Jack Woodbury (1928-2017)

Jack was a great contributor to Manitoba chess; we'll have more here later as we compile his achievements.  He will be missed.

http://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-242252/WOODBURY_%20JOHN

JOHN CHARLES WOODBURY In the loving arms of his family, John Charles Woodbury of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2017 at Lions Manor, 320 Sherbrook.

Jack was born in Winnipeg to Ernest and Florence Woodbury on March 9, 1928.  For Jack's children, his wistful tales of growing up in the West End made Winnipeg seem an extraordinary place, truly a home like no other. After graduating from Gordon Bell High School, Jack attended the University of Manitoba, obtaining a BA Honours in English Literature in 1950. It was during this time that he met his singularly adored, Gertrude Ruth Hirt. In the quick of a love that would last a lifetime, they married in 1951 and moved to Ontario, where Jack earned an MA in English from the University of Toronto. He began his teaching career at the University of Waterloo in the mid 1950s, later securing a professorship at the University of Manitoba where he remained until retiring in 1993. He garnered much fulfillment through his students, many of whom went on to become well-known writers, poets, and filmmakers. Jack and Gertrude loved the outdoors and spent many summers camping across Canada. The two years they spent together in England's Lake District were particularly memorable. Chess was a lifelong passion for Jack. In retirement he was Webmaster for the Manitoba Chess Association until 2005.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gertrude, also of Lions Manor in Winnipeg. He leaves behind his children, David (Becky Barrett) and Jennifer (Steve Gouthro); his granddaughter Maia Gyles (Geordie); great-grandsons, Theo and Jasper; his sister Joan Rizi (Fabio) of Toronto, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his brothers Leonard and Frank Woodbury.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate and attentive staff at Lions Manor 2nd floor.

Cremation has taken place and Jack has asked that there be no memorial service. Instead, remember him by giving a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society (in memory of the many cats who gave him so much joy).