Obituary of JACK ROBERT KIRKPATRICK IRWIN

JACK ROBERT KIRKPATRICK IRWIN

March 17, 1947 – January 27, 2021 (age 73)

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Jack Irwin our beloved husband, father, grandfather. Jack passed away from complications of T1 Diabetes and Parkinson’s, on January 27, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents Robert (Bob) and Nelda Irwin; his grandfather John Irwin who emigrated from County Cork, Ireland; Jack is survived by his wife & best friend Grace; daughter Jacqueline; son-in law Ross; beloved grandchildren Liam and Julia; his dear sister Julie of Saskatoon, SK; Uncle Dewaine (Helen) Irwin of Rosetown, SK; Uncles’ Koos Selier (Roosendaal); Rob (Laura) Selier; (Rotterdam) Holland, sister-in-law Geraldine; brother-in-law Dale (Ruth); many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; caring friends; breakfast club.  

Jack was born in Saskatoon, SK to (Robert) Bob Irwin who served in WWII; and (Neeltge) Nelda Irwin (Selier) who emigrated from Holland to Canada.  Jack grew up on a farm near Biggar, SK where hard work was learned at an early age; chores were done before and after school. Then in 1965 with the untimely death of his father, Jack left the farm and headed west. He worked on pipeline and in lumber mills in Alberta and B.C.  Home was the prairies and it called him back in the late 60’s where he met his wife Grace from Manitoba. Between writing letters back & forth and phone calls, Winnipeg became his new home.

Jack started his own successful carpentry and home renovations business in 1975 and in 1983 built their dream home on the edge of the city on a small parcel of land.

One of Jack’s hobbies was working on his 57 Chevrolet, taking several family trips across the prairies, and visiting family in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Trips closer to home were to the ‘Half Moon’ for ice cream on warm summer nights and cruising Portage Avenue. Travels also included fun trips to Las Vegas and meeting up with friends and family.

In the early 80’s Jack discovered a lifelong passion for golf. He encouraged his wife to play the game and they enjoyed it together for many years. To keep things interesting, Jack and his friends also held a tournament each year. They called it ‘The Fall Over Classic’. Falcon Lake was the golf course, and many participated. After the game, winners and runners-up received trophies. The ultimate highlight for Jack in 2000 was watching the Seniors PGA Championship held at St. Charles Country Club where he met and had his golf cap signed by Jack Nicklaus.

Jack loved the outdoors and working in his yard; feeding wildlife that often visited. His compassion for animals was truly reflected one very cold winter when he helped a herd of deer survive by keeping feed and water out. He also kept a bird bath warmed in winter for the birds to enjoy. Inside the home, Jack always had a dog or cat by his side. His beloved cat Pepper could usually be found curled up on his lap for a shared afternoon nap in their favourite easy chair together.  Jack enjoyed reading non-fiction novels and always sat down to watch golf tournaments or nature shows. He notably had a knack for sandwich-making and the whole family agrees that his sandwiches were legendary.

Family was an integral part of his life and Jack admired the accomplishments of his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He enjoyed their visits with him and never passed up an opportunity to involve and teach Liam & Julia while he worked in the yard.

Jack was sociable and relaxed. He easily gave a smile, attached to a great sense of humour. Shooting pool was a time to socialize and catch up. He also enjoyed playing cribbage. He saw the bright side in general and was in his element when playing golf or pool with friends and family; always looking at the positive aspects in life.  

Jack, you remain the strongest person we know, weathering everything life threw at you, with such bravery you almost seemed invincible. You have touched the lives of countless people and today you leave a void in our hearts no one can fill.  

Acknowledgement to; Tuxedo Villa; Magene, Madi, Carlota and others who compassionately looked after Jack.

Cremation has taken place and due to Covid there will be no formal service; condolences, memories and pictures may be placed on a memory page through www.cropo.com. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.