John “Jack” Thurber

1936 – 2024

Well I wish good things went on forever but there is a time for good bye and sad to say its time to say goodbye to my Dad, Jack Thurber. He passed away quickly and unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 9:04 pm at the age of 87.

Jack was born on November 9, 1936 in Saskatoon. He was the older brother to Faye, Bill, and Gary. They were nomadic and part of the military moving from place to place from Ontario to Saskatchewan.  Dad had many jobs over the years working, but earlier he worked with his father Bill at Intercontinental Meats.  Jack still had all of his knives from there and could skin and process animals fast. And loved it. He lived in many spots working in Saskatoon, Regina, and Meadowlake.

He met Gail Thurber when he was riding on his motorcycle, which he loved to do back in the day.  Dad was part of the Queen’s motorcade on his motorcycle and lead the procession in Regina when she visited.  Jack and Gail were married April 1961 and celebrated 63 years. Dad worked for the Department of Natural Resources and was on the road a lot. Mom put her foot down and eventually he came back to settle in Prince Albert to have a family. Tracey was born in 1967, and has two girls Jesse Cobb and Lexi Cobb, and I (Jordan) was born in 1970 and have two kids Aiden Thurber and Jaeda Thurber.  He loved the grankids and loved when they visited the acreage.

Dad worked at the Penn and PA Pulp and Paper before pulling stakes to try new territory and we moved to Victoria for a couple years. He brought us back to Prince Albert to settle in and have lived here ever since. Jack and Gail founded Accra Lock and Safe which they sold after 30 years and it still operates today. He had helpful people in the shop, Calvin Grant started working there in high school and continues to work there.

We moved west of town on the old River Road in 1978 and Mom and Dad still resided there. He moved so often so he chose to allow us to grow up in one spot for which I am grateful. Dad loved to hunt and fish up until mobility was tough. He was an avid volunteer and was recognized for it in 2004. He coached many people in hockey and ball. He was part of the Midtown Community Hall family and kept in touch even after moving out of town. He was actively involved in making Locksmithing a red seal trade and helped with the apprenticeship curriculum. He was a founding member of the West Central Fire Department. He was a lifetime member of the Fish and Game league in PA and spent hours helping renovate the building. He placed 3^rd in Western Canada in archery and coached and taught archery as well. He was against the long gun registry and fought against it for years. Dad influenced and mentored many people in sport and stayed in touch with a lot of people.

We will be having a get together in September out at the acreage to celebrate his life. Information will be published closer to the date.

I hope if you knew him you have a good thought about him. Feel free to write about him, leave thoughts and memories, and condolences for the family at https://grays.ca

Dad will be missed by friends and family alike. I will miss coffee and crib and have great memories growing up and being your son and friend.

I’m missing him already.  RIP Pops.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729 Paula Hanson, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2024-04-12
• Location : Prince Albert, SK