We are so extremely sorry for your loss. We shared many hearty laughs with Jack. He was so committed to and proud of his family and his Calgary Fire Department. We benefitted from Jack's wisdom, guidance, and leadership. Thank you for the gift of Jack.

Gloria, Kev, and extended family. I want to express my deepest condolences on the death of Jack. I regarded Jack as one of the best firefighters and chiefs that I have had the pleasure of working with. He truly cared for the firefighters he lead, and for the citizens he served. As one of Jack's Chief's drivers, I quickly learned from him that we are here to serve all citizens in their time of need - ranging from a fire to a flat tire. We would never pass a stopped vehicle on the side of the road that had a flat tire. Jack taught me that public concerns, both big and small, that we can assist citizens with, we are obligated to do so. I've never assisted in changing more flat tires. ;-) His leadership style was truly one of servant leadership and he has had a significant impact on how I have chosen to lead in the fire service. I will miss his smile, his affirmation of "certainly", and his mentorship. Rest easy my friend.

Dear Gloria, Kevin, and family,

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jack. We painted signs together, had tea on the patio together, had the odd party together, and even coached our kids sports programs together. He was the best damn coach in Calgary.

One day we took our team to a lacrosse game where the rink was full of cotton from the trees. After a lot of thinking, Jack came up with a solution to clean it up. He turned to me and asked me for a match. Poof…it took about two seconds to clean things up.

Upon which time he said, “Being a fireman, I probably should have thought that through a little more. Don’t tell anybody.”

Jack was one of a kind, who cared about his family, kept a close watch on his neighbours, and never expected a thank you for it.

Thanks for the memories and the good times, Jack. And thanks for being part of our lives. We offer you our simple prayer: Rest In Peace.

Our sincere condolences,

Hugh, Shirley, Rhonda, Gregory, and Paul

Very sorry. I can only add my condolences and admiration Of Jack to the many other ones you must be receiving. Jack was a great leader who always had the best interests of his crew in mind. My favourite memory of him is when his good humour overcame my embarrassment as his young inexperienced driver in the Chief's van. He told me there was a "4x4" on the 4th ave overpass that we should check out. I was looking everywhere for a stalled SUV when I ran right over that big hunk of wood. Jack had a good laugh over that one. He was everything a firefighter should be and will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to the entire Collison family on the passing of Chief Collison...one of the legendary CFD names that gets mentioned around the firehall tables. May he rest in peace.

Gloria, Kevin and family. My heart is broken to hear of the passing of my dear friend Jack. I fondly remember working with Jack during the early days of CFD recruitment. He was always kind and considerate and never without that charming smile of his. I remember his pride when Kevin joined him on the department …..who could forget when they became the first Father/ Son Hot Stuff Calendar heartthrobs! Jack was a confident and competent firefighter and fire officer who was trusted and respected by all those who had the honour and privilege to serve with him. I was lucky to call Jack a comrade and friend. He truly loved his family, friends, fire service and community and will be missed but never forgotten…RIP Chief.

Dear Collison Family

I was very sad to hear about the passing of one of my favourite people. Of LoL all the men and women I had the honor of serving with and getting to know in the CFD, Jack stands out as one of the best. Always a smile, always a kind word, usually a joke or three, and absolute integrity backed with a ton of wisdom and experience. He was the kind of person you learn life lessons from just by being around him. We were once musing after a discussion with a struggling co-worker about how life has a unique ability to always find opportunities to knock our corners off - and help us grow. He laughed and said “no kidding…I started off as a square and ended up as a circle”. I have thought about that comment a million times over the years. May we all be so wise as to end up as a circle like him.

Kevin it’s been a decade and a half but love and hugs to you and your family.

Scott Wilcox

Condolences to the Collison Family. He was a great role model and that smile…

Our sincere condolences to Gloria, Kevin, Fiona, Kestrel, Cleodie, and little Jack. Jack was the kind of guy that made everybody else's day better. A master storyteller, jokester, handyman, great father/grandfather, and lifelong friend. If you needed something, he was there to help.

There are so many wonderful memories of time spent with him skiing in the Rockies, lake time at Kenosee, visits at Nana's house, and just hanging out. Jack always had a story or joke to tell, and he was often the butt of them.

He will be missed.

Dear Gloria, Kevin and family I just want to express our deepest sympathies. Our memories of Jack (and Gloria) were always filled with fun, laughter and wonderful times from ski trips, weddings, Big Six and Flames hockey, and New Year’s Eve to name a few! Thank you Jack for making those memories special. With our sincere regards Brenda (nee Stewart) and Kelvin Anderson.

I am very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I first met him back in the late 70's when working with Craig at Safeway. Jack always made time for a laugh. I spent many a day at their place in Mayland heights which has left me with very fond memories of the Collison family. Gloria and Kevin, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. All the best to you both. Chris Fileccia.

