John Peter Mark "Jack" Meyers, 91, of North York, Ontario, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 31st. Jack's enduring legacy is one of creativity, family, and a commitment to enriching the lives of those around him.

Early Life and Education

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on November 12, 1932, to Mary Ida Meyers, a school teacher, and Herbert Samuel Meyers, a carpenter, he was the second of three children. Growing up across the prairies of Western Canada, Jack's childhood was marked by a profound passion for building, a craft inspired by his father, and a love for learning, fueled by his mother's role as both educator and parent.

Jack's education was in one-room schoolhouses with his mother as his teacher, and he attended high school and university in Brandon, Manitoba. Jack studied food science at Brandon College, where he met Joan Marguerite, his wife of nearly 69 years. Together, they created a foundation for a family rooted in love, learning, and a shared journey through life's adventures.

Career

Embarking on a career that transitioned from food chemist and salesperson at Brandon Packers to Sales Representative at Stange in Toronto, Ontario, in 1963, and eventually President of Stange and CEO of McCormick Foods Canada, Jack was known for being straightforward, hard-working, and creative. He played a pivotal role in securing Kentucky Fried Chicken's business and was the inventive mind behind the iconic Montreal Steak Spice. Another testament to his creativity and determination was his successful initiative to introduce mustard seed cultivation to Canada. Jack retired in 1989, leaving a lasting impact on the food industry. Following retirement, he and Joan purchased a wonderful cottage in Lake of Bays in 1993, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their life.

Personal Life

Jack's creativity and resourcefulness extended beyond his professional achievements to his personal passions. A serial renovator and gifted horticulturist, together with Joan, he transformed homes and gardens in Oakville, Baysville, and Thornton, Ontario. His woodworking skills were lovingly applied to crafting unique toy chests for each grandchild, a tangible legacy of his love. He also immersed himself in a major passion: Daylily hybridization. He developed new varieties, including one named and registered daylily variety for each family member, showcasing Jack's legacy in their gardens.

Family and Community Involvement

From family camping trips to building projects to travelling, Jack loved being with his family and was always able and willing to assist any of us with projects or join us in our adventures.

Every year, he and Joan took on hosting all the grandchildren at the cottage for the July 1 long weekend, creating lasting memories and family bonds.

Alongside his dedication to family, Jack's commitment to the community was evident through his leadership roles in the Canadian Institute of Food Science and the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). Jack and Joan led IUFoST for a number of years from their home office and travelled in that capacity to many corners of the earth. Jack's contributions to his local community were instrumental in launching a waterfront festival in Oakville. In 1992 he received the Governor General's Medal of Honour for his work. These efforts highlighted his passion for giving back and making a difference beyond his immediate circle.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, his sister Fay, four children, including David (Arti), Christopher (Yolanda), Karen (Joe) LeBlanc, and Peter (Danielle), his adored grandchildren, Ryan (Amelia), Kailey (John), Geoffrey (Kelley), Andrew, Suzanne (Jeff), Simon (Natalie), Riley (Jacqueline), and Brooke, and great-grandchildren Lillian, Jack, Dorothy, Lexi, and Mia.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Ida Meyers, brother Earl, grandson-in-law Josh Remigio, and granddaughter Alyssa Meyers.

He was a central figure in all their lives, celebrated for his humour, warm hugs, and rock-solid support.

Service Details

Join our family for stories and fond remembrances of Jack, followed by an informal lunch reception. The celebration of life to honour Jack will be held at 12:00 pm noon, Thursday, April 25th, at St. Paul's United Church - 454 Rebecca St, Oakville, ON L6K 1K7.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate in Jack Meyers' name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or your preferred charity.