Obituary of John Murray "Jack" Amos
Jack Amos (November 17, 1937, December 29, 2023)
Beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, husband and friend died on Friday, December 29, 2023.
While with us for 86 years, Jack’s fierce loyalty and love of family, friends and farming touched all who knew him. Most especially his children and grandchildren, David (Daniela) Amos, Kathy Roche, Steven (Alissa) Amos, and grandchildren Molly, Megan, Quinn and Sara. Jack will be greatly missed by his brother Gordon Amos, sister-in-law Mary, sister Jean Adams, brother-in-law Jerry Smith, friend Sharlene Godwin, ex-wife and good friend Gail Amos, and dog Maggie. Jack was predeceased by five sisters: Dorothy Robertson, Joyce Green, Fran Adornetto, Beatrice Green, and Marg Smith.
His love of farming and being on and off the land resonated in all aspects of his life and relationships. He often said farming was the best occupation in the world. He was still farming and living on the farm until the end. He passed on the pride of an honest day’s work and a job done well to his two sons and daughter. David, who farmed with Jack, Steven, a railroad engineer in Cranbrook, and Kathy, a designer in Calgary, all bring the same passion to their work and a deep love of the outdoors.
Jack was well known as a good farmer, taking great pride in being first in the fields in spring and coming alive in Harvest. His advice was often sought by his sons and neighbours. As he watched David combine this past Harvest, he commented that he had never seen such a beautiful crop. As much as Jack loved farming, Jack also loved gathering with family and friends to eat good roast beef, play cards and tell stories. He was a great storyteller and would entertain with hunting pursuits, bar fights, fish who got away, moose sightings and local politics. He had many adventures in his lifetime, was a polio survivor at 13, and worked the oil rigs for over a decade in northern Canada and Sable Island with his brother Gordon in his 20’s.
He bought the home farm with Gordon in 1957. He evolved the farm strategically over his lifetime with cattle and grain operations. Notably, he loved all animals but especially horses, and driving a team held a special place in his soul. In his final days, he told stories of the various horses he had in his lifetime, with Dainty, Drifter and Flash among his favourites.
This past month has been difficult and filled with heartache and sadness as his diagnosis and illness progressed rapidly. However, we are so grateful for the time together spent with family and friends; he was surrounded by so much love. The adventure continues – rest now, Dad.
A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the farm on July 6, 2024. Please, no flowers; while the intent is appreciated, you can pay tribute to Jack by driving through the fields, casting a line in your favourite fishing hole, listening to a Johnny Cash song, watching a John Wayne movie, or enjoying an excellent curling end. He was a man of great character who lived life fully and will be deeply missed.
