Obituary of Jack BLACK

October 23, 1925 – Nordegg, Alberta

January 5, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of John (Jack) Forrest Black on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at the age of 95. 

Jack was born on October 23, 1925 in the coal mining town of Nordegg, AB, the son of Rachel Wright Forrest and Malcolm McKenzie (Mac) Black. Jack was extremely proud of his Nordegg heritage and of his deep roots in Alberta. His dad was born in 1899 in Fort Macleod (then NWT). His grandfather and namesake John Black, was a politician and entrepreneur in southern Alberta in the late 1800’s. His storefront sign in Fort Macleod read: “OLD JOHN BLACK, ADVENTURER & AGITATOR, GROCERIES  & GUFF”. Jack came by his sense of humour honestly.

Jack left Nordegg in 1943 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII and became a Flight Sargent Air Gunner. After the war Jack returned to Alberta and settled in Calgary where he met Myrtle Julia Johnson at Penley’s Ballroom. They were married on May 20, 1948 and spent sixty-nine happy years together until Myrt’s passing in 2017. After Jack’s graduation in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta in 1951, he started in business in Calgary, owning a number of successful independent drugstores until his retirement after selling Britannia Pharmacy. Jack provided outstanding customer support and many of his customers became his friends.

Jack was always active, skiing and curling in his younger years and playing golf (including 2 holes-in-one) until his 94th year. He was an avid fan of the Calgary Flames (inaugural season ticket holder) and the Calgary Stampeders. One of the most important parts of Jack’s life was his involvement with The Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park including his stint as President.

Jack was a very special person who connected with people of all ages and backgrounds. Growing up in Nordegg instilled in him the importance of hard work, community and family. With these pillars, and his good fortune to connect with Myrt, he lived a rich, happy and full 95 years. He contributed to his professional world and to the broader Rotary world. He loved his kids and they loved him and he was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom gave him such joy. Jack was always so inclusive, generous and energetic with a sincere interest in others. He was a role model for his family and he will be missed.

Jack is survived by his loving family: his four children, Doug (Linda), Cathy Buckle (Doug), Wayne (Daimi) and Michael (Diane). He is also survived by seven adoring grandchildren, Sarah Black MacNiven (Andrew MacNiven), Ian Black (Julia Miller), Melissa Bartlett (Cody Anderson), Chelsea Limoges-Black, Dylan Black Martinez, Kaitlyn Black (Peter Soroka) and Andrew Black (Ella Rosquist). Jack also leaves seven great-grandchildren, Sophie, Liam and Hugh MacNiven, Henry and Oscar Black, and Mason and Avery Bartlett. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom he was very close to. Everyone will miss Uncle Jack. Also left to mourn is his dear cousin and friend, Eleanor Coates in Australia. Jack was predeceased by his wife Myrt, his three sisters, Francis D’Amico, Lois Bailey and Marguerite Brooker; and all his brothers and sisters-in-law.

Because of Covid there will be no funeral at this time. You can toast Jack with a rum and coke any Friday at 3:30 p.m. at his weekly Happy Hour. If friends so desire memorial tributes in Jack’s name would be gratefully accepted by The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (www.canadahelps.org/charities). Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jack’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of The Manor Village at Signature Park where Jack (and Myrt) resided for the past eleven years. They provided companionship and kind, compassionate assistance. The family would also like to thank the caring staff of Unit 72 at the Foothills Hospital where Jack spent his final days.

In living memory of Jack Black, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.