Jack Cheetham 1929 - 2015. It is with profound sadness that the family of Jack Cheetham announces his unexpected passing on February 23, 2015 at the age of 85 years. Jack is lovingly survived by his wife of 28 years: Christel Cheetham of Cold Lake, AB; two sons: Rick (Darla) Cheetham of Saskatoon, SK, Ken Cheetham of Edmonton, AB; three step-daughters: Rita Malik (Bruce Daniel) of Barrhead, AB, Heidi Ripka of Battleford, SK, Esther Woffendale of Edmonton, AB; step-son: Mike Woffendale (Christin Blair) of Prince Rupert, BC; four grandchildren: Dana (Ian Hetherington), Mathew, Roarke, Royce; three great grandchildren: Tristan, Kaylie, Law; sister-in-law: Doreen Cheetham; as well as numerous nieces & nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents: Fred & Ina Cheetham; brother: Murray Cheetham; sister: Joanne Currie. Honorary Pallbearers: Mathew Cheetham, Royce Cheetham, Bruce Daniel, Nelson Newman, Ron Gillett, Jim Jepson, Mike Woffendale. Pallbearers: Roarke Cheetham, Mark Melnik, Shane Ripka, Rita Malik, Heidi Ripka, Esther Woffendale. Funeral Service, Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Grand Centre Alliance Church, Cold Lake, Alberta with Pastor Bob Keith officiating. Final Resting Place, Grand Centre Memorial Park Cemetery, Cold Lake, Alberta. Memorial tributes in memory of Jack may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 10985-124 St, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H9.Ìý
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Eulogy
Jack left 85 years of his footprints, talents, joviality, love, and passions to the world; and he enriched the lives of family and friends. Jack's interest in surveying began in 1952 when he was a rodman with the Saskatchewan Department of Highways. The longest stretch of road he measured with a tape was Highway No. 4 from North Battleford to Dorintosh, a total of 131 miles. Surveyor Jack trecked through miles of terrain to make this land into perfect lots, acres, and organized sub-divisions. Those of you who have assisted Jack in these surveying endeavours have had a lesson in patience. He was always in the pursuit of perfection to the fraction of an inch. There is a wide assortment of "Jack projects" in people's homes, yard, and churches. A friend, who also enjoys woodworking, describes Jack as a "chiseller", who could be quite "abrasive", but was after all - a "plane" man. We all "saw" how great he was. Sports - watching or participating, he loved them all!!! Even lawn games were practiced and played enthusiastically with the goal of winning. While living at Lac Des Iles, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and exploring the outdoors around the lake. Over the years Jack improved his skills at felling trees. Some trees that were too close to the house had to come down. He gave lessons to anyone who would listen on chain sharpening, fuel mixing and operating your best and only saw worth owning - a Husqvarna. Jack had a passion for grass: the greener - the better! He mercilessly attacked every dandelion that dared grow in his lawn. Hence he wore out the knees of several pairs of pants. Second only to grass, Jack loved roses, especially the Emily Carr, which he planted strictly to enhance the beauty of his lawn. Jack experienced a new life when he beca,e a Christian in 1991 and grew spiritually as time went on. He loved to help Jan Newman organize the seniors'' outings and activities for the JOY group. One of Jack's outstanding contributions was in the design and manufacturing of the Olympics medals for the Skip-Bo competition. Jack appreciated a good beer, but he was a man with champagne qualities. He was able to instill in others some of his bubbly nature and good humor. We will miss you very much Jack.Ìý
