“Jack Ducharme from off the farm . . . E-I, E-I, OH!”
It is with great sadness that the family of (Marvin) Jack Ducharme announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, July 18, 2017.
Jack was born on Oct. 13, 1939 in Miscampbell, Ont. to Leo and Kip Ducharme. Growing up on the family farm, Jack learned many skills at an early age, including driving tractors, operating the farm machinery, and even raising cattle!
In between doing that, he attended the local country school, later attending high school in Fort Frances, Ont.
Fifty-five years ago, Jack was united in marriage to “the love of his life,” Mary Naturkach. Anyone who knew Jack knew of his devotion to Mary. Along with being a loving and devoted husband, he was a thoughtful and gentle father, and caring and adoring “Papa.”
Family was important to Jack, as were friends and neighbours. He was a good man and truthfully, if you looked up the definition of “good” in the dictionary, his picture really should be there.
Jack was a dedicated and long-time employee of the local pulp and paper mill. He held multiple positions there, and many of his co-workers were quick to comment on what a great supervisor, colleague, and hard-working man he was.
While working in the mill, Jack spent his spare time moonlighting doing construction work and building homes around town. This evolved into his most recent and longtime career as a handyman. Handy, however, was an understatement for Jack. He always was on the “go” fixing, repairing, inventing, and doing “you name it jobs” for whomever asked.
Jack was never one to say “no” to a fix-it challenge. It often was said, “If Jack Ducharme can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.” Jack could fix anything, build anything, and accomplish the unimaginable.
When not in the mill, building, or fixing, Jack contributed back to his community by sitting on numerous boards, such as the Public Utility Commission (PUC), St. Mary’s Church, Fort Frances Credit Union, and Ontario Housing. Jack also participated in maintenance consults for the Catholic school board.
His most well-known handy work and renowned maintenance was for the Fort Frances Clinic as the building superintendent. The clinic for many years was a second home for him.
Jack also was singer and story-teller. It didn’t matter that he only knew two lines to a million songs, including “… bushel and a peck . . . and a hug around the neck.” Jack always had a story to tell and as a story-teller extraordinaire, he never ceased to impress or provide a laugh.
Around town, Jack could be seen smiling and waving hello to everyone. He always made time to help others, whether this was to lend an ear, repair something broken, or give someone a hand up. His compassion for others was admirable and beyond compare.
Because of his kindness, he endeared himself to many, to which we are all grateful.
Jack will be sadly missed by his cherished wife, Mary; daughters, Kim (Pat) and Dana (Jeff); son, Perry (Margaret); grandchildren, Carly, Chloe, Jackson, Samuel, Paige, and Abigail; siblings, Diane (George) Revus, Linda (Lyle) Flemming, Micaela (Doug) Jenson, and Ray (Shelly) Ducharme; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Kip; brother, Harvey; father- and mother in-law, Pete and Frances,; brother- and sister-in-law, Jim and Shirley; and brother- and sister-in-law, Ken and Irene.
A celebration of life was held Monday, July 24, 2017 at La Place Rende-Vous in Fort Frances.
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date.
Should you wish to donate, consider the La Verendrye General Hospital-Riverside Health Care.
In lieu of donations, do what’s right and do what’s good. Be kind and help others. The world always can use one more kind person-Jack would have wanted that.
“If love alone could have spared you . . . you would have lived forever.”
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
JACK DUCHARME
