David James Jack passed away peacefully at Pioneer House, Lloydminster, Alberta on November 5, 2025 at the age of 88 years.

David is survived by: his sons, Kevin (Lisa) Jack and Lenard (Donalda) Jack; daughter, Heather (Rob) Ferguson; grandsons, Kyle (Amanda) Jack, Cody (Megan) Steiner, Brady (Kendra) Jack, Ryley Jack, Brett (Haley) Ferguson; granddaughters, Hailey (Nolan) Nicholls and Sara (Will) Wiser; great-grandchildren, Lauchlyn and Hadleigh Jack, Easton, Cash, Sully and Frankie Steiner, Bruer and Lexxyn Jack and Kensie Kate Ferguson; special niece, Dorothy Cooper; good friend, Elaine Barthel; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

David is predeceased by: his wife, Kathleen Jack; parents, Alfred and Margaret Jack; father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Kathleen Lang; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Audrey and Ralph Cooper, Ernest Lang and Richard Smith; and nephews, Glen Cooper and Barry Cooper.

The Funeral Service for David will be conducted from McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

Donations in memory of David may be made to STARS or Kitscoty Cemetery.

Dad’s Eulogy

Today we come together to celebrate the life of one strong, proud and hard working man.  Many of you knew him as David, Dave, DJ, but to us he was dad.  He also carried the title of Grandpa which he was very proud of and of course being a great grandpa was an honor.  It’s always tough to sum up a life that touched so many, but we each have our own thoughts, memories and love to keep dad’s memory alive.

On July 2, 1937 in the Islay Hospital, Margaret and Alfred Jack welcomed their first bundle of joy, a son, David James to start their family.  In January of 1940, he had to give up his title of being the only child and welcomed a new little sister, Beverlie, to the farm and that would complete their family.  David grew up on the family farm in the Wildwood District, here his love for farming began.

Dad attended the small country school of Wildwood for Grades 1-9.  Of course, back in the day, there were no buses, so you conquered the elements of the weather either by foot or horse back.  As dad would say we had to walk or ride miles to school every morning uphill both ways, barefoot in the snow.  No excuses, as his mom was a teacher!!  After Grade 9, dad ventured to the big lights of Kitscoty where he got to enjoy dorm life as he attended Grade 10 and 11 at Kitscoty High School.  Dorm life was always an adventure where new friends were made, along with memories that lasted a lifetime!  After finishing Grade 11, Dad decided he had had enough of Kitscoty and moved on to bigger and better things.  In the fall of 1954 dad attended the Vermilion School of Agricultural, now know as Lakeland College.  Here he spent two years, graduating in 1956.  I’m sure it will come as a surprise to many, but while attending VSA dad was involved in Folk dancing, house league hocky and curling!  Friendships were made here that truly lasted a lifetime.  Mom and Dad attended the yearly reunion, usually making a weekend of it, catching up with old friends and their families.  These friendships did not diminish over the years; there were many group get together’s and hours spent on the phone visiting.  I will never forget a staff members comment from Pioneer House how impressed he was when Ronnie, Willie & David came to visit dad, and they told the member they had continued their friendship for over 70 years! 

After graduating, dad returned home and farmed with his dad, Alfred.  Farming was always dad’s dream, but what is a dream without that someone special standing by your side to share it with?  There was a girl that caught his eye, and he was determined to make her his bride.  In between farming and courting mom, dad purchased a section of land from his Uncle George & Aunt Grace Jack in 1960 and this is where the farm resides today.  Dad got brave and popped the big question to mom and then on July 8,1961 David and Kathie Jack were married in the Grace United Church in Kitscoty.  They began their married life in Uncle George & Aunt Grace’s little old farmhouse which had no running water, but it was theirs, so they were happy.  Dad was not shy of hard work and knew that mom was always there to lend a helping hand and so together they watched the farm and livestock continue to grow over the years.  In the spring of 1964 Kevin was born and the official title of dad began. In March of 1966 they were blessed with another son, when Lennie joined the family.  The farm life became busier and in 1968 mom & dad built a new house, which was a little bigger, but more importantly, had all the amenities!  In November of 1969, Heather was born and that would complete their family.

