Obituary of John Ferris

John Albert “Jack “ Ferris was born February 5, 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta to Eugene & Corneila Ferris, the oldest of three children. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Gene in 1967, his Mother in 1977, and his brother Jerry in 1998. Jack spent his early years at Tulliby Lake until a fire in 1943 destroyed their home and all their belongings. In 1944 the family moved to the Frank Burns place at Marwayne where Jack started school. In March of 1947 they bought and moved to the Mac Inglis place north of Kitscoty. Jack rode horse back to Myrtle Hill School until grade 9 then he went to Kitscoty for high school. In 1956 Jack preferred farming to books so started farming with his Dad. Jack played and enjoyed ball for many years. Jack and Toni Graham coached the Kitscoty Klippers and Blackfoot Jets. He enjoyed the bus trips to provincials and was something he talked a lot about. Jack loved the farm, the cattle, the machinery and especially Massey’s and his Edmonton Journal. He never tired of driving tractors or combines. He never got in a rush and always had time for a visit or shoot a little BS. He enjoyed his visits with Wilfred and Larry Walton while working our land over west. Jerry & Jack had a unique brother relationship. They never questioned what the other guy was doing, they just seemed to know. I was the one never sure what they were doing. They farmed together from 1957 until Jerry’s passing in 1998 and to my knowledge they never had a disagreement. Jack continued to farm with his nephew Kelly until his health failed and he had to quit driving tractors and combines but was still there to give advise when needed. Even until a week ago, as sick as he was, he was interested in the farm and what everyone was doing. Jack always looked forward to spring and the baby calves and he could get his tractor out and go to the field. Spring also meant he could drive all the back roads to see what everyone was doing. Jack had many laughs & enjoyed the many years Millers & Ferris combined together… and of course Jim Beek always added a lot of good humor. The stories and humor are too many to tell but many a good time was had over a tailgate smorg. Jack often talked about those good times. He hated to see harvest end. In 1973 Jack moved in to live with Jerry, myself, Karen and Kelly. To be very honest, there was some ups and downs but we always seemed to work it all out. Jack was a very good carpenter. He could build you anything you wanted. Everything had to very strong, straight and square. I am sure my cold room shelves could hold a tone or 2. He was a good welder. Barb & Kelly says there is a ladder that will never wear out because it is too heavy to lift. Over the next 30 years a special bond developed between Uncle Jack, Karen & Kelly. He was always there wondering what the kids were doing and ready to give support if needed. When Jerry & I went on holidays he would get the kids up and off to school and be there to pick them up after their activities were done. He carried this interest over to his great nieces and nephew which he called “ the other kids.” As Karen says “most people have an uncle but very few are lucky enough to have an Uncle Jack.” Jack had nicknames for everyone from Jerry being called “B,” Karen “Shorty” and Kelly “The Kid.” …Not sure what my nickname was and maybe I don’t want to know. Jack loved a joke preferably on someone else and had a good sense of humor. He enjoyed dealing with oil companies on land deals but I’m not sure if they enjoyed dealing with him. A lot of people will remember Jack wearing rubber boots 365 days a year. In 1995 Jack suffered a brain tumor and surgery, followed by radiation. From this time on his quality of life slowly deteriorated. March of 2002 he moved to the Wainwright Lodge, as he needed professional care. Finally after two and a half years we got him moved to the Doctor Cooke in Lloydminster, which was much nicer for everyone. He received such excellent care he really felt that it was home. A month ago he had a major stroke and suffered greatly with seizures. After watching Jack the last month we know he is in a better place, a place with no more suffering and pain. Rest in peace Jack, the kids & I will miss you. The family of the late Jack Ferris wish to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to family, neighbors and friends for all their support, food, cards and visits at this difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Kerlis, the staff at the Dr. Cooke, and the nurses on the third floor of the Lloyd Hospital, your care and compassion for Jack was greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Rev. Bob Aldrich for his kind and comforting words. Also thanks to Yvette Barnett and Donna Eyben for the special music. Thank you to the Pallbearers, Honorary Pallbearers, also to the Royal Purple Ladies for the delicious luncheon and to all who helped in anyway. Many thanks to McCaw Funeral Service, especially Dale, for being supportive and understanding. In lieu of thank you a donation will be made to the Lloyd Handivan and Marwayne Cemetery Fund. Sincerely, The Ferris Family Donations in memory of Jack Ferris may be made to the Marwayne Cemetery Fund or to the Lloyd Handivan Society.