John Jackson

Peacefully, with his family by his side, John Robert Jackson died at the Portage and District General Hospital on September 20, 2018 at the age of 82.

John was born to George and Susan Jackson in Portage la Prairie on October 20, 1935.  He leaves to mourn his passing, the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Theresa (nee Morisseau) and sons Clint (Randean) and Eddie (Kandee); grandchildren  Morgan, Mackenzie, Ashley, Autumn and Winter and  daughter-in-law, Laura;  Brothers  Gordon (Ethel), Donald (Christine), Malcolm (Margaret-Ann) and Ralph Jackson;  sisters  Marjorie Warren and  Janey (Bob Danault); brothers and sisters in law Peter (Myrna) Morisseau, Romeo (Louise) Morisseau, Lyla Thevonot, Jeanne Morisseau, Madeline Provo and  Alice (Don) Riggs, as well as numerous cousins nieces and nephews.   John was predeceased by his brother Eddie, his parents and parents-in-law, his sister Dorothy Hannah, brothers-in-law Ken Hannah, Joe Warren, Andrew Morisseau and sister-in-law  Claudette ( George) Andrushuk.

John worked for Nelson River Construction Co. for 58 years, and reluctantly retired at age 80, showing his amazing integrity, loyalty and grit. Throughout his career on the road, he made many friendships that lasted decades.  He worked hard every day of his life and in doing so, stayed young and strong to the very end.

Johnny loved being at home enjoying nature, taking care of his cows, fixing whatever needed fixing and teasing whoever needed teasing.  He took great pride in his home and his land; he always said that he knew he was home when he saw that bush.

He loved his family deeply and served us all with quiet acts of kindness and words of wisdom.  As their first teacher, he gave his sons a strong foundation to build upon. He taught them how to fix just about anything and was always there to help them with whatever they needed. He was their “go-to guy”. He beamed with pride over each of his grandchildren and made sure that they each knew that they were valued and loved no matter what.  He was happiest when he was hunting and exploring with his grandson or surrounded by his girls laughing at the kitchen table.  He taught his children and grandchildren to make do with and be thankful for what you’ve got, never waste a thing, work hard, take care of your family, and appreciate the simple things in life.

Johnny was a man of few words with a wise and playful soul who accepted everyone as they were, he never judged.  He had many friends and never turned down an opportunity to welcome any of them with a beer and a visit.

Family and friends are welcome to share in a simple and quiet celebration of Johnny’s life at his home on September 30, 2018 at 1:00PM where we will share memories and raise a drink around a bonfire.  All who knew him will know that it could be no other way.  Please bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather, as Johnny will want you to be warm.  If you need a map, please e-mail naednar@outlook.com .

He's a sixty year straight get to work on time

He's a love one woman for all his life
He's a shirt off his back give you his last dime
He's strong

He's a need to move something you can use my truck
He's an overtime worker when the bills pile up
Everybody knows he ain't just tough
He's strong

It ain't what he can carry what he can lift
It's a dirt road lesson talkin to his kids
Bout how to hold your ground and how to live
Strong

He's strong

He'll pick you up and won't let you down
Rock solid inside out
Somebody you can trust
Steady as the sun
Ain't nothing gonna knock him off the road he's rollin on
He's strong

Everybody knows he ain't just tough
He's strong

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, 70 Stevenson Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0W7  or Sunset Palliative Care Inc., Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com