In Loving Memory of Jack, John Anthony Palmer
January 13, 1939 – June 1, 2023
” For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8: 38-39.
Peacefully, on Thursday June 1st 2023, Jack Palmer passed away at the age of 84 after sustaining a stroke on May 6th.
Jack will be sadly missed by daughters Pamela (Duncan Pimlott) of Winnipeg, Holly (David Cooper) of Coquitlam, stepchildren Matthew Broeska (Sara Neufeld) and Valerie Broeska (Francisco Gonzalez) of Winnipeg. Also saddened by Jack’s passing are his grandchildren Liam and Emma, Nolan and Reid, Nora and Adeline, Camilla, Dylan and Mateo. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Dowler of Saskatoon who will miss their regular phone calls to each other. Nephews John and Cameron Dowler and their families will also miss visits with Jack.
Jack was predeceased by his life partner Judith Broeska, his sister Gloria Palmer, and his parents Antonia and John Anthony Palmer.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jack attended Laura Secord School and graduated from Gordon Bell High School, following which he attained his B. A. and B. Comm. from the University of Manitoba. In his early years, he enjoyed playing a variety of sports and enjoyed spending a number of summers working on a family friend’s farm. Jack made many dear friends during his childhood, University and working years and remained close to them throughout his life.
Commencing June 1962 Jack worked for The Bay starting as a merchandising trainee in Winnipeg and was promoted to Personnel Manager for the new Regina store in 1967. He oversaw staffing and training of over 300 employees prior to the store opening, as well as getting the house ready for his young family’s move to Regina. In 1969 Jack took a position with Dominion Securities which took his family to Toronto.
In 1972 he joined Touch-Ross Management Consultants in Toronto engaging in HR assignments in Canada and Internationally. Jack loved travel and enjoyed working in Iran, Venezuela and Aruba. He explored these countries and many more throughout his lifetime. In 1978 he lived and worked in Kingston, Jamica bringing his daughters to live with him for the school year, where many fond memories were made. While back in Toronto, Jack and family enjoyed weekends and vacation skiing and hiking in the beautiful Beaver Valley, staying at “Little Apple Farm” which he co-owned with his good friend Jim Belden.
Jack and family moved back to Winnipeg in 1981 as he joined James Richardsons & Sons as Corporate Manager, Human Resources, becoming Director in 1986 until 1996. From 1996-2012 Jack did HR consulting work for many companies including Jory Capitol and Harris Consulting, retiring in 2012. He was active in the community serving on boards and committees for Manitoba Historical Society, University of Manitoba Alumni, Red River College, and Manitoba Theatre Centre among many others.
Throughout his life, Jack enjoyed being active, playing squash, skiing, fishing, golfing and hunting with “The Lads” and many other great friends. He enjoyed many dinners and gatherings with Judi, as well as movies, theatre, travel and time at their pool with friends and family. Jack also loved reading, studying history and was an avid sports fan, watching Hockey, football and basketball. Jack had an outgoing personality with a quick wit and a great sense of humour and a love of debate . He made new friends easily, most recently at his last home; Catherine Place.
The Family thanks the Homecare program, the caring staff at Catheringe Place and Concordia Hospital healthcare providers for their support and care for Jack while he was at home and in hospital.
In accordance with Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family internment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.
” Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. “
Proverbs 3:5-6
One of Dad’s favorite scriptures
14 thoughts on “John Anthony Palmer”
Beautiful remembrance. I was introduced to Jack and Judi years ago and I must say that their friendship to me will be ever-lasting.
My old friend of 70 years , a member of the eight boys from Gordon Bell and Glenlawn who remained close all these years with annual reunions and happy memories of knowing each other and growing old together
You will be missed Jacko
See you with your departed buddies on the other side
Brybo
Jack attended St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church where I was the minister. Jack was a man of faith and those verses were truly some of his favourites. What a wonderful tribute to a man well loved who lived well. He truly was a gentle giant among us. He is truly missed. May God comfort his family in their loss.
Loving thoughts of Jack and his wicked sense of humor. Fond memories of more than 60 years of friendship. I will miss the regular lunches at Earl’s where we had fun teasing all the pretty girls! The best friend a man could ask for. See you later in heaven. Your buddy, Jack.
I met Jack when we both worked at Portage and Main. He had a great sense of humour and was a warm and caring man. My condolences to his family.
What a beautiful memoriam. The words and pictures capture your dad and the wonderful family moments you shared. Warren and I are sending our heartfelt condolences to you all – Pam, Duncan, Liam & Emma; and Holly, Dave, Nolan & Reid. We love you ❤️
My wife Dolores and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Jack.
Although Jack was my Uncle, he was much more than that – he was a life-long friend.
One of my earliest childhood memories is of observing my Uncle Jack studying his university textbooks at a small desk in the basement of his family home on Garfield St. That was undoubtedly an inspiration for me in later life.
During our numerous yearly trips to Winnipeg, we always enjoyed our visits with Uncle Jack.
He was a profoundly honest and caring person. His sense of humour and outgoing personality could always be counted on to lighten up a room.
Jack had a powerful intellect. Although he was an educated and highly-accomplished professional, he was also humble. He could easily engage others in meaningful conversation, be they captains of industry or a child.
We will miss Jack.
John Dowler
Victoria, B.C.
I met Jack when he served on the Royal MTC board. He mentored me through some staffing issues and I will always remember his kindness, generosity and good humour. May his memory be a blessing always.
Jack was my first boss at The Bay in Winnipeg. He was a wonderful mentor and over the tears became a good friend. We enjoyed hunting trips together in a Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He was a man of integrity and kindness. R.I.P. Jack.
Heartfelt Condolences to family and friends of Jack Palmer, from an admirer and fellow traveller of Jack’s , when we both enjoyed fun and fulfilling days together in service of Manitoba Theatre Centre.
Sincerely,
Steven
Jack welcomed me at the Bay in summer of 1964 when I had a summer placement. I joined as a full-time trainee in 1965, after graduating from Commerce. jack was there and his commitment and understanding as an HR professional, is part of the reason for my success in the industry for the following 40 years. When I came back to Winnipeg, Jack was one of the first person with which I connected, and he was as welcoming and helpful as ever – nothing had changed. We enjoyed many moments together. He will have permanent place in my heart of the class of 65 at the Bay.
Jack was a member of our Lads group going back to our university days. He was always a calming influence and was always ready for some fun. He’ll be missed.
Jack was a kind and good friend to the rest of the LADS. He was a calming influence during many of our late-night discussions over cigars and scotch at the lake. Just like the rest of us, he didn’t catch any fish but we all enjoyed the endless banter. I’ll remember his wry sense of humour and how he loved having a good laugh. Rest well, my friend.
So sorry to learn just today that Jack had passed on to re-unite with his Winnipeg buddies, including my late husband, Larry Mason.
Jack was Larry’s best man at our wedding in Toronto in 1967, and the friendship carried on over the years until Larry’s demise in 2004.
I have fond memories of Jack and I send sincere condolences to his family.
Diana