Jack Lourie resident of Pioneer Ridge passed away November 5, 2018 at the ripe old age of 100 years and 146 days.
Jack was born to Hugh and Mary Lourie June 12, 1918 and was raised in Fort William. He reminded us often that he lived at 237 Finlayson Street during his youth. He attended Drew Street School and Fort William Collegiate. He worked in the Bush Camps in the Black Sturgeon following high school. When the war broke out Jack enlisted in the Royal Canadian Airforce. He trained as a pilot on the Tiger Moth, the Anson, the Fleet Fort, the Oxford, the Wellington, the Halifax and the Lancaster. Before going overseas, he married Jean Pettypiece. Jack was attached to 431 Squadron while stationed at Croft, England and flew over 24 sorties in the Lancaster bombers and attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant. While proud of his military service it was a subject that he very rarely ever talked about. After the war Jack worked at the Canada Car prior to being employed by the Board of Grain Commissioners later to be known as the Canadian Grain Commission.
Jack began his career there as a Grain Sampler and advanced to become a Grain Inspector and eventually an Inspector in Charge of a Terminal Elevator. He was especially proud of his accomplishments in this area of endeavour. He retired in December 1979 after a 33-year career. What pleased Jack most was his camp at Silver Beach. In Jacks mind there was no finer place on earth than Silver Beach. He spent every spare moment puttering in the old garage, building a dock, fixing and re-fixing the plumbing, installing new shingles, raising the camp. The projects were endless, and he loved it. If there is a Silver Beach in heaven Jack will be there waiting for the rest of us.
Jack was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Mary Lourie, his wife Jean Lourie, sister Jessie and brother in law George Crombie, cousin Norm Lourie, grandson Scott Seguin and son in law Peter May. He is survived by daughter Ellen Lourie-May, daughter Linda Seguin (Len), granddaughter Courtney Seguin (Jakuk Denkiewicz), grandson Curtis Seguin, nieces, Jan Dean, Lorraine Smith, Margie Conway, Christine Crombie.
Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Jack’s wishes a private interment will follow later.
If friends so choose donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