Some of my fondest childhood memories were with Jack, Gloria, Craig and Kevin. Jack and Kevin taught our family how to ski and Jack used to tease my Mom (Candy Skinner) that no one got a better deal at Lake Louise because she used the "whole run", going back and forth at the slowest possible rate of speed. I'm sure Jack and my Mom are having a great laugh in heaven!

Another great memory was attending numerous Stampeders vs Riders football games... I especially remember the year Mom left the game tickets at Jack and Gloria's - needless to say, it was Jack to the rescue - he "raced" back to the house and delivered everyone's tickets just in time for the game.

Sending love to his greatest loves, Gloria, Kevin, Fiona, Kestrel, Cleodie and Jack.

Crystal and Terry

I am sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I remember Jack as I knew him in the mid to late 70’s as Craig and Kevin’s Dad and as our hockey and lacrosse coach. He was always upbeat and positive. He was giving of his time as a coach and he was an excellent role model not only to his two sons but for all of us young men who knew him back then. Jack Collison to me was an old school gentleman and a very good man. He will be missed. Bob Christie

We are saddened to lose another good friend in Jack, a fellow rod-rodder, all-round great guy, and faithful husband of Gloria, our longtime schoolmate from Lacombe. Our deepest condolences to the Collison family. Bill and Shirlee Matheson

Thinking of you Gloria & your family and story one you’re loss.

My late husband Tait Graham were good friends on CFD

Dear Gloria ,our deepest condolences to you and your family.

I feel very very privileged to have spent 10 years at number two station with Jack. He was an incredible mentor and role model that influenced everyone on his crew

I will treasure the many great memories of all our hiking adventures and the good times we had.

Sincerely, Paul and Emily Smith

I worked with Jack at number 2 Station and have a lot of great memories from that period. His passion for the job and people around him was incredible and inspirational. My sincerest condolences Gloria, Kevin and family for your loss. Rest in peace Jack. Darrell Murtha

So very sorry to hear about Jack. I will forever hold fond memories of him. He was a true gentleman; fun loving and respected. He will be missed. Sending my love to Gloria and family.

Thinking of you all.

Love Karen Maier and family

Thinking of you all - the family Jack loved so dearly.

I truly loved him! Working as a companion and spending time with him was an absolute privilege. I thought of him so often there past few years!! I wish I had known him many years ago - according to everyone, he was an incredible man!!

I will always remember my time with Jack!!!!

So sorry to hear of the passing of Jack today. He was always such a happy guy with a great smile on his face always stopping to say hi at CFD Training when I worked there and was always good for a laugh. So many fun memories at different functions. Another greatly respected and kind man that will be missed dearly by all who worked with him and knew him. My condolences to the Collison family and friends.

Cheryl MacKenzie

I think of Jack often having grown up across the street on Middleton Drive. I remember reffing for Craig’s hockey games even though I hadn’t really figured out how to skate yet. Jack was always supportive and positive with my efforts.

I remember playing kick the can as a kid with Craig and Kevin and the neighborhood kids and I remember Gloria’s patience with all us screamers.

It was a privilege to grow up in the company of such a fine man and such a wonderful family.

I was saddened to hear of Jacks passing and he’s heavy in my thoughts today.

I always looked up to him and I know I carry the influences he left me with.

My deepest condolences to Jacks wonderful family, please know that I grieve with you for a man I truly admired. May he rest ever in peace.

Met Jack while working at Bobtail Truck Transfer . A true Gentleman and a pleasure to be with. So long Jack! And my sincere condolences to Gloria and her family.

Vern Pointmeier

I was sad to hear that District Chief Collison passed away. I have very good memories of working at CFD and seeing him every now and then at CFD functions. He left wonderful memories for all of us who knew him. My sincere condolences.

Dearest Gloria, I have fond memories of you all living across the street as a young man on Middleton Drive. Mom, Tony Sandi, Mike and I send you our love. Bill Thorburn.

Rest in peace Jack. Heartfelt Condolences to Jacks' family, so many friends and brother firefighters. Lois & Dennis McIvor

i send my sincere condolences to the family. Jack was always one of my heroes and someone I wanted to emulate.

Heaven is a better place today.

Gloria, we are saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We hope you are comforted by the fact that he is now at peace. Our most sincere condolences to you all.

Tracy Schaeffler & Tim Platnich

Dear Gloria, Kevin and family. My sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of Jack, there was nobody that was more admired and respected on the CFD than Jack. We all have great memories of his time with us on the Dept. and on the Calgary Stampede Parade committee. Rest In Peace Jack.

Gloria, we are so sad to hear about Jack, it's hard to believe that it has been 55 years since us Fowlie Motors bunch put up a ladder to you and Jack's bedroom window in Edmond Heights to get you up and party in the middle of the night. We had many good times back then and it continued through the Fire Department times................... Thanks for the memories Jack, RIP.

Gary & Dana Borkristl

Our sincere condolences go out to Gloria, Kevin, and Family on the passing of "Brother" Jack who was not only a fellow Firefighter but a long time friend.