November 2005

BUTTON, John (Jack) Fairfax - at the age of 83, after a long battle with Alzheimer's, passed away peacefully on October 28th, 2005 at Aberdeen Hospital, Lansdowne Nursing Unit in Victoria, BC. He will be sadly missed by his two sons Ted and Ken, their wiws Rita and Cass, two grandchildren Jim and Louise, two step-grandchildren Jessica and James and his brother Tom from Dryden, Ontario. Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife of forty years Edie nee Edith May King (1984), his father John Edward (Jack) Button, his mother Lillian Button nee Partridge, two brothers D' Arcy and Ted and sister Edie Steenson of Ashern.

Jack was born on January 17th, 1922 in West Kildonan, (suburb of Winnipeg) Manitoba, where he attended Victory Elementary and Centennial Senior schools. Jack was recognized as a talented soccer player and was invited to play professionally in the UK, an opportunity he did not pursue. At an early age, Jack worked for his grandfather Edmund John Partridge on his market garden, then at Lever Brothers and Sair's Tire. Jack joined the West Kildonan Fire Department in 1950, rising to the rank of Fire Chief, a position he enjoyed immensely until his early retirement in 1973 after 24 years of service. Jack and Edie traveled across Canada many times to attend the annual Fire Chiefs' Convention. After the Fire Department, Jack returned to his passion for all things mechanical, working as a Service AdvisorrTechnician at Eastern Sales and several other car dealerships in Winnipeg. Jack and Edie relocated to Victoria in 1979 to be closer to Ted, Ken and their families. In Victoria, Jack kept busy servicing his many customers of Button Janitorial and then D&R Coffee Service until final retirement in 1995.

Jack had a life-long passion for automobiles, in particular his 1926 Model "T" Ford Coupe which he meticulously restored bolt by bolt over a thirty year period. Jack was a member of the Antique Car Association and Model "T" Car Clubs in Winnipeg and Victoria. With his mechanical aptitude and ingenuity, along with his incredible fortitude and determination to win, Jack designed and modified a foot-controlled car (first in Canada) for son Ted. After acceptance of this invention in 1970 by the Motor Vehicle and Drivers' Branches of the Manitoba Government, Ted went on to drive numerous "Jack-modified" vehicles for the next thirty years.

Jack will be sorely missed by all who knew him: his knack and determination to fix anything that was broken, his willingness to assist anyone in need, his friendly smile and his keen sense of humour. Jack always made time to stop and chat or share a story or two with a friend or customer. One of Jack's favourite sayings was "If it was made by man, it can be taken apart and put together by man." He instilled in his sons awonderful work ethic, the importance of serving others and the ability to persevere through difficulties.

Dad, now in his final resting place, has rejoined his beloved Edie in a much happier place where there are no more worries, nor sorrow, nor crying (I' pain, just complete freedom and happiness with peace and thoughts of all things beautiful for eternity.

The family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and management of Aberdeen Hospital, Lansdowne and Hillside Nursing Units, for looking after Jack's every need during his final years. At Jack's wish, cremation occurred immediately followed his passing.

A service celebrating Jack's life will be held on Saturday, November26th, 2005 at lO:OO AM at the First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, V8Y lB4. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack's name to the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation (Aberdeen Hospital) at 250-370-5664 or by visiting their website at www.gvef.org or to a charity of your choice.