On Wednesday, December 5th 2018 our family lost its patriarch, counsellor and moral compass.
Gilbert "Jack" Woolfrey passed away peacefully at the age of 94. He has left behind the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Joyce Kathleen (Fowler); their daughter Lois Smith and her husband Ian (family: Jennifer, Lorraine D’Alessio and husband Richard, with their daughters Carmen and Zara); son Bill Woolfrey and his wife Janet (family: Evan and his wife Kathy, with their daughter Elinor; son, Cameron); son Paul Woolfrey and his wife Mary (family: Sara Cameron and husband Scott; Emma; Jack). Dad is also survived by his sister Margaret "Peg" Hall, sister in law Mary McGugan and husband Hugh. Predeceased by his sisters Elizabeth Mosey, Marion Pitt and her husband David, brother-in-law, John Hall and nieces Kathy Smith and Cindy Mosey as well as Keith and Irene Fowler. Many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear life-long friends in Ontario, Newfoundland and B.C. hold fond memories of Dad.
Jack was born and raised in Newfoundland until the time his father (a minister with the United Church) was relocated to Moorefield, Ontario where he met Joyce and they fell in love. He served in WW11 before starting a career in education, becoming Co-ordinator of Guidance for the Halton Board of Education. The family was raised in Burlington in the supportive neighbourhoods of Ghent Avenue and Wellington Square United Church. Jack retired in 1982 when he and Joyce built their dream home on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, a country retreat that family and friends loved to visit. They moved to Kitchener-Waterloo in 1992, eventually living at Lanark Heights where Joyce still resides.
The family wishes to thank all the Lanark staff for their caring support of our father and our family as we have walked this life journey together.
Jack loved to tell stories from his exceptional memory, entertaining us with the detail of his colourful childhood. Dad was loving and generous, he provided for his family and stood faithfully by his children. We have known no better man, yet it was Mom and Dad together who saw us through life’s challenges and successes.
Funeral service in the Chapel at Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 617 King St. North, Waterloo on Saturday, December 15 at 11:30 A.M.
Visitation one hour prior to the service.
Reception to follow.
Internment in the spring at Bethesda Cemetery, Moorefield.
In preference to flowers, a donation to the Mennonite Relief Fund, World Vision Canada or Gower Street United Church, St. John’s, Nfld would be appreciated.