William Jackson Sibbald. ‘Jack’ ‘the Bear’
Born in Brampton, ON March 24, 1932 to the late Agnes (Scott) and Hilland Sibbald, Jack was the middle of five children. Predeceased by his sister Marion (Bruce) and brother Ted (Kathleen), survived by his sisters Nancy (Glen) and Lois.
Jack grew up in the hills of Caledon at the white house with the honey shed in Claude, ON. He went to high school in Brampton and was a talented lacrosse, hockey and track athlete. Jack went on to university at MacMaster where he fell in love with Hamilton and chose to stay and raise his family.
Jack met the love of his love Barbara (Chatland) in hospital after a major surgery in 1959. She was his nurse, and from then on has been his best friend, partner, and caregiver. He was a high school phys-ed and science teacher as well as the head of the phys-ed department. He taught at Westdale, Hill Park and Delta and made some of his very dearest friends there over the years with co-workers and students. He loved teaching and he loved to coach. He had all Ontario and Canadian champions in Track and Hockey whose stories we loved to hear and of whom he was so proud. After a successful career Jack retired to the cottage at Caledon Lake and in Orangeville.
Jack had two children whom he cherished, Susan (Paul) and Sean, and two grandsons, his pride and joy, Jackson and Carson. He also has numerous nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Jack, as well as many who considered him their surrogate uncle/father, adviser and friend: as for friends he had many, so many - he treasured them all.
While his life was painfully scarred by the loss of Sean in 2003, it was still a long and satisfied life full of the things he loved: Teaching and coaching, his family and friends, the farm and farming, dancing, music and playing cards, retiring at the cottage, wintering in Florida, and most importantly people. Dad loved people. He loved to teach and share knowledge, tell stories of the past and present, and welcomed new information and visitors. His door was always open, whether you needed a friend, a laugh, a tutorial or a beer. Jack was there, ready to talk and share.
Special thanks to his amazing care team from Comfort Keepers, his palliative personnel and Bethell Hospice as well as his champion supporters Greg and Nikki, Clifford and Shona and John and June, you were always there, regularly and consistently. So many countless others who have never forgotten dad and continued to visit, call and support he and Barb over the years. Our gratitude to you all.
Rest in Peace blue-eyed boy. You were larger than life to so many. We will miss the lessons, the love and the laughter. Watch out for wombats up there. Until we meet again.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Dods & McNair Funeral Home Chapel & Reception Centre, 21 First St., Orangeville on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Words of remembrance will take place at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethell Hospice Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com