Obituary of Jay Pratt Jenkins

Jay Jenkins, beloved husband of Ardyth (Ardy) of Calgary, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2005 at the age of 75 years. Jay was born in Stavely, AB where he was raised and went to school. Moving to Claresholm with family in 1939, he developed many of his lifelong friends in surrounding southern Alberta towns. During his high school days, Jay was a record-breaking track and field athlete, while at the same time excelling in many other sports for the local teams. After high school Jay was invited to play on several major hockey teams including the Detroit Red Wings and the Medicine Hat Tigers. From 1948 to 1950, Jay was known for his aggressive style of play and scoring abilities. Married to Ardy in 1950, Jay worked at the CIBC branch in Claresholm prior to moving in 1953 to work with his father and brother managing the Marda Theatre. The building is now the centrepiece for the 33rd Avenue Marda Complex in S.W. Calgary and is named after his father Marcus and his mother Mada. Jay was very proud of the tribute. Upon the sale of the theatre business Jay entered the hotel and restaurant management business, where he spent several of his working years. In 1966 Jay was named the General Manager of the Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, where he spent the next twenty-eight years working with the members to improve the club to one which is now one of Calgary’s finest. His dedication and result earned him the honour of Club Manager of the Year in Canada, as voted on by Score Magazine. His club management peers also honoured him by electing him to a term as President of the Canadian Club Managers Association during this period. Through the many renovations, changes in members and improvements, Jay was one of the cornerstones in building the club to its present stature. Known for his sense of humour, memory of trivia, names and dates, Jay was happiest when he was on the golf course making small wagers. Upon his retirement, the club and membership honoured Jay with a lifetime membership, along with a roast where many of his friends, and business associates honoured him for his work with Junior golf, fundraising for the Special Olympics and Multiple Sclerosis, his special interests. Jay was a ‘people-person’ who always thought of others before himself. Jay is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years Ardyth (Ardy) Jenkins; daughter Janet Oliphant, sons, Danny and Gary; grandchildren, Kyle, Kurt, Cassandra, Bonnie Ross, Carmen, and Andrea; son-in-law David Oliphant; and daughter-in-law Nancy Jenkins. He is also survived by many other valued family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Marcus and Mada Jenkins; and his brother Marc Jr. and his sister Barbara. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday June 24, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, #100, 2421 – 37 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Y7 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca/en/give and to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.