John "Jack" Davis

On Saturday, August 6^th at the age of 84, Mr. John "Jack" Davis of Grand Falls passed away at Grand Falls General Hospital.

Jack forged his own path from an early age.  Born in Aroostook Junction in 1937, Jack was the son of the late Maxwell and Eva (Walsh) Davis.  Jack attended the University of New Brunswick graduating in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering, and then went on to receive his Professional Engineer designation.  At University he played football for the Red Bombers who won the Maritime Intercollegiate Football League Championships in 1958 and 1959, with Jack receiving the NBFL Lineman of the Year award in 1959.  Not one to shy away from a challenge, working for Canadian Pacific and then Canadian National Railways, Jack lived and worked across all parts of Canada, including the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.  

Jack was a pioneer of astonishing strength, and an inspiring leader to those who knew him.  Those who worked with Jack recall he was tough, but a fair boss; he was a man of his word and took care of those he considered family.  To his children, Jack instilled the values of respect, independence, drive, and integrity: old-school values which are just as important today as they were years ago.

An avid outdoorsman, Jack thoroughly enjoyed his camp in Juniper, NB, which he built from the ground up with his father Max.  Indeed, Jack was extremely skilled at wiring, plumbing, and servicing appliances and vehicles until he reached an elderly age. 

In his later years, Jack aka “Papa” enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and playing cards.  Ever so crafty, few people could beat Jack in a game of Auction 45, and even fewer could top his clever wit and humour.  He enthralled his grandchildren with life stories and anecdotes that captured a level of detail only one with an elephant memory could recollect.  

Admired and respected by those who knew him, Jack was a man of integrity, and he loved his family.  Though he is now gone, his spirit lives through his loved ones, and he will always be cherished.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of fifty eight years, Kathleen (McLaughlin); their four children, Diane Brooks of Mississauga, ON, Maxine Davis of Toronto, ON, John Davis (Kathleen) of Calgary, AB, and Barbara Davis-Leigh (Randy) of Brookline, MA; nine grandchildren, Dillon, Brandi and Jax Brooks, Nicholas (Cole), Sydney, Matthew and Jayden Davis, Jade and Kayleen Leigh; and one great-granddaughter, Mila Brooks.

A graveside committal service will be held Friday, August 12^th at 11am at the Presbyterian Rural Cemetery, Perth-Andover with Rev. Roy Dee officiating.

For those who wish, donations to the Presbyterian Rural Cemetery would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements are by O'Regan's Funeral Home Ltd.