Obituary of Jack McMillan Southcott
Jack McMillan Southcott
Our beloved Jack chose to accept his ancestors’ invitation to cross over, peacefully on the evening of Thursday October 28 at Arbour Heights Long Term Care Home in Kingston Ontario. His 90 years of cherished inspiration will be remembered by his devoted spouse Donna Jane Marie Southcott (nee McDonald); daughters Ann, Lynn, and Mary Jane; sons-in-law Brian, Jim, and Scott; grandchildren Christie and husband Henry, Ben, Danielle, Mitch, Megan, Michelle, Eric and wife Renée; great grand children Elena, Harry, and Paige Graham; as well as his brother Jim and sister-in-law Jackie Southcott.
Born in Morpeth Ontario, first son of the Reverend Robert Earl and Jean Southcott, Jack grew up enjoying the beauty of rural communities in Southern Ontario. Graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, Jack spent 37 and a half years making a difference with London Life, one of Canada’s leading insurance companies at the time. Originally working in London Ontario, he moved his burgeoning family with every promotion spending a few years in Toronto, Halifax, and Chatham before retiring in Ottawa after 18 years as the London Life Ottawa Regional Mortgage Development Branch Manager.
In 1969 Jack, along with brother Jim and his two cousins Robert and Don Southcott, took over as shareholders and directors developing the magnificent enclave community of Southcott Pines along the shores of Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Ontario. A talented athlete, in his spare time Jack enjoyed both golf and curling, becoming exceptionally proficient in both arenas. On the fairways and curling sheets in every city he lived, Jack made many lifelong friends. Ever curious, after retirement Jack and his beloved Donna travelled the world investigating the wonders of Central America, Europe, and even Japan! When not jet setting, Jack could be found quietly volunteering with several charitable organizations in his community.
His family and friends will best remember Jack for his dependable quiet strength, selfless loving nature, and as the man who taught us all the profound importance of family. Jack was happiest when surrounded by his adoring extended family during holidays at his home in Southcott Pines. The image of him seated at the head of a full dinner table, arms crossed, stating sincerely and without fail how “ that was the best dinner I’ve ever had, we are truly blessed!”, will be forever indelibly stamped in the memories of his clan.
A special thank you to the staff at Arbour Heights Long Term Care Home for all your tender efforts caring for Jack while in residence.
Friends will be received at the James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10:00 am – 10:50 am followed by a service celebrating Jack’s life in the chapel at 11:00 am. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the ceremony at the Donald Gordon Centre, 421 Union St., Kingston K7L 3N6. RSVP’s for the attendance of the service may be at the James Reid Funeral Home, 613-544-3411 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. Due to current Covid protocols all attendees of the visitation, ceremony and reception must show proof of double vaccination and personal ID before entry and masks are mandatory. For those who cannot attend the service please use this livestream link LIVESTREAM LINK
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Huron Shores United Church in Grand Bend, Ontario (donation link), or your local Salvation Army (donation link).
