Jack Leopold Cottenie

Loving husband of Patricia (née Strub) for over 55 wonderful years, Beloved father to David (Amy) and Jennifer Falconer (Rob). Adored grandfather of Emma, Jackson, Sam and Kyle. Predeceased by his parents Roger and Yvonne.

Jack was born in Kortrijk, Belgium in 1945 and made the journey with his parents and extended family across the Atlantic Ocean to the promise of new opportunities in Canada in 1954. Settling in Delhi, Ontario, he spent his formative years acclimating to the Canadian way of life, while remaining fiercely loyal to his Belgian heritage. In 1963, he officially became a proud Canadian citizen. Jack graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1966, settled in Kitchener, and would go on to a long career in management roles within manufacturing and related industries, highlighted by his 28 year career with B.F. Goodrich, and over a decade with Intertek Testing Services. He retired in 2017 to enjoy traveling and spending time with his family. Jack will be sorely missed as a travel partner and purveyor of Belgian culture, and his legendary stories and anecdotes will remain part of the family history forever. The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital specifically Dr. Guy, Dr. Dai and nurses Nancy and Yvonne for their exemplary care of Jack.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass for Jack will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 49 Blueridge Ave., Kitchener. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, 835 King St. W., Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation (to the Cardiac Care Unit or to the Chest Unit), 911 Queen's Blvd., Kitchener, ON N2M 1B2, (519-749-6797). Arrangements entrusted to Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, Kitchener, (519-743-8900). Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com