John (Jack) Chauncey Lawrence Depew
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Depew, age 90, at the QEII Hospital on February 15, 2017. Jack passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his daughter, Libby Hubley. Born April 27, 1926, in Blind River, Ontario, Jack was the youngest son of the late Frank and Minnie Depew. Jack’s Mother died when he was two, and this resulted in a powerful bond between he and his father and two brothers, Neil and George. Jack told many stories about his family and their adventures; playing hockey and golf with his brothers in Perry Sound, Ontario. Emily Scott lived with and cared for the Depews, and Jack maintained a lifelong friendship with her. By the time Jack was 15 his father Frank had passed and both Neil and George had tragically lost their lives in service in WWII. Frank’s siblings stepped in to care for Jack and he first lived in Toronto for a period of time and then came to settle with his Aunt Mary and Uncle Larry in Pointe Claire, Quebec. Jack loved living with his Aunt Mary, who introduced him to curling. Jack loved the sport and became known as one of the best curlers in Montreal. Jack also became a member of Beaconsfield Golf Course, won the club championship there and became Captain of the club. Uncle Larry, whom Jack admired greatly, worked as Vice-President of Finance for Canadian Pacific. Jack began working for CP as an Inspector and then in the insurance industry. Through his work Jack lived and worked all over the world, most notably in London, England and then New York City. In 1960 while working at Marsh McLennan in Montreal Jack met a beautiful young woman, Jacqueline Wiese (j’anna jacqulyn) whom he would make his bride. They built a home next to Larry and Mary and had their first two children, Catherine Elizabeth (Libby) and Lawrence Neil (Neil). Jack loved his life in Montreal with his young family and the sophistication and glamour of the city. But in 1970 when he was asked to move his family to Nova Scotia to run a branch office of Marsh McLennan, he and Jackie agreed. Settling in Seabright in the home they built on Umlah Road, Jack and Jackie welcomed their third child, Jessica Justine Emily. He and Jackie had a wonderful life together, travelling, golfing, entertaining and raising their family. Jack joined Ashburn Golf Club in 1970 and built lifelong friendships. Jack retired from Marsh McLennan at age 63, sadly he and Jackie separated, and he began spending winters in Myrtle Beach, SC. It was there that he met Lila Lee and this began Jack’s life of summers in Nova Scotia and winters at Pawley’s Plantation with Lila. Playing golf almost every day in his retirement helped him win the Nova Scotia Senior’s Championship, at age 69, the oldest man to ever win. Jack was the quintessential gentleman and handled himself as such. Always practical, he was a steady influence and a great father. As his mobility became challenged he still managed to get out for nine holes with Neil or Libby at Ashburn or Granite Springs. At age 80 Jack became a grandfather for the first time. He enjoyed his time with Jacob and talking with Levi and Seth, his beautiful grandsons in Ontario, to whom he was Bop, on Skype. Jack loved to have a scotch, and then sometimes the other half. He loved American politics. He loved having dinners with his family, and he loved watching sports, especially the Montreal Canadians. Jack was a man to respect, to admire, and to emulate. He will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his daughter, Libby Hubley (and her husband Brian Hubley) of Glen Margaret, his son, Neil Depew (and his wife Tracey) of Head of St. Margaret’s Bay, his daughter Jessica Adam (and her husband Sean) of Huntsville, Ontario, his grandsons, Jacob Depew of Head of St. Margaret’s Bay, Levi Adam and Seth Adam of Huntsville, Ontario, his step- grandchildren, Owen Hubley (and wife Susan) of Timberlea and Lindsey Hubley (and fiancée Mike Sampson) of Halifax, his step-great grandchildren, Wyatt Hubley and Scotty Hubley of Timberlea, j’anna jacqulyn of French Village, and Lila Lee, of Baltimore, USA. Heartfelt thanks to the staff in the Emergency Department and Neurology Department at the QEII for their exceptional medical care and compassion. A funeral will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2017 in the Ronald A. Walker Funeral Home, 13549 Peggy’s Cove Road, Upper Tantallon In lieu of flowers donations in Jack’s name to Special Olympics Canada would be appreciated. Online condolences can be made to www.rawalker.ca

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