24 responses to Alfred John “Jack” Vass

1. 

   Christine Boulier & Mike Thethi says:

   April 18, 2007

   Dear Auntie Trix & family

   We want to give our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

   We loved/love Uncle Jack so much. Uncle Jack has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember. My most recent memory of Uncle Jack was our trip down to California in 2005 where we were welcomed in yours and Uncle Jack’s arms, and were so very taken care of. We had so much fun spending time with the two of you.

   You & Uncle Jack took us everywhere. Even to Uncle Jack’s favorite spot, Dana Point. We also went to San Clemente Beach and watched the surfers, and walked along the pier. We also remember how we sat out by the train station for almost an hour waiting to see who the police where looking for, after we ate a great lunch at Ruby’s Diner :

   The memories will last in our hearts forever. We are going to miss Uncle Jack so much, and will never forget how much of a great person he really was.

   Love Always & Forever
   Christine & Mike
   xoxoxoxoxo

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2. 

   Gwen Taylor says:

   April 18, 2007

   Simply “The best of the best & better than the rest”

   There are no words that adequately describe the sadness in my heart. Jack was the friend who quickly became my brother and Uncle to my children & later grandchildren. How very fortunate we were to have him in our lives and what a void he has left. We will miss him so very much but I know along with his friend Bern his spirit will linger with all of us and we will meet again some day. Maybe I’ll take some Welsh cakes Jack always loved! R.I.P. Jack, love you…..Gwen

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3. 

   Joy & Rick Boulier says:

   April 18, 2007

   Our Dear Uncle Jack

   The world was a better place because of him. He was so caring, kind, funny, patient the list goes on. He was always the first to help out anyone in need. He was like a second father to me and I can not remember my life without him.

   We always looked forward to Uncle Jack and Auntie Trix coming and staying with us. I’ll miss his popping across for a cup of tea and snacks, lots of cookies when Auntie Trix wasn’t looking! I don’t think there was or is anyone out there that has more patience than Uncle Jack. He was also the best tour guide around. I will always remember the first time we saw Hollywood with Uncle Jack in the driver’s seat. We actually got to see the Stars homes, unlike years later when Rick drove us through, and we were past the homes before we even knew it!

   I will always remember and treasure our shopping trips together when he came up. No one else would go, so it was always just Uncle Jack and I. Whether we went to the bakery for those wonderful little cakes he use to enjoy so much, or to Victoria on the ferry for an outing just for fun.

   He was, and is, everything to me and to all my family. Like me, my children have never known life without him. He always had a way of making people feel so special. To say we will miss him is an understatement. He was a very very special person and the world has lost a wonderful person. We will always remember and treasure our memories of him.

   Uncle Jack we will never forget you, how could we? I am sure you are up there now with my Dad and sharing lots and lots of laughs. You were an extra Dad to both Rick and I and another grandfather to all our children.

   Our hearts go out to you Auntie Trix, Philip, Karen, Steve, Maria along with all your grandchildren.

   With such deep sadness
   Our love always
   Joy & Rick

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4. 

   Peter Taylor says:

   April 18, 2007

   Dear Auntie Trix, Steve, Phillip and all the Vass family

   I am really not sure how to write the feelings I have right now. The Vass family has been such an integral part of my life and I feel for their loss very deeply. I am going to write a few words, but honestly, I can tell you that this will not reflect or define how much Uncle Jack meant to me and my family.

   My Uncle Jack and Auntie Trix, while not blood relatives, were the family we came to know having emigrated from England in 1956. Every year we looked forward to them arriving at 442 W14th St. in North Vancouver. We would be on the street looking for their car to come down the block and waiting to welcome Phillip, Steven, Auntie Trix and Uncle Jack. This was our family arriving! Steve became a brother to me. We thought that we were going to become famous by writing the music and lyrics to songs which we knew the world would appreciate Рand pay us big money. This of course never happened. ̱The world missed out on our great songs.̨

   I can remember quite clearly when Uncle Jack lived with us, while managing a car dealership in Vancouver. He actually slept in my bedroom. I really didnÍt mind at all giving up part of my space. It was a bit of a competition who would snore the loudest or who would pass the most #*#!

   Shopping in Vancouver was always a big part of Uncle JackÍs visits. It wasnÍt for clothes. It wasnÍt the appliances. It was for ñThe Sausages and Back Bacon!î What a wonderful appreciation he had for food. As a matter of fact, whenever I have beef sausages, I think of him.

   The Vass family has always been so sharing and giving. While I was doing my graduate work in Victoria, I stayed with them. I would arrive on Tuesday night, always to a warm dinner. I canÍt tell you enough how much this meant to me. I felt I was home, with my mother and father looking after me. They were making sure that everything was okay and that I was well fed and ready to deal with the next days activities.

   I can tell you that while I have not initiated contact with Vass family as much as I feel I should have, they have always been a part of my thoughts. They have always been a part of my heart and the love that I have for all of them is endless.

   Not having my Uncle Jack in our presence is absolutely devasting to me as I know it is to all of you, and most especially, the immediate family. He has, however, touched our lives in a way that no other can. To having lived so geographically far apart California- British Columbia and yet to be so close at heart, speaks volumes about the quality of this human being and his family. The impact Uncle Jack and the Vass family had on my life and that of my family is profound. I cannot tell all of the wonderful memories we have right now, but suffice it to say they will last our lifetimes. I am proud, as is the rest of my family, to have had the opportunity to have been a small part of Uncle JackÍs life.

   We wish we could be with all of you right now, to hold, to hug, and to be grateful that such a wonderful person has blessed our lives.

   With respect, gratitude, and loving condolences.

   Peter, Janice, Court and Jemma Taylor

   An addition from Janice

   Dear Auntie Trix.

   I have such wonderful memories of times spent with you and Uncle Jack. You have brought love, laughter, a worldly view of tolerance, acceptance and a ‘joie de vie’ into our lives. I have always felt so lucky to know you. Whether we were ‘garage-sale-ing’ or just visiting, I always felt a special bond with both of you. You have both made a wonderful and positive impression upon the lives you have touched. Like everyone in your life, I feel such appreciation for knowing Uncle Jack and a great sense of loss with his passing. I will always treasure our memories.

   Love,

   Janice

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5. 

   Angela and Allan says:

   April 19, 2007

   Dear Auntie Trix, Philip, Karen, Stephen and Maria
   I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear of Uncle Jack’s passing. My brother’s and sister have all said everything that I feel. You and Uncle Jack have always been closer to me than my real uncles and aunts. I will treasure my memories, the laughter we enjoyed and stories all of my life. God bless you all
   Angela and Allan

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