Jack Arnold Richardson
May 13, 2011
RICHARDSON, Jack Arnold – The family of Jack Richardson is saddened to announce the passing of their husband, father and grandfather on Friday, May 13. Married for over 60 years to his beloved Shirley, Jack is also survived by his children Brook, Tracy, Garth and Kelly. Sadly he and Shirley lost their eldest son Craig in 2009. Jack loved his grandchildren Jesse, Ben, Jazzmin, Lauren, Samantha, Leslie, Paul, Devon and Shaun. He is also survived by his sister Shirley and nephews Mark, Daryl, Scott and Kevin. Jack was a legendary figure in the Canadian and international music industry and in a variety of roles. He started as a double bass player playing with Toronto orchestras in the 1940’s. In 1960 he joined McCann Erickson as an account executive for radio and television where he worked with Canadian artists such as Bobby Curtola, David Clayton-Thomas, Chilliwack, and of course, the Guess Who. When Jack left to co-found the music production company, Nimbus 9 Productions, the first act he signed was the Guess Who. Together, Jack and the band stormed up the charts with one hit after another. Jack worked with a diverse who’s who in the music business including Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Michael Boltin, Badfinger, Max Webster, Rough Trade, Canadian Brass and The Irish Rovers. In 1985, Jack entered the world of academia without leaving his music legacy. Jack began teaching the next generation of great record producers as an educator in the department of Music Industry Arts at London’s Fanshawe College. He remained there until his retirement in 2007 but continued to work on independent projects. Jack won many awards over the course of his long and colourful career. He received 38 gold and platinum awards for his work as a producer. He won the Juno’s Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award and in 2002, the Juno for Producer of the Year was renamed in his honour. Jack was a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and a winner of SOCAN’s special achievement award. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2003. The family would like to deeply thank Dr. David Massel and the dedicated medical team at University Hospital’s London Health Sciences Centre, and the wonderful staff and residents at Amica. Funeral services will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London on Thursday, May 19 at 2 p.m. If you wish to honour Jack’s memory and help the music live on, you can make a donation to the annual Jack Richardson Music Awards (www.jrma.ca), which are given to support local artists in London.
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Very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I think of him often with a smile and laughter remembering the McCann, Nimbus and Ben McPeek days. Unfortunately I cannot attend the funeral but will of course make a donation to the Music Awards. All the best Bev
I will never forget Jack...I met him when I was only 17 yrs. old. and he took me under his wing, and taught me so many valuable lessons about music, and life. He was an amazing man! I Loved him very much, as i do his wife Shirley! I will never forget the many conversations we had in person, and on the phone. I Love you Jack...Everytime I hear one of your songs on the radio...I get chills, and think of how lucky I was to have ever met you! We will never find another like you! xo
I grew up next door to the Richardson's and they were an extension to my family. We spent every Christmas Eve together and those are memories that I will cherish forever. Jack was wonderful man and the entire family were always good to me. Shirley, Kelly, Garth, Tracy, and Brooke. Thank you for contributing to my childhood. Jack, you will be missed. Howard
Thanks for all the great memories Jack. Gary still remembers you taking him and Craig to see the Lone Ranger when he was 7. Lynne remembers the family picnics we had together. Rick always thought you were an awsome bass player and idolized you when he was a kid because you were such a unique person and a fun guy. That's how far our families go back. You will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to the family and our love to Shirley. From Gary, Rick and Lynne The O'Connor Family
Dear Mrs. Richardson, Brook, Tracy, Garth and Kelly, Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Jack and your wonderful family touched many people over the years and I am one of them . I know my life is better for having know Jack and for growing up as a friend of Garth's. I have thought of you often over the years and my love and prayers are with you now. Jack will never to be forgotten. Maureen
Our family sends our prayers for your talented husband, father and grandfather. My father Garnet Richardson of Hamilton is Jack's first cousin. Jack's father Arnold and his father William were brothers. My father is now 86 and always spoke kindly of Jack's father Arnold. My father always spoke of a cousin who was "high up" in the music field and once worked for the CBC. So it is with sadness that we send our condolences. Susan Olinski
My condolences Tracy to you and your family on the loss of your father. He like my own was a musical genius and I know how much music touches everyones hearts, and in this way he will live on forever. I know although this time is very difficult you can be so proud of the amazing legacy he has left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless, Jen
To the Richardson Family I am one of probably thousands of people whose music and life was made better because of Jack and the students and colleagues that he worked with. His talent, humility, good humour and honesty set a standard that many of us strive for. I regret that I will not be able to travel to the funeral but I have contributed to the Jack Richardson Memorial Donation. My condolences to all of you for your loss. Please know that the memories of Jack's wonderful life will live in all our hearts forever. Amin Bhatia
(Donated to Jack Richardson Music Awards)
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Dear Mrs. Richardson,Brook, Tracy, Garth and Kelly, I'm so sorry for your loss, I've thought about you and your families alot over the years and would love to see you again. I heard about Craig's passing and was very sad to hear about that. I'll keep you in my heart and prayers. Best regards, Kathi White Riley
~ Kathi White Riley