John D. DeSaulniers
'Jack'
1947 - 2016
DeSaulniers, John David 'Jack' - Age 68, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2016 in his hometown of Parrsboro with his family by his side. Born in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of the late Fred and Amy (Constable) DeSaulniers. He was predeceased by his wife, Heather (Cochrane) DeSaulniers. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Walton (Bliss), Parrsboro; Marsha (Jason), Moncton; a son, Michael (Trish), Halifax; sisters, Nancy Hicks (Bob), Fredericton; Dawn Colpitts (Bev), Notre Dame; brothers, Rick, Fredericton; Fred (special friend, Carmel), South Oromocto Lake; 4 grandchildren, Brooke and Jasmine Walton; Jordan and Jonas O’Neill.
EARLY DAYS
Jack was raised in Marrysville or otherwise known as the 'The Ville'. Jack was
known as 'Jackie' by his family and around 'The Ville'. His fondest memories
were made on River Street. He spent his time playing at Pine Grove, swimming at
Millbrook or in the Nashwaak 'Sandy Beach'. Legend has it that Jack named the
still present ‘Davey Crockett Mountain’. He was a great dancer and somewhat of a
heart throb in his youth; girls would line up for their chance to share a dance
with him on his front porch. His ability to shake a leg and his love of music
surely inspired him to pick up the guitar in his teens. During this time in 'The
Ville', Jack had his first encounters with Grand Lake (outside of Fredericton)
and fell in love with the place. That love and admiration stayed with him his
entire life.
NAVY YEARS
Jack’s yearn for adventure called and he joined the Navy in 1966 in his late
teens as a sonar operator. He would serve his country for almost 6 years. He was
posted on the HMCS Saguenay for 5 years. He traveled the seas extensively and
had the opportunity to visit some unique countries such as: Denmark, France, UK,
Bermuda, United States, and more. Jack played in a band in the Navy throughout
his career. In fact, his navy band was once viewed across Canada on the CBC
television station. Unfortunately, Jack experienced some tragic and difficult
times as well during his service. During standard naval exercises in 1969 near
England with a fleet that included HMCS Kootenay and the Saguenay, the Kootenay
gear box exploded and a fire ensued. This was the worst peacetime disaster in
the Navy’s history. Nine Sailors lost their lives and 53 were injured. The
Saguenay and Boneventure ships of the fleet responded to the distress calls of
the injured Kootenay and assisted by airlifting supplies and personnel. The Navy
also is how he met his wife, Heather (Cochrane) DeSaulniers and how family
became part of his life. For Jack, his choice to leave the adventure and travel
behind was simple; his daughter Michelle.
LATER YEARS/PROFESSION
From this point forward, Jack continued with his passion for music and his
likeable personality provided him a successful award winning career in sales.
Jack was a phenomenal guitar player. He played from his heart and soul. Being a
modest man, he would never elaborate on his musical accomplishments. For anyone
who did not know his talent, please note the highlights Jack’s career:
* Played guitar for 49 years
* Played professionally for 25 years
* Some of the bands he belonged to were JD and the Jesters, Moleweed, Frisky, and Me & The Boys with the famous Strat Brothers
* Played all over New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, in Montreal, Toronto, Bermuda, Nice, Denmark and more
* Played in backing bands for the following recording artists: Dave Dudley (Six Days on the Road); Smiley Bates; Norma Gale; Joe Murphy; Scott MacMillan; Bobby Bauer; Cliff Jewell and many more
Jack once had a chance to go to Nashville and play professionally but turned down the offer once again choosing to be with his family. In his later years, Jack lost use of his arm after a stroke in 2005 and thought he would never play again. His will and determination allowed him to play again 5 years later. His son encouraged him to pick up guitar and record some fun demos together. He would play off and on at home on his baby fender telecaster until he was hospitalized in March of 2016. For those who knew Jack in Parrsboro, Jack was never seen without his trusty sidekick, companion and best friend, Scooby. Jack was able to share 15 years with Scoob. He always made people smile when he would cruise down Main Street on his scooter with Scooby on board!
CONCLUSION
Many people live everyday wondering what their purpose is in life or what they
may leave behind? Well Jack loved music and referenced this particular phrase of
lyrics on his wall at one time among many others: “And in the end, the love you
take is equal to the love you make” –The Beatles - We believe this is so
true in life and in Jack’s case. The love for Jack was evident every day with
family never leaving his side while he fought to live every day. The daily
wishes and words of encouragement through cards and social media. The love he
had and for his family was indescribable. The love for him will live on for the
rest of time. Dad left behind three children and four beautiful and talented
grandchildren to live a valuable and meaningful life of their own. His light
will shine on. If he taught us anything, it was over the time he fought cancer.
He never turned away from the fight. He courageously faced each and every
challenge with no fear. With every test, scan, invasive procedure, medication,
or machine thrown his way he would simply say, “I am ready, let’s do it”. All he
ever wanted was to be home with his guitar, music and his best pal, Scoob. The
lesson we learned is to never give up on life. EACH and every SINGLE day is a
gift and to live it to the fullest. To enjoy the simple pleasures of life such
as laughter, music, family time, a good meal and to just be. After watching his
fight, we realize that the problems we think are big, are not that big at all.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan, the QEII Health Sciences Centre (Infirmary), Halifax, and the South Cumberland Community Care Centre, Parrsboro for their compassionate and dedicated care.
The family would like to extend an open invitation for a gathering to celebrate Jack's life at St. Brigid's Catholic Church Hall in Parrsboro at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2016. A private graveside service will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to either of the following organizations:
Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research
https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/braincancerresearch
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
