Jack passed away peacefully at Lion’s Gate Hospital on June 20th surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia to Martin and Marjorie (Hartney) Bader and grew up on the east side of Vancouver with his sisters Gloria, Betty, Donna, and Colleen (all predeceased). He attended St. Patrick School where he developed lifelong friendships with boys who later became part of "The Beavers”. Along with his sister Gloria, he went on to attend Seattle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1957. Following graduation, he studied at the Seminary of Christ the King. He started his career in the insurance field and shortly after was transferred to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he met Margaret Kathleen, his late beloved spouse of 50 years. They married in 1964 and moved to West Vancouver, where they spent a joyful decade with their three young children. The family relocated to Surrey for a year where Jack and Margaret built their business in long term care. They finally settled in Vancouver in 1980 and continued to work together for 22 years, operating in the spirit of kindness and generosity.
Jack's faith, family, and friendships were the centre of his life. He was active in the Church and took particular pleasure in family occasions and time spent with his grandchildren. He was kind, easygoing, quick-witted and loved to make others laugh. He was a bit of prankster, one memorable example consisting of climbing to the roof of the house with bells on Christmas, feigning surprise as his children informed him that Santa’s sleigh had visited. He was self-taught and skilled in many areas of construction and if he wasn’t found reading, following the stock market or lending a helping hand, he was busy renovating each of the family homes from top to bottom. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling extensively, the symphony and opera, spending time at their summer home in Sudden Valley, family vacations in Mexico, “Bader Reunions” with his sisters and their families, visits with Margaret’s siblings in Newfoundland, and giving back to the community through their support of various charities. He loved his lunches, vacations, and New Year’s Eve parties with his friends. After the incredibly difficult loss of Margaret in 2014, he took solace in his faith and moved to North Vancouver, where his joy was re-invigorated in the company of his grandchildren and travel.
Jack will be deeply missed by his children Lisa (Tony), Deanna, and Craig (Connie) and his five grandchildren Mike, Sara, Jack, Emma, and James. Funeral mass will be held on June 30th at 11am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2725 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, and reception will follow at the Church Hall. Interment at Gardens of Gethsemani at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Covenant House in Vancouver.