May 5, 1941 – Winnipeg, ManitobaFebruary 5, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and brother-in-law, Edwin Jack Henry Elias. Jack passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2018 in the loving arms of his daughter and granddaughter, to return home to his Lord and Saviour.
Jack was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB. During his younger years, Jack enjoyed playing baseball, the companionship of a special dog named Brownie and the company of friends. Jack could be found conjuring up pranks to play, or utilizing his creative skills writing plays. At the age of twenty-one, Jack met a special lady and his future wife of fifty-four years, Elizabeth. They met at a church group in Winnipeg, where Jack was the youth group leader. They continued their involvement with the Mennonite church after their marriage on July 13, 1964. The church family, worship and fellowship together became the foundation to their family life. In 1970, Jack’s employment brought them to Regina. In 1971 they welcomed their only child, Jennifer, into their family. He enjoyed a very close relationship with his daughter, and readily gave his love, teachings as her daddy, and later years also as a best friend. When Jack became a grandfather, he met retirement and he fully embraced the opportunity to truly enjoy his grandchildren. He was very actively engaged in his grandchildren’s lives, and took great pride in them, and all of their successes and achievements.
Throughout his life, Jack was guided by his tremendous faith in God, his steadfast belief in “doing what is right”; his patient, calm and friendly demeanor; and his positive attitude that dictated “it is what it is”. He forgave readily and without prejudice. His courage, strength, faith and positivity enabled him to successfully battle prostate cancer for twenty-one years.
Jack worked in the Oil and Gas industry for the majority of his career, mainly in the position of Legal Analyst. Post retirement, he enjoyed being a small business owner of a property management company. One of Jack’s biggest passions in life was volunteering. Jack generously gave his time, as his strong faith in God called him to acts of service. He gave himself in various capacities since his youth, functioning on boards in various positions, coaching his daughter’s baseball teams, giving sermons and numerous other voluntary roles with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). He made many friends along his career and volunteer journey, including the congregation at his home church, Trinity Mennonite, as one the founding members.
Left to mourn, and to celebrate Jack’s life are his loving wife, Elizabeth (nee Wiebe), adoring daughter Jennifer; and precious granddaughter Kiran; his beloved grandchildren, Read and Faith and their mother Lynne (Doug), aunt Vicki, and grandparents Marj (Ed). He is also survived by his special niece, and daughter of his late younger brother Dennis Elias, Rhonda (Matthew) and children, Collin and Alec; sister Shirley (Moe) and daughter Kim and family; his last surviving aunt, Betty and her son Harry; sisters and brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Agatha (nee Hamm) and Henry Elias; and his dear brother Dennis Elias.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home.