Obituary of Jack Lawrence Sellar

Jack Lawrence Sellar passed peacefully at the Hospice at Glengarda on Monday, June 3rd after a courageous fight with cancer, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Elsie; children, Trevor and Tracy (Barry Breher); grandchildren, Benjamin Jack, Aiden James, Addison Elizabeth, Jonathan Donald and William Joseph; sister, Linda (Brent) Watts; extended family and his special nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by parents, James and Elva (Howsam) Sellar: parents-in-law, Joseph and Mary Strapko; sister, Donna Brown; brothers-in-law, Joe and Alex Strapko; and niece, Crystal Watts. 

Jack was born on November 22, 1942, and spent his first years living with his Mom and three Aunts while his Dad and Uncles served overseas in World War II. Jackie was doted on by those Aunties and their special influence and impact continued for many years. His Dad’s return from the war was followed by the arrival of sisters Linda and Donna. They grew up with all sorts of adventures, often with cousins and extended family at Waskesiu, Kipabiskau and Tisdale. The skills Jack learnt as he advanced through Boy Scouts often influenced those adventures.  

An ongoing interest in learning motivated Jack throughout his life to explore and to ask questions. He was part of the first graduating class at Aden Bowman Collegiate and was proud of the ongoing friendships that resulted, both with teachers like Bob Hinett, and with classmates who he remained in contact with his entire life. Jack completed the Business Administration Certificate program at the University of Saskatchewan when he was in his fifties managing assignments, full time work and family. 

Jack spent a lot of his work career travelling throughout Saskatchewan in sales for Bowman Brothers, Inglis, White Westinghouse and Sony. He could go into almost any community in the province and have friends, knowing the stories of his client’s families and businesses. Later in his career, jobs managing Audio Warehouse and Northern Fireplace let him be home more. Regardless of where work took him, Jack was always so happy to return to Saskatoon. He gave up multiple opportunities to advance his career by moving to another province because it was important to him to stay close to family. 

While working in Melfort, Jack met the love of his life, Elsie Strapko. They married on August 28, 1965, and settled in Saskatoon after living in Swift Current for a short time. Jack and Elsie welcomed their children, Tracy and Trevor, and started to share adventures and a love of learning with their family. Jack used his knowledge of the province to take his family to all sorts of lakes and holiday destinations, often with his parents. He would get home from his work travelling, hook up the boat, load the suburban and the family would set off to lakes all over the province. Sometimes the accommodations would be a bit sketchy but that added to the adventure and the stories. When he was at home, ongoing friendships with neighbours on Madison Crescent and in Langham resulted in lively get togethers. 

Jack was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club and a lifelong member of the Association of Canadian Travelers (ACT). He was so proud when Addie started to skate at the ACT Rink knowing that he was involved in the organization that helped build the rink. 

It was his special role of Papa to his grandchildren that Jack really made the most significant impact. His individual relationships with Ben, Aiden, Addie, John and Will allowed him to connect with each of the children in incredibly meaningful ways. His stories, influence, guidance and unwavering support, encouragement and love will continue to positively impact each of them. He shared his enjoyment of the simple things – hot dogs roasted over a fire, the sounds of walk along a beach and the beauty of a Saskatchewan sunset – with his grandchildren. Jack inspired each of his grandchildren to learn, to be adventurous and to be kind – the same characteristics that shaped his life. He taught them how to play games with made up rules, how to explore and how to look at the world with interest and passion. Jack’s unequivocal love and support of his grandchildren helped them to develop confidence and skills that they will carry with them always. 

Jack told incredible stories. His life experiences, his positive perspective, the opportunity to grow up in a time of changing technology and a growing province and his sense of humour contributed to engaging and enthralling stories that entertained. Often stories for his grandchildren also included subtle messages of encouragement or guidance. Jack liked to say that it was important to live like a gentleman – to have good manners, to be polite, to share kindness and compassion, and to be a gentle and good person. Those traits came through in his stories and in the way he lived his life. 

At Jack’s request, there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Hospice at Glengarda or the Canadian Cancer Society. 

The family would like to thank Doctors Clark, Howsam and Walker for the care, guidance and support provided; the Client Patient Access Services (CPAS) team who worked to let Jack stay at home for as long as possible (especially Terisse) and the extraordinary team at the Hospice at Glengarda who took care of Jack, and our entire family. Your compassion, kindness and care have meant so much to us.