Jack Wilson

John (Jack) Robertson Wilson

Jack (or Slim as he was affectionately known by most) peacefully and surrounded by his family, passed away at the age of 84 on September 1st, 2023.

He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Marg, his children Jackie (Garry) McMannis, Gary (Pam) Wilson, Shelly (Darin) Metcalf;  grandchildren Jason (Kaitlyn) McMannis, Cara (Dylan) McAteer, Carli (Jack) Josephson, Justin Metcalf (Megan Rathwell), Devon Wilson (Daira Dymond), Kenzie Wilson (Nathaniel DeGraeve) and Great Grandchildren Xander and Sophia Josephson, and Landon McAteer.

He is also survived by his twin sister Nancy (Ron) Kapicki and brother Brian (Lynn) Wilson; sisters-in-law Lorna Warren, Judy (Nev) Cochrane, Pat (Ron) Poitras, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Ethel, parents-in-law Lorne and Doris Moysey, his infant granddaughter Lana McMannis, sister-in-law Maxine Mannens, nephew Rick Warren and brother-in-law Bud Warren.

Dad was born on December 12th, 1938 to Bill and Ethel Wilson.  He was raised on the homestead along with his siblings Nancy and Brian, attending Rathwell school in his early years. After graduating from Treherne High School, Jack attended the University of Manitoba obtaining his Agriculture Diploma.  Following this, he took over the family farm and on October 12, 1963 married the love of his life Margaret Moysey (they would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this October). It was there they raised three children, Jackie, Gary and Shelly.  Farming became his true passion, something he would have done a lot longer had it not been for health issues.  He really did love being on the land.

Dad had many titles in his life, from farmer to community man to carpenter.  He was a talented wood worker and created many treasured keepsakes with his skills.  In 1977 he built the cabin in Killarney, a place that has seen a lot of fun, great times, and the odd campfire that went a little too late.  It really is everyone’s happy place and will be Jack’s legacy for generations to come.

In his later years he and Mom (generally under Marg’s orders) spent hours in the shop, Dad building and Mom painting.  Their creations included dollhouses, barns, rocking chairs, desks, tables….the list goes on…for his children and grandchildren; special mementos they will always treasure, some of which have already been passed down to his great grandchildren.

Jack was also into sports, playing hockey, baseball and curling in Rathwell and surrounding communities.  Ball tournaments and curling bonspiels were squeezed in between farming as often as possible.  “Slippery Slim Wilson” was an original Rathwell Racoon and was even pulled out of retirement a few times to play with the alumni.

Jack was hard working, and was always there for everyone: family, neighbours, friends, whoever needed a helping hand.  He loved his family dearly and cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He deeply adored Marg and she was always his rock.

Despite a very difficult year following a stroke, Dad battled on and still had the ability to make others smile.  He loved to crack jokes, sip on the occasional rye press, and visit with family, friends, residents, and staff (who we are all tremendously grateful for) at the Foyer. 

Our family would like to thank everyone for their support and love during this trying year.  Special shout out to Jo Ann Jamault for all the extra care and love she gave Slim and Mom.

A private family service will be held at a later date. A Video Tribute in honor of Jack's life will be posted. 

Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Woodlands Cemetery, Box 471 Treherne, MB  R0G 2V0  or to the Notre Dame Foyer,  Southern Health Box 190 Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB  R0G 1M0.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Wilson, please visit our floral store.