John (Jack) George Cresswell

May 14, 2018

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and brother. Jack visited, lived and worked in many places around the world, both on, off, and way off the beaten path. “Is your Dad off in some ‘…stan’ again?” was the standard question asked by friends and family. He loved cycling and sailing, and trips to the hardware supply stores of the world. The constantly evolving list of ‘projects’ on the house demanded endless trips back and forth on the Naramata Road, for miscellaneous supplies, accompanying coffee, and his signature deli sandwich. His level of energy was a site to behold, constantly appealing to his kids, and their friends, to come out to play road hockey, or baseball, or aid is some project requiring heavy labour. An avid photographer, he used his talent to document the many people, and landscapes, he encountered on his travels. With the many photographs of family, friends and favourite locales, we will continue to have a lot of reminders of the road(s) travelled. Dad (Jack) was a unique person, and enjoyed a long, interesting life. He took it all in stride, the planned adventures, and the unplanned misadventures, alike.

He leaves behind his daughter, Lia, son Blair (Sandra) and his four grandchildren, Samantha, Angus, Chelsea and Acacia. He will also be greatly missed by his sister, Dorothy. He was predeceased by his wife, Hannah Belle Cresswell, and sister, Velma Kendall. A Celebration of Life will be held at Seasons by the Park in Queen Elizabeth Park on June 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

I am very sorry to hear Jack is no longer with us. I spent many years living next door to the Cresswells, and have known Blair and Lia for many decades. Blair and I were the usual teenagers with huge ambitions after school: lie around and watch the Brady Bunch! As soon as Jack was home, it was his first mission to get us out playing a sport, often football. Good for us in retrospect, maybe not so keen at the time. Lots of good memories at the Cresswell home. My sincere condolences to Blair and Lia, and the many people who Jack knew throughout his very interesting life.

- John Martin

Jackson was one of a kind. He was a renaissance man in his own fashion and a good friend of mine. He was always ready with an interesting tale or two and he always had a wide open heart. And what an interesting adventurous life! Once he calmly drove across great swaths of Africa, family in tow while unrest percolated all around. He worked in and travelled to countries most of us have never heard of.... I think he thrived on it. To say Jackson was a kind person is an understatement. He had lots of good qualities but to me that was one of his best. A big kind lovely man. I’ll miss you Jackson.

- Patricia Anderson

Sorry to hear about your loss Lia and Blair. Great memories at your place on the beach, sailing, etc. My dad passed away last year.

- John McGibney

My condolences and love to all the family. I shall always remember Jack very fondly. He always amazed me with his sheer abundance of energy and his zest for life. Jack was always ready to help out anyone who needed it and would engage with everyone he came into contact with. He was a true gentleman and I enjoyed every adventure he relived and related to me of his various trips around the world. RIP Jack.

- June Stewart

We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. He was definitely a unique one of a kind man who lived a remarkable life. We have very fond memories of sharing Tphyoo Tea on the beach in Naramata with him and Annabelle. We will cherish them always.

- John and Anne Morgan

I wish I could join with you all on Sunday, however I have other commitments that day. Jack and Anna were very special and dear friends. We always enjoyed getting together with all the family especially at Narramatta. I rememberJack busily working on making improvements to the cottage as well as taking time to go sailing and playing games with the children. Always an enthusiastic hostess and master of delicious BBQ dinners. I will be thinking of you, Lea and Blair and your families and hope to visit with you again sometime in the future. With love and thanks for many wonderful memories. Joan Stanton

- Joan Stanton

One of my earliest memories of Jack was him carrying me in his arms back to the house in Naramata where Anna tended to the various pointy bits of my body I had scrubbed off after crashing my bike down the clay banks; I guess I would have been around 12. Jack's caring and kindness continued from there. He never hesitated to help friends and family near and far. Jack deftly mixed work and play; with his unique charisma he drew in all those around into any project he was "working" on; whether it be building a skating rink in the carport, skateboard ramp, water slide, building a deck, fixing a sailboat or just rousting the dozy teenagers out of bed to pick up horse poo or other chores about the house. He taught us all well how to be diligent and work hard but at the same time share his appreciation for quick and quirky wit. I am very grateful and honoured to have had Jack as my "other" Father. Thank you Jackson. My condolences to Blair, Lia, family and all who knew and loved him.

- Marc Ashbrook

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