JACK NICCOLLS-McDONALD

September 4, 2024

Jack Niccolls-McDonald of Rodney, formerly of Kincardine, died peacefully, Sept. 4, 2024, at the London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Campus, London, in his 76th year. Best friend of his wife, Theresa Niccolls-McDonald, whom Jack was known to say was the love of his life, and the best thing that ever happened to him, saving them both. Jack and Theresa were married in 2004 and Jack took her maiden name, giving him his double name. Loving father of Luke (Jodie), Jaclyn (John), and daughter-by-choice, Tera (Jason). Special grandfather of Kendra, Kyle, Logan, Ava, Watson, Kennedy, Trevor, Lily (Kaleb), Zachary, Nicholas, and Brooklyn; and great-grandfather of Bennett. Jack was a special and talented man. Dancing a Texas Two-Step was smooth. He could cook like a chef and experimented with spices, rubs and marinades he made up. While in the Canadian Navy, he became a golden glove boxer. For many years, he coached little league baseball, enjoying every minute. This gave way to armchair coaching the Toronto Blue Jays and spilled over to Maple Leaf hockey. Jack was involved with Scouts Canada for many years. He attended jamborees, teaching, building types of fire and how to cook on them and care for them, and wilderness survival. Growing up in Kincardine allowed him to have an early-morning paper route. He shovelled snow, cut grass, raked leaves and helped with what was needed by the many "Grandmas" - widows created by the Second World War. He worked with his dad in a commercial fishing and house-painting business. He, in turn, also had a painting business. Jack enjoyed photographing wildlife, seasonal changes and special interests. He loved woodworking to supply various types of birdhouses and feeders, also displays for the antiques throughout his home yard. While recuperating after a difficult surgery for a broken back, he took up crocheting. He had time to create many blankets and throws with exceptionally precise, even tension and perfect rows of fine yarns. Through all these experiences and raising three children, humour remained a cornerstone in his life. His memory being so sharp allowed him to share songs he enjoyed from Old Country and the 1950s, with his ability to sing just as well as the original crooners. Everyone was met with a smile and a joke for any occasion. Recollection of so many events of absolute silliness, daring and sometimes outlandish escapades with life-long friends, Frank Stark and Harvey Ross, would have you in tears of laughter. Jack worked every day, regardless of how medical issues crept up through more than 50 years, insulating new homes in his own business. There have been many workers over the years but Brandon Simpson has been his right-hand man until emergency surgeries for issues that came up because of years of acid reflux that left Jack on life support with no way to recover. Twenty years of love, laughs, hugs, kisses breezed by before we knew it. To think of Jack brings joy and smiles before the sadness of loss settles in once again. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Arn Funeral Home; www.arnfuneralhome.ca.