John (Jack) Sykes Nelson passed away December 11, 2016 at the age of 93 in Hanna, AB.
Life for Jack was a continuing adventure—he started that way by arriving in the family home of Auntie Lizzie and Uncle Sykes Ramsden in Colne, England while his parents, Carl and Mary Nelson were visiting. At three months of age, they returned to the family homestead near Hallonquist, SK after also visiting other family in Sweden. Jack had seven siblings: Josephine, Carl, John Crawshaw who died in infancy, Charlotte (Lottie), Jean, Gary and Sandra.
Although a passionate lifelong learner, Jack had an aversion to studies. Following his mother's passing in 1931 when he was just 8, he became very creative in his avoidance of formal schooling. Suffice it to say that skunks played an important role. Two aunts, Hilda and Sarah took special care of his raising during the difficult years following his mother's death. He always spoke with fondness and gratitude for them. As a young man, he traveled through Southern Alberta working on different ranches and threshing crews. Principal means of transportation were 'riding the rails' and horseback. When Jack returned to Saskatchewan he met and married his life partner, Janie Hammond, December 23, 1942 at Swift Current. This was shortly after his father's marriage to Tilda (Gary and Sandra were born to that union). David arrived March 24, 1946 and Hilda Mae May 4 1954. They farmed and ranched in the Hallonquist and Cadillac areas until 1957 while working for the PFRA. The adventures continued as he trailed the meat horses to the rail head and the packing plant in Swift Current. Passions included horses, hounds, coyotes, badgers, cattle, and story-telling. Astride the back of his horse was his favourite place. Holding court, sharing stories of adventure and misadventure, often punctuated with laughter, was a lifelong love.
In 1957, Jack and Janie purchased a ranch south of Youngstown where he continued all his favourite pursuits, as well as dragging calves at neighbours' brandings. Second son, Jerry, was born December 15, 1970. Jack enjoyed times spent helping lead the 4-H horse club at Cereal. Helping the young riders learn new skills was very rewarding to Jack.
Jack did most of his building and fencing by hand and strung many miles of straight fence, anchored securely with heavy rocks on corners and held taut by hand forged gate tighteners. His work ethic was phenomenal, putting the animals' welfare ahead of his own comfort. Some guiding principles helped Jack maintain integrity and stay genuine in life's circumstances. These included: family and friends were more important than things; his word was his bond; he did not borrow from tomorrow; he met tragedy with heart and faith; learning from reading and listening expanded his universe; if all it took was ramrod determination and hard work, that's the way it would be done; and while he was open to new ideas and ways of looking at ranching, he maintained older technology until newer things proved out. For example, he was last in the district to give up on threshing and later on small square bales. Jack was prepared to test crosses for his Hereford foundation herd. In the 1980s, after a number of experiments, he settled on Black Angus which has proven his wisdom to this day.
In 2012, Jack and Janie moved to the Hanna Lodge where they resided until they had to move to extended care. To his final days, he followed the passionate pursuits and adventures of his grandchildren in athletics, travel, post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, rodeo and 4-H. Of recent note were the successes in wild pony racing and Sage's being crowned Hanna Rodeo Queen. Branding in June gave him opportunity to experience the transition of responsibilities to yet another generation. This was a matter of great pleasure and hope for him.
A man of deep and abiding faith in Jesus, Jack's wish was that he would be re-united with loved ones who had gone before, with special tender note that he would be with his beloved mother again.
Jack is survived by Janie, his loving wife of almost 74 years;
Son, Jerry (Dianne) Nelson and grandchildren, Sage, Kathleen, Cordell, and Ainsley;
Son-in-law, Ralph Kassen and grand-daughter, Sarah (Scott Corbin and children) and grandson (in Alabama), Caleb Kassen (in Taiwan); Sisters, Jo Trew, Lottie Nebel, Sandra Kaytor; Brother Gary (Karan) Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was predeceased by his mother and father, brother John, son David, daughter Hilda Mae Kassen, brother Carl, sister Jean Trew.