Their family may have been complete, but the farm kept growing.  More land was bought and the cattle expanded.  Machinery and vehicles were updated, and as everyone knows he loved his John Deere machinery and FORD trucks and Agland and Webb’s loved dad.  The machine shed was built, a new barn was added and a big, heated shop that he loved.  Dad took great pride in his land, his herd and his equipment, it was a year round operation.  Seeding in the spring, haying and silaging in the summer, harvest in the fall.  Throw in the calving operation from February till early April and the yearling feeders that were fed over the winter.  Us kids each have our own memories of life on the farm and are thankful for these memories and lessons that dad taught us.  For years the horses were used to move the cattle, and dad kept saying nothing would ever replace them, however he finally caved in and they were replaced with quads.  We had our yearly round up at the pasture on the Islay Road of the cows and calves. A full day was put in by each and every one of us, which would grow to include Donalda, and in future years Rob.  The grandkids and even some of their friends wouldn’t miss it for the world.  It was a full day of separating the calves from their mommas, then of course vaccinations, branding, castrating and the odd dehorning if needed.  Dad used to always joke about mom taking the prairie oysters home and frying them up for supper or sending them to school for our lunch!  To many this may have been a delicacy, but to us it was a better meal for our faithful dog!

Farming wasn’t just a job, it was a way of life.  Something dad had always dreamed of and he worked hard to make it his reality.  Family and neighbours were always around and willing to help out whenever needed.  For many years, silaging was done together with the Stone family, harvesting with Uncle Ernest and of course the baler men, Uncle Alex and Lou Barthel.  You always knew the discussion at supper would be about how things were going that day, either good or bad, colorful or tame.  Many memories were made around the supper table or even better yet were the suppers in the field during harvest.

Growing up and then living in the Wildwood community meant many get togethers with neighbors, family and friends.  There were many potluck suppers, card parties, Christmas parties or any other reason to get together for a visit.  Dad took pride in the little Wildwood School which he used to attend and then once married he got to take his own family there, including all three of Lennie & Donalda’s boys.  In 1980, they celebrated the 66th Anniversary of the Wildwood School and held a huge reunion.  Dad was very involved in bringing this all together.  People came from far and wide, and a great time was had by all reminiscing about days past.  Dad served as chairman of the UGG Board for just over 10 years and then as a board member.  He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Foresters and a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Dad was also involved with the Kitscoty Agriculture Society, and was one of many volunteers, that helped to get the Kitscoty Arena built, which is still being enjoyed by the community today.

Dad loved each of us kids in his own way.  He wasn’t big on hugs or I love you’s, but it would be through a nod of approval, the look in his eyes, or a comment he made.  Dad embraced the expansion of the family, when Donalda, Rob and Lisa came along, each of his kids had their forever partners.  Things for dad changed forever in December of 1984, his first grandson, Kyle was born.  He wore the title of Grandpa with pride, and Kyle would be the first little shadow that dad had.  Kyle loved being with Grandpa, whether it be in the tractor, checking the cows, in the shop, memorable trips to the auction market or flying with him in his diesel for a quick parts run. (For those of you who don’t know, dad had a need for speed back in the day!)  In November of 1988, Brady was born, grandson #2.  Grandpa adored Brady, but Brady adored Grandpa more.  Brady wanted to be just like Grandpa, right down to the little notepad, pen, glass case and tin of snuff in his little western shirt pockets!  Unfortunately, when Brady started kindergarten, the teachers didn’t appreciate him coming to school with a tin of snuff (they didn’t realize it was filled with sprinkles!)  Grandpa drilled the love of John Deere into each of his grandkids, so grandpa was very proud when Brady started his career with Agland.  In August of 1992, Ryley was born.  Grandpa loved his boys and Ryley was no exception with his big smiles and witty personality.  The boys looked forward to visits to the farm and even better if they got to stay for a sleepover.  Grandpa and Grandma followed all the kid’s activities and taking them on little adventures.  Grandpa really enjoyed helping the boys with their 4H calves.  They loved taking the boys to the Calgary Stampede and watching the chuckwagon races, visit to the Calgary Zoo, Drumheller, and the Gopher Museum in Torrington.  In July of 1996 Brett was born, another little grandson.  Brett and Grandpa were like two peas in a pod and any chance he could get, Brett wanted to go to the farm.  He idolized grandpa and thus his love for farming began.  In July of 1999 Hailey was born, a little girl.  Hailey & grandpa shared their own special bond.  The list didn’t stop there as dad welcomed both Cody & Sara.  Cody spent many hours at the farm with Kyle, helping with silaging, harvest or whatever they were asked to do.  Hailey and Sara were a little outnumbered by the boys but were not forgotten by Grandpa.  Over the years, the list of grandkids expanded as Amanda, Kendra, Megan, Will, Haley and Nolan joined the family.  Kendra said she will always remember Grandpa’s mischievous little smile along with his constant reminder to clean her headlights and taillights.  He eventually just gave up on the reminders and did it himself, which was one example of how grandpa showed his love!  The grandkids ended but the great grandkids started and in the fall of 2007 Easton was born.  The role of Great grandpa expanded over the years to include Cash, Lauchlyn, Hadleigh, Bruer, Sully, Lexxyn, Frankie, and Kensie.  Dad took great pride in the title of Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, I do believe you were each one of his greatest blessings.

