Obituary of Kenneth-Donald Jackson

JACKSON Kenneth Donald December 23, 1928 - October 11, 2009 Born in Greenwood, BC, to John and Else Jackson (Jokumsen), he is remembered by his sister, Edith Snedker, brothers, John (Gerda) and Robert (Margie), nieces, Anne (Gord), Karen (Dale), Irene (Michael) and Jennifer (Steven) and their children, Sarah, Andrew, Kristie, Dana, Gracie and Ben. Friends Phyllis, Marie and Sam will also miss him. Ken was predeceased by nephew, Kenneth, in 1988, and brother-in-law, George, in 2004. While Ken went to school and spent his youth in Vancouver, his fondest memory of his early years was living on a farm on Lulu Island (Richmond), where he developed a lifelong love of animals and farm life. Ken was an independent soul who shared his father's sense of adventure. Leaving school in his teens, he first worked on vessels that plied the BC coast then later, on deep-sea freighters. Ken's most memorable trip was to Australia and he often talked about his love of that country and his desire to return. Ken enlisted in the armed forces where he served over 20 years, living in Europe, eastern Canada and BC. Christmas holidays and special occasions were often spent with his sister, Edie, and her family. Her children, Anne, Karen, and Ken, were like the family he never had. In later years, Ken was the uncle who bought beautiful dresses for his great-nieces every Christmas. Leaving the Armed Forces around 1965, Ken initially lived on his new sailboat before settling near English Bay. He then worked for Canada Post, retiring in the mid 80s. Ken's last two years were spent in Renfrew Care Centre where he met his good friend Sam. Ken was an introspective person who led a quiet life. He never lost his love of the farm and the sea. Ken's passions were reading, particularly historical books, following current events, and attending dances and live theatre with Marie. Always envied for his amazing memory, Ken's favourite topic for discussion was films and film makers. All his life, Ken loved movies, especially the old classics. In his final days, Ken spent much of his time watching old films from his easy chair. Ken will be truly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Wesley Church, 1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4S7. Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from 10/17/2009- 10/18/2009