Jack Edward Chessman

Born in Toronto, Ontario on January 27, 1929, Jack died peacefully, with family at his side, at Westmount Gardens, in London, Ontario on April 12, 2024. He was the cherished only child of Lily May Mitchell from Millbrook, Ontario and William Edward Chessman of Patrington, England.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Eula Chessman (née Selby). He was the father of five children, all of whom seem to have inherited his white hair … Susan (Don Dittmer), Nancy (John Davidson), Gary, Tom (Mary Aymar) and Patti (Michael Cupit). He leaves 15 grandchildren: Brian (Michelle), Mark (Livia), Jeff (Sophia), Heather, Peter (Brittany), Duncan (Holly), Alexandra, Leo, Lindsey, Rachel, Rebecca (Stefan), Kelly, Jack, Sarah and Matthew and 8.5 great-grandchildren. They will miss his genuine interest in their lives.

Jack attended Oakwood Collegiate. In his senior year, he was on the football team which won the city championship with a perfect record. He enjoyed many sports, especially fishing and curling. Jack remained active well into his late eighties.

His career started in the mail room and ended in the executive suite. Thor Washing Machines took Jack and Eula to Calgary, Alberta where they lived for several years. They loved the mountains and introduced the family to the joys of camping and fishing.

Jack’s career in Sales and Marketing took the family back to Ontario, to London and Lorne Park. It was on Woodeden Drive that a group of neighbours known as the Woodeden Wanderers formed a fast friendship that lasts to this day. There are many tales of high jinks and silly fun from those times. Dad led neighbourhood parades and had a regular gig as Gabriel in the church Christmas pageant.

Dad was very much a family man, playing with us kids when he wasn’t travelling. He taught us to ski, ride bikes and play hockey. He loved the cottage on Galla Lake and revelled in life there with endless games of horseshoes and Rummoli, bonfires, fishing and other water fun. Dad loved the early mornings on the lake with a fishing rod in one hand. He taught us the value of caring for and repairing our things, working hard and getting an education.

Dad would often share insights from his business day with us at the dinner table. There would be little gems like “keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.” He taught us the value of a smile and a handshake.

In 1971, the family moved to Stratford when Dad joined Samsonite and began his work with Lego Canada also. He was a very successful business man with terrific leadership skills. He was devoted to the Lego family worldwide. He and mom loved the travel and friendships made throughout those times. He developed a passion for all things Danish, especially Gammel Dansk and herring. In retirement, Jack and Eula spent many happy years enjoying their life in the countryside near Pontypool.

A loving and supportive husband, Dad and grandfather to the end. He told Mom he loved her every day. Kindness and concern for others permeated his life.

Many thanks to the staff at Westmount Gardens for their compassionate care for Dad as his life diminished.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday April 20, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Visitation will be followed by a service and reception.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Dad through a charity of your choice or one that reminds you of him.