Obituary of John Charles Menzies

John “Jack” Charles Menzies:  October 1, 1938 – April 26, 2024

Born in Innisville, Lanark County, to Charles and Mary (nee Rathwell) Menzies, Jack was the loving husband of Retta (nee Tinslay), pre-deceased in 1993. Together they had three children; John “Scott” (Lynn Lockhart-Menzies), Jeffery and Catherine (John Boule). He was “Papa Jack” to Melissa, Brittney, Courtney, Carly, Eric, Michelle, Allison and Brent and great-grandfather to Charlotte and Maxwell. Jack’s other family members included his second mother, the late Jean Menzies (nee Douglas), his siblings, the late Margaret “Peg” Andrew (late George), the late Robert “Bob” (late Marion), Barbara Cross (late Ted), Doug (Karen), brother in-law Gerald Tinslay (late Beverley) and sister-in-law Ruth (John Cole).

As a young lad, Jack enjoyed playing all sports, especially football and hockey. His love for the latter resulted in many years of coaching in the Etobicoke Hockey Association (EHA).

Professionally, Jack was employed in the Ontario Psychiatric Hospital System for 36 years, spending the last 9 years as the Administrator of the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital. His proudest professional accomplishment was his involvement in overhauling the Mental Health Act in 1978.

Jack was a 60-year member of St. John’s Freemasonry Lodge #23 in Carleton Place, a North Bay Optimist Club member, Canadian Cancer Society board member and served on the inaugural board of the Northeast Community Care Access Centre. In 1977, he was awarded the Canadian Queen’s Silver Jubilee medal for his “worthy and devoted community service.”

Underneath his gruff exterior, one would uncover a marvelous sense of humour, an engaging storyteller, an avid angler and hunter, a smooth dancer and a fierce advocate for the chronically mentally ill.

As per Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. If desired, donations to honour Jack’s legacy may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“November 17, 1945.

Now Jackie be a good boy and do as you are told

You will never then regret it when you are growing old

You never knew a mother to guide you on the way

But you will meet in heaven on that bright and glorious day

And when we meet up yonder on the bright and shining shore

We will all be reunited and we shall part no more

           Love, Daddy “