GAMBLE, John (“Jack”, ”Pa”) William -1930-2023. With great sorrow, John’s family wish to announce his passing on July 27, 2023 at the age of 92 surrounded by his loved ones after a long, brave battle with illness. John is survived by his 3 daughters and their families, Leslie Gamble and Michael Lowen, Megan, Bailey and Matthew, Kyle; Leanne and Rob Huot, Danielle and Ali, Jordan and Tessa and Sunny; Meridi and Craig Webber, Delaney, Cole and Oluchi; and his sisters, Ruth Walker and Joyce Mytz, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. John was predeceased by his beloved wife and son, Grace, and Craig Gamble, his mother, and father, Mabel and Chester Gamble and his sisters, Eileen Walker and Shirley Moreau. John grew up on a farm near Mannville Alberta. At the age of 15, he left home to work in the Viking-Kinsella gas fields where he lived in camps in the bush and worked six days a week laying pipeline. As a young adult, he, as well as many of the kids from the farm would meet at the Rainbow Ballroom in Edmonton to enjoy each other‘s company and dance to the country and western music. This is where he met the love of his life, Grace Solowan. He was quickly taken by more than just her beauty and she was smitten with his charm as they visited and danced the night away. Pa always enjoyed music so much, and to his delight, he soon discovered Grace could sing every country song, and was a talented, self taught guitar player and artist. They got married in 1953, and in 1957 their first child, Craig, was born. John went to work for the city of Edmonton where he worked for 35 years as a power engineer. It was at this time, John realized the important value of education, which was also demonstrated by his mother being a passionate school teacher. John was very determined and resilient and over the years, pursued further education with many night school courses to advance his career as he rose to the pressures of providing for his expanding family now with the twins, Leslie and Leanne, being born in 1960. Their family became complete with the arrival of their fourth child, Meridi in 1969. Grace And Jack enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: nature, visiting with loved ones, playing guitar and singing with family and friends, as well as travelling mostly in a decked out van. Pa always loved his vans and eventually became known as “the van man with a plan”. Pa effortlessly made friends wherever his travels took him as people were drawn to his down to earth warmth, his positivity, his sense of humour, and his sincerely kind and friendly nature. He was often the life of the party, telling jokes, sharing stories, enjoying music and singing, “I’m my own grandpa,” which he miraculously could always remember all of the words to. Pa enjoyed planning projects and dreaming of the future, while simultaneously living in the moment and enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like stopping to smell the roses, or in fact the wildflowers, along the way as he enjoyed his daily hikes in the wilderness of Crowsnest Pass. Pa was very active with his mind and body and he enjoyed planting his garden and sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying it while it bloomed. He always ensured he got fresh air and physical activity every day, going for many walks in the countryside. Pa had an incredibly strong work ethic, which he instilled in his family. He always had a notebook, a pen and a project he was planning and dreaming about. Pa worked so hard and remained devoted to his family’s well-being throughout his entire life. He was very passionate about nature and the Earth’s preservation and he was an animal whisperer sharing a special connection with many animals especially the family’s horses, cats, and dogs that all adored him. Although Pa was an environmentalist that strived to leave a minimal environmental footprint, his existence on this Earth actually had an enormous impact on those who knew him through the support and love he shared so readily. Pa believed in lifelong learning, and had a vast knowledge, a sharp mind, a strong passion and activism in earth conservation, and a keen interest in politics, history, and world events. In fact, he could have an intelligent conversation on almost any topic. Pa loved his many years spent in the Crowsnest Pass, where he truly felt at home, breathing the mountain air, enjoying the company of good friends, being immersed in nature, soaking up the scenery, and marvelling at each beautiful sunrise and sunset. Pa had a real spark for life and always strived to live in the moment, appreciating the beauty and the little things in life which he called “joy units”. He was an eternal optimist with a positive attitude that was infectious to those around him. He lived by the idea that the happiest and most successful people don’t always have the best situations, but they learn to make the best of the situation they have, and he worked hard to always look at the bright side. He enthusiastically shared this advice readily with those he loved. John had such a positive impact on all those who were lucky enough to cross his path, and those who he loved in his long and meaningful life. He will forever be missed by his family, who loved him so dearly, and treasured every moment with him, and his many friends he made along his journey. Pa, we will cherish all the beautiful memories we’ve shared and will keep them locked in our hearts forever.
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