Jack was born Aug 31, 1944 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, the eldest of eight kids, to Charles and Helen Sullivan. Jack moved with his family to Knockholt in 1948, then into Houston when he was old enough to attend school. He had to finish his grade 11/12 in Vancouver. He was a charter member of Simon Fraser University, meaning he was one of the first to attend. Jack married Grace Moore on November 19, 1966. They were 5 months shy of celebrating their 45th anniversary. They shared a very special love during the 44 years they were together. They had three children: Kim (1969), Rod (1972), and Natalie (1976). Later they were blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren ( David, Celeste, Tyson, Austin, Taylor, Syleesta, Kahli, and Ben ).
Jack was a “Jack of all trades” He started working with his dad at a very young age at the Chevron Station. He obtained his mechanics license in 1966, where he worked with his dad at the tire shop. Later on Jack was one the owners of Sullivan Pontiac Buick (now known as Sullivan Motors) along with his dad Charles and brother Bill. After selling his shares in the dealership, he went on to try many other jobs. He sold Canada Life Insurance, furniture sales manager, maintenance for District of Houston, Truck driver at Equity Mines, operator of Shell Auto Centre, and later he owned and operated his own logging truck. In earlier years he was a bucker, an ambulance driver, guarded at the local jail. He never lost his love to sell something.
Jack was a volunteer with the Houston Fire Department. He was a long time member of the Legion, and also a charter member of the Lions Club, along with his dad (Charles) and grandad (Twain).
Jack enjoyed all types of sports, baseball, hockey, curling, hunting, fishing and golf. It became a yearly ritual with Jack to see how long he could continue to golf. He often spoke of how he was able to golf right into December the one year.
Jack was a very kindhearted man, who would give the shirt off his back. He treated everyone as an equal, and taught his children to respect others. He loved running into old friends, and had the gift of the gab. His children and grandchildren can all relate to standing and waiting down at the mall for dad/grandpa to finish meeting and greeting with everyone along the way, patiently of course. He was a man with much wisdom, and loved to share it with his grandkids. He was a walking phonebook, and never forgot a name.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Grace, daughter Kim (Craig), son Rod, daughter Natalie (Elgin). His grandchildren Tyson, Taylor, David, Celeste, Austin, Syleesta, Kahli, and Ben. His siblings Bill (Louise), Ruth (Dwayne), Wayne, Marg (Lyle), Grace (Brendan), and Dan. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, father Charles, mother Helen, brother Jim, and sister in law Kathy.
Jack loved his community, and enjoyed the time he served as councillor for the District of Houston. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. PLAY ON JACK! May your spirit continue to grow wherever you are.
Love your family
Donations can be made to The Tuberous Sclerosis Foundation online @ www.tscanada.ca/ , where you also learn more about this rare disease or pick up an envelope from Sullivan Motors. Jack’s grandson, Syleesta aged nine, has TSC. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is a multi-system genetic disorder that can cause tumours to grow in all organs of the body: brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and the skin. In some cases TSC can cause neurlogical damage causing individuals to have severe seizures, some form of disability, as well as can cause kidney failure. It was once considered a rare disorder, but now affects about one in 6-10000 persons in the population. Jack’s family wants to familiarize people with this disease, so that others can understand what these families go through daily. Helping find a cure would have been on the top of Jack’s list. It would make him happy to know that he helped to make a difference. Thank you.