Obituary of EBBELS – John David

April 15, 1948 – February 25, 2010 Jack suffered sudden cardiac arrest while on the slopes of Nakiska Ski Resort on February 21, he was airlifted to Foothills Hospital, and never regained consciousness. He died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday February 25, 2010. Jack was born April 15, 1948 in Regina, SK., he attended Sheldon-Williams Collegiate and obtained a B.A. (Honours) from the University of Regina in 1974 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan in 1977. He was called to the British Columbia bar in 1978 and following a brief period in private practice joined the Ministry of Attorney General in 1981. He held increasingly senior legal positions covering a broad spectrum of B.C. Ministries and business. In 1990 Jack became Chief Counsel for B.C. Nisga’a Land claims and from 1992 – 1996 was the Chief Negotiator for the first modern treaty and comprehensive land claim in provincial history. From 1996 until his retirement from B.C. public service in 2006 he held the positions of Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Deputy Minister of Energy & Mines, and Deputy Minister responsible for B.C. Offshore Oil and Gas. In 2002 Jack was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for public service on behalf of the people of British Columbia. Following his retirement, Jack provided consulting services to both government and the private sector. Jack had recently moved to Calgary with an appointment to the Energy Resources Conservation Board of Alberta, which acts on behalf of all Albertans overseeing energy and resource development. Jack brought an irrepressible spirit for living and a keen sense of humour to everything he did. He was an accomplished sportsman: a nationally ranked junior tennis player and local tennis pro in Regina and Saskatoon; a basketball and track star; an avid skier and golfer. All his life he was a lover of art and the places dearest to him – Lumsden Beach and Madge Lake in Saskatchewan, Hollywood Park in Victoria, and Manzanillo, Mexico. He had an insightful wit and infectious charm and his charismatic personality endeared him to his friends and colleagues. Jack is mourned by his son Calen and his ex-wife Patricia of Victoria, BC, his mother Ruth of Regina, his five siblings and their families – Jack’s nieces and nephews: identical twin brother Jim (Bonnie) of Calgary and Jim’s daughter Alecia of Vancouver, Hal (Donna) and Tannis (Steve Gaffney and grand-niece Gracie) and Rob of Calgary; Bill (Sheila) and Kelly, Lendon and Will, all of New Jersey; Virginia (Tim Cosbey) and David of Gabriola Island; Andrea (Callum Hill) of Vancouver; first cousins Tim (MJ) and John, Emily, and Billy of Calgary; Susan Woodman and Jessica of Calgary and John of North Carolina. Jack was predeceased by his father, William Dennis in 2006. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB.) on Tuesday March 2, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. A remembrance reception will also be held at the Uplands Golf Course (3300 Cadboro Bay Road Victoria, BC) on Sunday March 07, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (200 – 119 14 St. N.W. Calgary, AB. T2N 1Z6) www.heartandstroke.ca The Family extends their thanks to the ski patrol at Nakiska, EMS, STARS as well as to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cardiac Care Unit of Foothills Hospital for their compassionate care. In living memory of Jack Ebbels, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.