Farming was always forefront with dad, however, he enjoyed his crop checking tours, the yearly college reunion, and trips to Brandon to visit Clifford and Gloria Sholdice.  It never failed, if we did a family road trip, you knew you would be stopping at any John Deere dealership along the way, it didn’t matter if he was out voted!  Dad and Mom had many road trips with Lou and Elaine Barthel, not very often did they miss the races at the Calgary Stampede, as well as trips to Arizona and Mexico.  The four of them created many memories and shared many laughs together.  Glen & Dorothy were always picking Dad & Mom up and taking them for drives, always going different directions and seeing new scenery.  The talk was endless, which is what dad enjoyed the most.  After retirement dad was happy to travel, whether it be drives with Kevin & Lisa, road trips with Lennie and Donalda or several trips with Rob & Heather.  Christmas of 2008 was unforgettable as Dad & Mom took the whole family to the Riviera Mayan, a Christmas none of us will forget and will treasure forever.  Dad and mom were both honored to be able to travel to the Dominican and Riviera Maya for Kyle and Brady’s weddings.

In the fall of 2015, Dad and mom, made the tough decision to leave the farm and on October 28th they moved into Hearthstone Place.  Dad missed the farm and spent the first few months taking a daily drive out to the farm to make sure the boys were doing things correctly.  He did settle in at the Hearthstone and was happy there was always somebody to visit and of course you couldn’t be late for supper.  Dad eventually learned to slow down, he spent hours reading the papers, his favorites being the Vermilion Voice and The Western Producer as well as several magazines.  As many of you know, Dad loved talking on the phone and catching up on any news anybody had to tell him.  Kyle and Brett would get calls checking on the farm, Brady would get calls at work.  Dad would keep in touch with college buddies, Glen, Jim, & Ronnie, these calls could last hours.  There were regular calls to Uncle Ernest & Glen, and the list goes on and on.  Dad always loved a good BS session, weather it be on the phone, at Webbs, Agland, UFA and the list goes on.

The last few years were not the easiest on Dad.  In June of 2023 dad made the move to Pioneer House.  For those of you who know how stubborn dad could be, you would understand our surprise when he settled in nicely to his new home.  He missed mom, which is understandable after 62 years of marriage.  Dad was content and became more at ease with life.  He got involved in all the activities, whether it be baking, painting, ring toss, BINGO, balloon badminton, you name it he would try it.  The best part of his day was the coffee and treats that they shared after the daily activities.  He still loved reading his paper and looked forward to getting the new Voice.  Unfortunately, after Dad fell in June and broke his hip we seen a steady decline in dads health.    Dad was blessed with amazing staff, they all took him under their wing and made him feel special.  We never had to worry about the care dad received.   So many of you touched dad’s life, and you know who you are.  He was a gentle soul that you all love and admired and for that we are forever grateful.

It's always hard to say goodbye to someone we all knew and loved.  Dad can be proud of the life he built from the ground up and he did it all for his family.  He taught us to never give up, not to be afraid of a little hard work, and to be proud of your roots.  We will miss your advice, your little comments, that mischievous smile but most of all we will miss you.  We can all take comfort knowing you are now at peace and reunited with mom and you will both be watching over all of us.  Rest easy dad, love you.