Jack Jussila passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2016.

Jack was born in the bush, in the district of Pingle, AB, on January 6, 1935, as "home" was wherever the Northern Alberta Railway sent his father, John Jussila (Vassa, Finland) and Mother, Louise Cheecham (Fort McMurray, AB). Jack followed his parents around Northern Alberta on the rail, where he attended many school houses across the province. Some of these included: Woking (Breaburn), Flatbush and finally finishing with Athabasca High School, where he graduated in '53. After high school, Jack went to work for the Northern Alberta Railway.

At the age of 20, he joined the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and did basic training in Alberta. Jack proceeded by boat to Germany for Army training and traveled throughout Western Europe exploring culture and economies from England to Denmark.

He was discharged in '58 and returned by boat to Victoria, BC where he continued home to Flatbush, AB by rail. It is to be noted, a short layover in Edmonton landed him a job on the Northern Alberta Railway, once again. YES!!!

Jack was an opportunist, and when times were tough or money was short, he would find a job doing pretty near anything. He would travel through a community and talk to the locals, where he would find out what their needs were ... and exploit that. From Delivering SOD to Milk or even playing gas jockey... he was truly a "Jack of all trades". When he landed a job with Alberta Government Telephones (AGT), he worked throughout Alberta, until settling in Grande Prairie, in 1970. Jack was a Foreman with AGT for 28 years. Along with his 2 years of service with the PPCLI, he stepped into early retirement, in 1991 ish. Rather than early retirement, he became a contractor and bid on projects all over the world, burring fiber optic cable in Los Angeles, Detroit and overhead fiber optics in Thailand, to name a few.

Jack took to volunteering in 1988 for the Calgary Winter Olympics, by officiating the biathlon. He continued to officiate happily for biathlons across Alberta, BC and NWT for 20 years.

In later years he enjoyed volunteering for the Grande Prairie Museum, where he helped rebuild history... one rivet at a time. He also found time to participate in the arts, with the Grande Prairie Little Theater, including productions like: Jesus Christ Superstar, Paint Your Wagon and Grande Prairie's 100 year Celebration - Century Play.

Jack's passion was canoeing. He took much pride and joy in sharing it with anyone who would be bold enough to find a seat in the bow fore him. He had many adventures on the water beside numerous family and friends. Jack took pride in training the generations ahead and behind him, with his water and bush skills.

Jack's past year, was a bit trying for him, he refused to give up. In June, he donned his telephone pole, climbing spurs ... and took to a remarkable 20-25 foot climb to delimb a troublesome tree, at 80 years old. There was no such thing as DO NOT! to Jack, only DO! This escapade found him on his back, with a broken fibula (lower leg) to which sadly, knocked him out of canoeing commissions for the 2015 season.

Jack was a quiet, proud man, with many interesting journeys through life... by trail, air, rail and water.

Of that he loved and appreciated the most are - classical music, GUNS, animals, sugar treats, and the Arts.

Jack is survived by and leaves to mourn Kelly (Ali-Dale) and Blake (Leah); his grandchildren: Darcy, Jordan, Kali-Rain, Lanuyah, Meagan, Kyle, Dustin and Blake and Leah's forthcoming ᐊᐱᐢᒐᐋᐧᓯᐢ {apiscawâsis}. Jack is also survived by The Grande Prairie Canoe Club and many close friends, artists and volunteers.
He is also missed, by his loyal fur friend, Gizmo.

Jack was predeceased by his wife Carol (Myers) and his son, Trent; his parents John Jussila and Louise (Cheecham); brothers; Bill and presumably – Harry; his beloved daughter in-law Marcy Leduc and sister in-law Gwen Couture (Myers).

FRIENDS and FAMILY are invited to join us as we exalt Jack's Journey Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1:00pm, at Oliver's Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, AB (10005 107 Ave).

In lieu of flowers - Make amends with someone you love. <3