It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John “Jack” Booth on April 3, 2026, at the age of 86. He was the second son born to Jack and Mary Ellen “Mamie” (nee Wilson) on March 26, 1940. Jack was known for his quick wit and could make anyone laugh with his non-stop joking personality, but he was also very meticulous, had a great work ethic and a strong dedication to the work he performed.
Jack spent most of his childhood on the farm in Burriss north of Devlin, this is where he shared many memories and mischief with his older brother Tom and other Burriss friends. Even at an early age, he was a hard worker, but this never took away from his caring nature for his family and friends. He left home at an early age to pursue a career which he found in road and highway construction in Mine Centre. This would eventually bring him to one of the highlights in his early years, his involvement in the construction of the Noden Causeway. Jack had found his calling in the construction of bridges which led to his employment with the Ministry of Transportation and becoming the Bridge Superintendent for the Kenora Rainy River District.
During this same period, he met his other passion, a blonde bombshell by the name of Carol Matchett. Jack and Carol dated for three years and were married on September 12, 1964. They lived in a small one-bedroom house in Fort Frances but eventually in the summer of 1973, they would move back to Devlin to a small farm. This is where he designed and was very much involved in the building of his country home for their family of six. He was proud of the new home that he had always pictured nestling up to a creek.
Jack enjoyed the simple things in life. In his leisure time he loved curling, golfing, bowling, hockey, fishing, hunting, gardening, or anything nature. It should be mentioned during his Hockey Night in Canada or Toronto Blue Jays games, talking wasn’t allowed unless his teams were winning. Through the winter every Wednesday and Friday night for 47 years he could be found at the 5-pin bowling alley in Fort with his second family, The Rum Dums. On the weekends depending on the season, he was a hunter and fisherman matched by none. Whether chasing deer through the woods or trolling the lakes with his favourite hammered gold spinners, no game was safe on land or water.
He eventually took the “Golden Handshake” and retired in 1993 after 30 plus years at the early age of 53 and never regretted it for a moment. Jack spent many of his retirement years doing the things he loved but also volunteering his time whether it be at the golf course or curling club. Many days he could be found on his favourite piece of land north of Barwick cutting firewood or clearing trails in preparation for hunting season.
Jack was continuously active until his stroke in 2012 when his life drastically changed and many of the things he enjoyed were no longer an option. This was extremely hard for him to accept but with the help of his cousin Ian and their visits and coffee outings, he had something to look forward to and his smile rarely diminished.
He is survived by his loving wife Carol of 61 years; daughter Carla (Pat), son Scott (Brooke), daughter Alyson (Chad); grandchildren Tylyn, Teanna, Ryley, Jesse, Lane, Jackson, Quinn, and great-grandson Jase; sisters-in-law Linda, Cora, Marilyn, Margaret (John); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will carry his memory with love and pride.
Jack was predeceased by his parents Jack and Mamie; brother Tom; daughter Andrea; his dear Aunt Jean; cousin Ian who was more like a brother; mother and father-in-law Grace and Al Peterson.
Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Jack will be held at the Emo Arena on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
