a hand or offer a listening ear.
Jack loved to tinker with anything mechanical and his carpenter’s belt was never far away from those home or church repairs. Jack was indeed a “Jack of all trades”. Some treasured memories include driving with him in his yellow 1967 Ford Galaxy 500 listening to Charlie Pride on 8-track tapes, or when he described a perfect fishing day with a beautiful sunrise as “flat calm” (pronounced “cam”)! He loved to tease us and make sure the boys knew to stay away from those big mitts of his. In his later years, Jack could often be found driving around Mabou in his pick-up truck listening to Buddy, or just sitting in the Freshmart parking lot getting the news from the Oran, or from anyone who stopped by for a chat.
Uncle Jack will be dearly missed by his sisters-in-law; Margie and Suzanne and his nieces and nephews; Gerard, Sean Ban, Sandy, Cathy, Wayne, Sharon, Lorna, Angus and Devin. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to MacLeod Cares Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home and Inverary Manor for their love, support and care during Uncle Jack’s stay.
Visitation will be Monday, October 14 from 5-8 pm in the St. Mary’s Vestry in Mabou, with the funeral being held at 11am in St. Joseph’s Parish in Glencoe Mills. Burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mabou Volunteer Fire Department, Inverness Hospital Foundation, or charity of choice.
On-line condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
“Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give”. Pope John XXIII
