Jack Lodge

Died: February 5, 2017 | Place: Victoria Hospital

Obituary

JACK’S DASH…

Jack, the only child of Delores and Harry Lodge, was born in 1945 in Blackpool, England. He always liked to joke that he had cousins all over the United Kingdom, but had no idea who they were because his family moved to Canada when he was three.

After arriving here, Harry and Delores packed Jack and all their belongs into a small pull trailer, criss crossing Canada as Jack’s dad worked odd jobs as a mechanic. Eventually, they settled on Dougal Ave. in Windsor, Ontario — right across the street from Jack’s earliest crush, Jeannie. For the next few years the childhood sweethearts were inseparable. Until, in grade three, Jack moved across town and the budding romance seemed destined not to be.

Jack went on to a distinguished career with Windsor Fire and Rescue. After served as a firefighter for over 25 years and collecting a number of commendations and awards, Jack moved to the training division (and training became his passion). Not only was he responsible for training new recruits, he also taught in the Firefighting program at St. Clair College. Finally, after years of fighting fires and training the next generation, Jack became Chief of the training department.

After his retirement, Jack stayed active in Windsor Fire and Rescue, spearheading an effort to keep retired firefighters in touch with their brothers and sisters. This effort had a wonderful, if unintended, consequence. While visiting an ailing retiree with some friends on the department, Jack recognized his childhood sweetheart from Dougal Ave. in a grade one photo.

He crossed an ocean. He crossed a country. And after a successful career and fifty years, he found his sweetheart from Dougal Ave. again. Reunited, the two picked up right where they left off, and married on 07/07/07 at 7:00 pm.

Although (like their time together on Dougal Ave.) Jack and Jeannie’s second chance at love was fleeting, it was rich in experience. Jack loved spending time with his new family, including John, Kathy and Andrew; John, our late Jane, Jonathan and Charlotte; Tina and Scott. And of course, Grandpa Jack aka Big Jack’s favourite pastime was always bragging about his grandchildren, Becca, Jackson and Emily, whom he loved dearly.

 

19 Comments

  1. Anonymous February 7, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    We are with you in thought today Jean.
    Our prayers continue for you in days ahead. We are so glad that we had the wonderful opportunity at Christmas time to meet Jack.
    Love to you. Pat & John Rhemick

  2. Ann Marie MacLellan February 7, 2017 at 2:25 pm

    My sincere condolences Jennie, Jack was a great guy to work with and lots of fun… I hope this wonderful man did not suffer… God Bless you & your family at this difficult time… xoxo

  3. Azima Vadsaria February 7, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Very saddened to hear about Jack’s passing. I still remember his great laugh and devotion in helping out wherever he could. Jean, my deepest condolences to you and the family, be strong during this difficult time, our best wishes and prayers are with you always, love Azima

  4. Bruno Bertucci February 7, 2017 at 10:10 pm

    Made my career as a fighter a bit brighter

  5. Matthew Beasley February 7, 2017 at 11:49 pm

    Sad to lose a nice guy. I worked with Jack for almost a year in the Training Div of WFRS and learned a lot . He certainly enjoyed the job and always tried to make it better.

  6. Antonio Distefano February 8, 2017 at 9:10 am

    My sincere condolence Jean to you and the rest of the family.

  7. Laurel and Mark February 8, 2017 at 9:24 am

    The pain that you are feeling can’t compare to the joy you will experience when you meet again. Mark and I are so sorry for your loss, Jeannie, and will continue to keep you in our prayers during the difficult days ahead. God bless you.

  8. ROBERT COOPR February 8, 2017 at 9:59 am

    Windsor Fire and Rescue, both current and especially retired have lost a dear friend to this terrible disease that has toughed and taken so many of us. I am truly sad at his loss and think of the many times we worked and laughed together. He will be missed and remembered by me and many who have had the privilege of knowing him……..’COOP ‘

  9. Beth Brain-Penton February 8, 2017 at 11:18 am

    There are no words for the sorrow I feel for you, Jeannie in the loss of Jack. It was one of God’s miracles that you and Jack were able to come for dinner on Boxing Day and to stay overnight so that we had a chance to meet Jack. I will always remember that as one of those precious windows of time that come along every once in a while that we treasure. Jim and I will be there on Saturday to offer our support. Love you, sis. Beth

  10. Mark and Debbie Uttley February 8, 2017 at 11:29 am

    Deb and I express our sincere condolences on the passing of Chief Lodge. I have many great memories of working with Jack, unfortunately we will not be attending since we are wintering in the south.

  11. Bob McGonigal February 8, 2017 at 11:35 am

    Jeannie please accept Ann-Marie’s and my most sincere condolences. I had a lot of fun with Jack, alias Shrek. He will be missed by a host of people. He’s now answering roll call with all who have gone before us.

  12. Gerry Pfaff February 8, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    Without a doubt, one of the most spirited, fun, clever, kind and sincerest I have met… He made me think and laugh and love being a firefighter! Thanks Jack for all that you are and shared with us… Peace all ways my brother…Holding you in a space of healing and love Jeannie.. xo

  13. Janeta & Jean Mayer February 9, 2017 at 7:10 am

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    Rest in Peace dear FRIEND
    Janeta & Jean Mayer
    Jerusalem Israel

  14. Jim and Marjorie Harris February 9, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    Oh Jeanie we are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. We have been very good friends even though it was for a short time. Will miss Jack’s sunny smile and his wonderful disposition We will miss the good times we had Take strength from all of us who love you

  15. Annie Burke February 10, 2017 at 3:45 pm

    I am very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. May fond memories give you comfort today and in the days to come.
    My sincerest sympathies and heartfelt prayers. Love Annie Burke

  16. Raymond Gauthier February 10, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Fond memories of belly laughs with Johnny. Appreciate his dedication to the Uganda Times, always very creative which captured his true personality.
    Too soon to hear this sad news…
    May peace be with you — prayers are coming your way.

  17. John Robertson February 10, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    Jean, we were deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family. I fondly remember happier times working with you both at the Oakville Red Cross.
    John and Otilia Robertson

  18. Dave Fields February 13, 2017 at 6:59 am

    I am so sorry that I can not attend personally to express my heart felt sadness for your loss. Recent emergency surgery prevents me from travelling at this time. God Bless

  19. Becca Mayer-MacDougall October 18, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    Grandpa Jack, it’s been almost 4 years since you passed and not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. I love you and I’ll see you in my dreams.

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