Obituary of Jack Emery

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John Munn Emery

April 5, 1937 – June 18, 2023

It is with sincere sadness that we announce the passing of John Emery (Jack) of Saskatoon, at the age of 86 years. Left to mourn is his faithful wife of 65 years, Dolores (nee Kuspira). Jack is lovingly remembered by his 5 children; Terri (Ralph), Dale (Terry), Shannon, Dan (Tammy), Cathy (Larry); grandchildren, Brittney (Mike), Steven (Hannah), Ryan, Leisell (Michael), Robert, Emily, Jett and Liam; great grandchildren, Emmett, Landon, Sofia and Claire. Jack is also survived by his brother, Donald; his sister, Lynn MacKay (Wayne); and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Florence; his sisters, Anne Cihelka and Margaret MacLeod; and brothers, Peter, Kenny and Monte.

Jack was born and raised in Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island. He attended Wood Islands West School and left home in his early teens to hit the big city of Montreal. He remained there for a short time until he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954 where he met his future wife, Dolores. They married on July 27^th of 1957. A military life meant plenty of travel and frequent moves throughout the country and beyond.

In 1976 Jack was awarded a Military Commendation for his role in a tense air rescue. A light aircraft, lost in a snowstorm and running low on fuel requested emergency assistance from the nearby Radar base. The aircraft was guided to a safe landing at the Yorkton Airport by Master Corporal Emery and his crew.

Jack retired from the forces in 1979 after 25 years of service. He and Dolores settled their family in Saskatoon where Jack quickly secured a job with Intercontinental Meat Packers and retired for a second time after 23 years. For the most part of his working life, Jack took on a moonlighting gig as a taxi driver. He enjoyed talking to people and always loved to stir up a rousing debate with anyone who would bite. He was a great storyteller. Jack was generous to a fault. He loved kids, dogs, fishing, and any manner of seafood. He enjoyed backyard gardening, sulky racing, and was the fact king of boxing trivia.

Jack missed his island home and took many trips there over the years. He once said he never understood why he couldn’t wait to get off the island but then couldn’t wait to get back.

Jack will be dearly missed.

Special thanks to the caregivers at St. Joseph’s Care Home who took wonderful care of Jack in his last few years and showed extraordinary compassion in his final days.

Thank you to Kelly Kuspira, a most beloved nephew to Jack and Dolores. Throughout the years he made himself available to visit frequently, help with yard work, gardening, and even occasional meal preparation and clean up. We are grateful for his kindness and generosity.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 25^th at 10:00 am at Saskatoon Funeral Home.