Foster, John ‘Jack’ Howard—(August 25, 1926-December 30, 2016 )
Jack/Dad/Grampie/Greatgrampie died as he had lived—quietly, without complaint, grateful for his family that allowed him to die in his home. He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Joan, in 2011. The Smarties in his pockets, the hikes to Quartz Ridge, the Tim Horton’s gift cards for every occasion, the turkey for each family feast are among the many acts of generosity that will be missed. An avid athlete until he lost his sight, Jack’s optimism and generosity of spirit continued to be demonstrated as he cheered on the Jays and the Raptors. He loved ‘the game’, whether hockey, football, basketball, golf. Left to reflect on his pivotal role in their lives are children Charles (Lisa) in Saskatoon, Beth (Robin James) in Barrie, Dave in Toronto and Joanne (Rick Kalte) in Midhurst. He leaves 10 beloved grandchildren—Andrew Butler (Christina Lane), Liz McDowell (Todd McDowell) and Bronwen Foster-Butler (Rob Spicer), Lindsay (Finn), John (Chelsea) and David, Stephanie (Sean Garth), Amanda (Riaz Datoo) and Christina (Dean) and Brayden. The great grandchildren who enjoyed holding his hand, though he never got to see their sweet faces, are Thomson, Eira and Brooks and the Bump. The family is so grateful for the incredible care Dad received towards the end of his 90 years. These angels of mercy include Dr. Brian Morris, a family doctor in the truest, broadest, most compassionate sense of the word, Dr. Craig Williams and Dr. Steve Emon and their medical support teams, Ms. Laura Amon and Ms. Galina Bagley at Caring for Seniors who kept Dad comfortable and happy in his home, the CCAC and Bayshore Palliative Teams who also supported the family, Anna M who added caring, sparkle and shine to his last five years, the compassionate community at Tollendale Retirement Home (Carol, Kim and so many others). A private family service will be held next August when Jack’s ashes will join Joan’s on Lake of Bays. As an act of remembrance, Dad would love you to toast him with a glass of your best scotch, to sing along to Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World and to be grateful as you gather with your family and loved ones at this joyful time of year. How he loved Christmas. Online condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com