For those who dont read the Gazette: Long-time Peace River resident Jim Hackett passed away peacefully on January 18, 2015. He was 87 years old. Jim was a very fortunate man; life gifted him with the opportunity to travel, to know great love, and to raise a wonderful family. He was a very social man; he always had kind words and stories for everyone he met, and often held up lines while shopping while he flirted with the cashiers. He had a deep, booming voice and a twinkle in his eye; despite a serious expression on his face, Jim was almost always up for some mischief, most of which involved sneaking snacks with his granddaughter, Teena Marie. As a teenager, Jim was a part of the Canadian Sea Cadet League, and with them traveled by ship to the United Kingdom shortly after the end of the Second World War. The guidance he received and discipline that he learned in the Cadet Program stayed with him throughout his life. He was a true gentleman, and always put the needs of others ahead of his own, especially the ladies in his life. Opening doors, pulling out chairs, ceding his place in line, taking jackets; these were all core qualities of Jim’s. While many were intimidated by his size, he was a gentle giant, with a huge heart and overwhelming warmth. His passions included working in his garden, crafting furniture in his shop, reading Western novels, and both playing and watching golf and baseball. He always grew more in his gardens than he and his family could ever eat, and was known to give large amounts to his friends and neighbours. In his youth, he was an avid baseball player, which led him into coaching for many years. While he was an admitted Toronto Blue Jays fan to the end, Jim would watch any game that was on, spending many a summer day grumbling at players and umpires alike. More than anything, Jim valued hard work and family. He married the great love of his life, Katharina “Teena” DeJong, in 1951, and in 1953 they welcomed their son, James “Bryan” Bryan Hackett (Jr). He worked hard to provide the very best life for his family, and when he wasn’t working, he made sure to spend true quality time with those he loved. In the 1970s, Jim’s parents, Albert and Odessa, moved to Peace River. Jim and Teena soon followed, and not long after, Bryan and his wife Kathryn “Kathy” Delorey came north as well to settle and raise their family. Jim went on to manage the Peace River branch of Scott National for many years until his retirement. Even after he retired, however, Jim could be found working odd jobs around town, his need to socialize and keep busy overcoming the opportunity to relax that he had earned. He was a pillar of strength to his family. He was always willing to lend a hand, to help in any way that he could. He had the ability to give comfort with no more than his presence; no matter how tough things were, if Jim was there it was a guarantee that everyone would come through still on their feet. Jim will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many, but rather than shed tears, he always hoped that people would celebrate the long, rich life that he led, and take comfort in knowing that he was at peace, and back with his beloved wife. Jim was predeceased his parents, Albert and Odessa, his brothers Albert and William, and by his wife, Teena. He leaves behind his younger brother, Dale (Charlotte) Hackett of El Cajon, California; his son, Bryan (Kathy) Hackett of Peace River, Alberta; his grandson, Arthur Hickford of Edmonton, Alberta; his granddaughter, Teena (Lee) Vickery and his great-grandson, Felix Vickery of Peace River, Alberta. As per his wishes, no services will be held. Anyone wishing to honour his memory is asked to make a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 22:22:21 +0000
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