Obituary of Jack Sebeslav

Sebeslav, John (Jack) Patrick 1938 †" 2007 As his Journey here on earth ends, now begins his journey with the Lord. It is with profound sadness that his family announces the passing, with grace and dignity, of Jack Sebeslav on Saturday December 15 2007, after a defiant summer with cancer. A loving father, devoted husband and fun spirited gentleman, Jack leaves behind his wife and devoted partner , Paddy Fuss, his children Jackie (Doug) Clendening, Judy (Kelvin) Williamson, Cathy Jo (Alan) Swanson and Ryan Fuss. Jack was an inspiration and fun witted Poppy to Kate, Alex, Stephanie, John, Craig, Scott and Heather. As kindred spirits, Jack was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Patricia (Keating) and sister Joanne. Jack also leaves his brother Mark (Diane) Sebeslav. He was brother-in-law to Peggy Artt, Jimmy and Joanne Artt, Timmy and Heidi Artt, Penny and Jim Hogan, Eileen and Art Warburton, Lynda and Bob Muss, Bruce and Cherie Race and Barry and Judy Cullen. Jack was a creative spark who brought a smile to the face of everyone he met. His journey through life began in St. Catharines, born to Catherine and William Sebeslav. Jack was fortunate enough to inherit his father†™s natural artistic and creative talents. As a young man Jack found his first love Pat and following their wedding in 1961, Jack and Pat†™s life took them to Montreal and Oakville, returning to hometown St. Catharines to raise their family and quickly re-established themselves in the city. Jack was a member of St. Catharines Rotary Club, winning the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2005; Chairman of St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce Tourist Committee, and in 1984 was elected Chairman of Tourism Ontario. He was General Manager of the St. Catharines Club, and brought the marina to the Beacon Motor Inn. He was also the General Manager of the Hamilton Club. Over the past few years he entertained tourists to the Niagara area with his love of life, food, and wine, working with Niagara Wine Tours International. Jack was a proud supporter of Niagara wines including a stint as manager of the Niagara Grape and Wine festival. In 2002, Jack and Paddy married and moved to Ridgeway. Together they shared their love of life, family and a Christian faith. Jack†™s spirit was never dulled and over the past few years he took every opportunity to play golf with his Wednesday golf group. Jack experienced a once in a lifetime trip to Price Edward Island with three of his life long buddies Ed, Peter and Ed. Each year, for the past fifty years, the fearsome foursome played the †œColonia Closed†� in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This past spring he also enjoyed two golf trips to South Carolina. To know him was to love him. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., with visitation on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Jack†™s life will be held Thursday, December 20, 2007 at St. Denis Church, Lake Street, at 10:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the St. Catharines General Hospital †" Cancer Centre.