MacDONALD
John Dickson (Jack)
John was born in Rimbey, Alberta Jan 2 1927, and passed away peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver on April 17 2011, with family by his side. He was active and clear minded until the end. Survived by his daughter Alexis MacDonald Seto, son Allan MacDonald, and much loved grandchildren Kaya, Isa, Matthew, Kate and Megan. Jack lived with his loving companion and best friend of 14 years Sharon McGavin and enjoyed life in West Vancouver. Sharon's grandsons Tyler and Owen knew him as "Grampa Jack." He is survived by his sister Shirley of Toronto, and many nieces and nephews that he was very fond of. Jack is predeceased by brother Burke (Roy) Ells, sisters Vivian Ells Case and Viola Ells Hall. Jack went to school in Rimbey and later attended the University of Alberta and UBC where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) Fraternity and later taught school in Tomahawk Alberta. In 1947 Jack's parents Arthur and Viola built the Ben Franklin Hotel in Rimbey now called the Grande. They operated it for several years before buying the Spaulding Hotel in High Prairie where Jack was a part owner and assisted his brother Roy with the management. They later purchased the Valleyview Hotel in Valleyview where Jack also participated as manager. In 1957 Jack married Blanche Brillon MacDonald, and after a brief stay in Dawson Creek B.C. they started the fashion school and agency in her name in Vancouver. Jack was a well-respected businessman and entrepreneur who had an appreciation for family history, art and architecture and followed the stock market daily. Jack had many life-long close friends, both in Vancouver and Alberta. Jack had fond memories of his family's early years in Rimbey and regularly attended the annual Rimbey Old Timer's Reunion. Above all Jack will be remembered as a proud father and grandfather, a caring father-in-law, partner, uncle, and friend. He kept in touch with everyone and will be greatly missed. A celebration of Jack's life will take place over Thanksgiving weekend in Vancouver, and friends will be notified.