Jack Newman

Jack Newman was born in Kindersley, SK. on December15 1927. He was the second of five children of Ben and Dorothea Newman. In 1936 the family moved to Fort Vermilion where Jack was raised and eventually took over the family farm. In 1954 he married Pearl Schultz and they raised a family of four children Barry, Greg, Tori and Louise. Jack and Pearl continued to farm until their retirement to the Sherwood Park area in 1998. They remained there until Pearl’s passing in January of 2023, he then returned to the family farm until his passing on July 23 2023.

Jack lived through a period of dramatic change. His farming career went from farming with horses to the age of computers and auto steer. The mode of transportation went from horse and wagon, dog sleigh, and steam fired paddle wheelers to asphalt highways and jet airplanes. He was one of the last to actually farm with horses, ride and work on the steam fired paddle wheelers, and trap with a dog team.

Jack’s love of farming never diminished as he continued to come back to the family farm into his nineties to help with seeding and harvest. His awareness of the challenges of farming continued to the very end with the worry of the extended dry spell a concern. There is a belief that his passing on Sunday and the rain starting the very next day maybe somewhat connected.

Jack loved to travel and meet new people. With his wife Pearl they travelled the world by plane, cruise ships, autos and their RV. He kept and continued to own and use a RV until a couple of years ago.

Jack loved the outdoors. He went on many fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. He would accompany his son Greg to the trapline as much as he could. He will be be missed at moose camp.

Jack’s sense of community was strong. The willingness to help neighbors was endless from loaning equipment to helping others with harvest. He was the local (country) vet in the area until proper veterinarian services arrived. He was a very active member of the community and Anglican Church. He served on many boards within the area and represented the region numerous times outside. Many local projects and programs have a connection to Jack.

Jack’s love of his family and his caring, honest, commonsense personality were immediately apparent. Many came to him for advice and direction or just someone to lean on for comfort in times of need.

Jack is survived by- Two sons Barry (Sonia), Greg (Deanna). One daughter Louise (Barry) Henkel. Six grandchildren Killian (Julie), Dawson (Natasha), Nathan, Nicole (Walter), Jonathan, Logan (Keltie). Two great granddaughters Charlotte, Olivia. Sister Gladys Goebel. Sister in-law Judy Brunnel. Brother in-law Harry Proft. As well many nieces -nephews, and friends.

Jack was Pre-deceased by his wife of 68 years Pearl, daughter Tori, three grandchildren Patrick John, Jackson and Erin.

A funeral service will take place in Fort Vermilion on Tuesday, August 1 at 2:00 PM at Saint Henri’s Church. Please click here to watch the live stream (A recording of the service will be linked here at a later time if the connection from the live stream is lost.)  Burial will be at St. Luke’s Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the Community Complex.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home Peace River

780-624-1010

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