Jack Whidden Hart of Guysborough, N.S. passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with lung cancer and COPD. As with all challenges in Jack’s life he handled his illness with grace and dignity. He was born on November 10, 1946, in Guysborough, N.S., the sixth of ten children, born to the Earle and Elma Jean (Whidden) Hart.
From a young age, Jack’s adventurous spirit and independent nature set the course for his life. He spent much of his childhood on the Whidden family farm in Lower Onslow, N.S., then moved home to Boylston to attend Grade 6. Due to the untimely death of his mother in 1959, Dad’s next adventure, only after being home for a year, took him to Northern Alberta where he lived with his homesteading Uncle until 1964. It was here, living in a very modest home, without electricity or running water, and working on the farm that he learned many life lessons about sacrifice and work ethic.
In December 1964 Jack drove back home to Nova Scotia where he would join four of his older brothers working at Nova Scotia Armature Works in Halifax. In 1974 Jack finally made it back home to Guysborough driving in style in his prized 1969 Plymouth GTX convertible. Together, he and his wife Jeanie built their family home overlooking the harbour where he never tired of the view. It was here that he embarked on a 16-year career as an educator at Guysborough Municipal High School within the Intermediate Industrial Program. This was a job he loved and was devoted to. He believed that each student had their own individual talents and strengths and that programs such as his allowed them opportunities that otherwise may not be available. Over the years many former students expressed their gratitude for Jack’s genuine care and guidance.
Jack was guided through life by a strong moral compass, humble nature, and steady demeanor that not only created a loyal friend to those that were lucky to call him such, but an admirable role model to those that he influenced. An active volunteer member in his community, Jack was a member of the Guysborough Lions Club, Guysborough Volunteer Fire Dept., and the Guysborough Waterfront Society. He also volunteered his time at the local food bank. An avid bridge player and sports fan, he belonged to the Chedabucto Curling Club and the Belmont/Osprey Shores Golf Club. He spent many years also volunteering his time as "official scorekeeper" for various Guysborough fastpitch teams.
Jack was a loyal and dedicated family man who took great pride in the family he and Jeanie created. This love also extended to the Long family. In particular, he cared deeply for his mother-in-law, Annabelle. Jack faithfully enjoyed his nightly visits with her, and together they would watch Jeopardy and share some laughs. Jack was a proud uncle of many nieces and nephews who often sought out his guidance and knew his love. Besides his family, Jack’s other true loves were cheering for the Blue Jays, cooking and sharing his culinary creations, and travelling - including trips across Canada, Europe and South America. Jack loved all animals, especially dogs, as was evident by the treats in his pocket.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jeanie; his sons, Derek (Stephanie) and Wade (Shannon); and his beloved grandchildren, of whom he fiercely loved and was so proud: Olivia, Emily, Mason, Avery, and Landon. Also survived by siblings, Audrey MacPherson (Sydney), Kevin Hart (Brenda); sisters-in-law, Marcia Connolly (David) and Carmel Long; and brother-in-law, Arnold Long (Debbie).
Many whom Dad loved and cherished have gone before him, including his parents, Earle and Elma Jean (Whidden) Hart; siblings, David, Eric, Robert, Gerald, Hazen, Diane, and Donna; father-in-law, Joseph Long; mother-in-law, Annabelle Long; and brother-in-law, Edward Long.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the nurses and doctors at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, St. Martha’s Oncology Department, Guysborough Memorial Hospital, Guysborough Medical Clinic, Guysborough Pharmacy, and Guysborough Continuing Care and Palliative Care and all administrative staff for the care and devotion to Jack.
Funeral Service to be held at the Boylston United Church on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:00 am followed by a reception at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex, Guysborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boylston United Church or the Guysborough Hospital Auxiliary.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com