September 15, 1936- March 4, 2024
Jack Dolby had a big smile and a big spirit. That spirit touched the hearts of many and he will live on in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to have known him. He died peacefully after a short illness at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph.
He is predeceased by his wife of fifty years Marlene, his children Marilyn, Linda, Steven (Connie), and Joe, his grandchildren Chloe (Rob), Lyndsy (Dan), Ellen (Ryan), Dustin (Sarah), and Autumn and his great grandchildren Esme and Jack.
Jack was surrendered to the Children’s Aid Society at two-weeks of age. He was surrendered with his biological brother George. There were a number of children in the household including two others who would become like brothers, Don and Ted. They were raised in a small house on Wellington St. in Guelph. When Jack was fifteen, he started an apprenticeship as a plumber/steamfitter. He was a member in good standing with the Plumbers and Steamfitter’s Union 527 for sixty years. He worked hard his entire life to support his family. Through work Jack made several long- lasting friendships that he valued dearly. Jack will be remembered for his big smile, good mind, and his great sense of humor.
Jack was a great dad. He taught all four of us to throw a baseball, skate, ride a bike, drive a car and it goes on. He was the dad that would come to Exhibition Park and play Crack the Whip, we would all be delighted by being flung into the snowbank. He would get the four of us in a dark room and tell us about the time he was in the hospital and his roommate was a vampire. We loved it. Those days are long gone but he left an indelible impression in this lifetime and he will be missed. In one of his last conversations Jack spoke about his love of dogs.
As per Jack’s wishes there has been a private cremation and there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Guelph Humane Society in memory of Jack.
A tree will be planted in memory of John (Jack) W. Dolby in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.