Remembering Jack Moran
Sept 10, 1947 — May 22, 2022
Remembering Jack Moran
Sept 10, 1947 — May 22, 2022
Jack Moran's kind heart and leadership will be sadly missed by his loving wife Erica and two daughters Jodi (Martin Ritchie, and their son Linden) and Dana. He was extremely proud of his grandson!
He studied math, physics, and poker at Carleton University. His career began at the Royal Trust and Royal Bank, went on to proprietorship at United Exhaust, and finished in sales at Pronto Auto and business consulting for Merangue International. A colourful personality, he always made work fun. People will remember him for his good advice, practicality, and impish sense of humour. He wasn't afraid to discuss any topic and his interests were wide.
Residents of Ajax will remember him as a generous-spirited tutor and a pretty good 5-pin bowler. A quiet believer in God, he went out with the big storm of the May 2022 long weekend.
Jack's funeral was on 24 June 2022. You can read the eulogy given by his daughter Jodi here.
"Jack was a lovable rascal who I will surely miss. You always knew he had your back unless he was winning (in his mind) another argument."
— Jennifer Witteveen
"Jack was a really important person to me and I will always look up to him. He was full of life and I have so many happy childhood memories because of him. I used to get so excited when we would drive to visit in Ajax. When I tell the stories of Jack taking us on trips to Canada’s Wonderland and to the store to fill the grocery cart with any treats we asked for, my kids listen in amazement... what could be better?! He had a great sense of humour and often looked to create mischief... especially if you were taking yourself too seriously. He was also very playful… he liked puzzles and strategy and loved a good game of cards or trivia, or just to quiz you on finance. As an adult, he showed me how to be a good person. He always helped others. Always. I miss him very much and wish I had more time with him. I love you, Uncle Jack, my Godfather and favourite uncle. Thank you for everything."
— