Jack Barker

May 30, 1925 - July 2, 2023
In loving memory ~
Jack was a husband to Irene, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather, he was a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot in WWII and a visionary.
Jack was drawn to move to Blind Bay in 1971 when he was presented with the opportunity to develop a piece of land that was basically trees, a log building and a couple of gravel roads. His vision took this piece of land and made it into the residential development of Shuswap Lake Estates that you know today.
Shuswap Lake Estates was often termed as Jack's playground. He loved every minute creating, developing and building the many amenities of Shuswap Lake Estates, the residential lots, the golf course, the marina, the top-of-the-line water and sewer system, tennis courts, pickleball courts and the community spirit. His mind never stopped thinking about what would work best for Shuswap Lake Estates. He was always working, celebrating, travelling or building something new.
Jack was very proud of Shuswap Lake Estates and was known for his lengthy tours lasting anywhere from an hour to 3 hours. He would drive his Mercedes in some rough terrain during various developmental stages. Many would say "There goes Jack in his ATV Mercedes." Touring the development was one of his great joys in life, he continued to go on daily tours right up to the last week of his life.
Jack was only 17. when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and became a pilot, mostly stationed in India flying supplies into Burma. The experience had a huge impact on this farm boy from Spy Hill Saskatchewan and he loved to talk about his many war stories including once flying into a monsoon. He was recognized as a highly qualified pilot and was given special papers that allowed him to fly even during "no fly weather". He was loyal to his squadron and along with Irene continued to travel to many squadron reunions in various parts of the world.
In 2015 Jack was honoured with a medal and ceremony in Ottawa along with other members of the armed forces who served in Burma and Hong Kong areas.
He loved to travel and together with Irene visited over 30 countries. He worked hard and he played hard always driven to learn more, to be more, to see more, he had a thirst for living to the fullest. He believed there was no such word as "can't".
Jack was a dedicated family man. He loved family get-togethers and was instrumental in gathering everyone together for many family occasions. Jack and Irene had 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Linda (Harvey) Darren, Ryan, Jon, Cara, Heather; Gail (deceased); Darlene (John) Deidre, Tyron, Kristen; Terry (Lois) Cory, Danniele, Debbie (Erik) Sara, Jeremy; Brenda, Jody, Jenny, Kassondra, Randy; Wendy (Burke) Brandon, Ashlee; Pat (Mark) Tyler, Trevor. And many step-grandchildren. Jack and Irene chose to fly each family to their winter home in Phoenix and travel in a motor home to Disneyland, Universal Studios and Mexico. Each grandchild has many fond memories of their trip with Grandma and Grandpa.
Jack accomplished a lot in his life, he was one of a kind, he was determined, and dedicated to what he believed. He always said he wanted to have the song I Did It My Way played at his funeral and we can all say that yes "He did it his way" and what an amazing way that turned out to be.
Thank you, Dad, for doing it your way.
Celebration of Life will be August 12 at 2 pm at Shuswap Lake Estates Community Hall.
Condolences and memories of Jack can be shared through his obituary at
www.fischersfuneralservices.com