Obituary of John "Jack" Andrew Ness

Born in Belleisle Creek on May 24,1928, Mr. John Andrew "Jack" Ness was the son of the late Robert and Mabel (McConnell) Ness and loving husband of Madeline (Keirstead) Ness. Although, very early in their marriage, Jack worked as a painter, his true calling was to be a carpenter. He started building with Glendale Mobile Homes and as the company changed hands over the years, Jack followed along, finally retiring from Prestige Homes in his mid 60’s. Jack was a very capable finish carpenter with a special talent for lathe work. He perfected his craft throughout his career and also created some beautiful pieces in his wood-working shop, for family and friends. Jack was nature driven and enjoyed many hobbies where he could be in the outdoors, fishing, hunting or taking one of his long walks in the woods. His family swears that he knew and walked, every back road in Kings and Queens County. His love of the outdoors was not slowed down by the winter months. Jack would strap on his snowshoes and head out for the next big adventure. His daughter Joanne has fond memories of many impromptu picnics with mom and dad and family over the years. These special meals would take place “anywhere and everywhere” because, in Jack’s opinion, any space that was in nature was the perfect place for a little picnic lunch. Jack was a man with many interests. There were many “Nancy Tours” with Madeline in their later years and a wonderful trip to Disney with Joanne and Ron and his granddaughters when the girls were small. Onion rings at JJ’s Diner after church on Sunday were a must and his love for fiddle music ensured that he and Madeline attended many music events and jamborees throughout their days together. Although not an engineer, he was also very intrigued by the workings of trains and engines and could have quite easily followed this passion in his work career. He was a covered bridge enthusiast and enjoyed many trips to the agricultural museum. Jack was a gardener, tending to the flower beds at home and to his vegetable garden at his brother, Bob's house. He and Bob really enjoyed spending time with one another and after his retirement, Jack always helped with Bob's Christmas Tree business. Jack was a “Family Man”. Family was paramount in his life and he always put them first. He loved Madeline completely and they had 57 wonderful years of marriage together sharing life’s simple, yet abundant joys. He was so very proud of his daughter Joanne and her husband Ron and their beautiful daughters Jenna and Natalie. Jack was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will truly be missed Jack will be forever in the hearts of his beloved wife Madeline; their daughter Joanne Gaudet and her husband Ron of Goderich, ON; their granddaughters: Jenna Thorne and her husband Ben of London, England and Natalie Gaudet of Jasper, AB; his brother Ray Ness of Sussex; his sister Mary Joynes and her husband Howard of Belleisle Creek; his sister-in-law Eleanore Ness of Sussex; his brother-in-law Nelson Keirstead and his wife Joan of Berwick; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Mr. John Andrew "Jack" Ness of Sussex, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Sussex Health Centre on April 1, 2017 at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his brothers: Russell who died in action in WWII, Robert, Edward, Donald, Ronald and Allen and by his sister Hattie Northrup. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1-3 and 6-8pm. A service celebrating Jack's life will be held from St. Paul's United Church on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 11am followed by a reception in the church hall. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended St. Paul's United Church or to the memorial of the donor's choice.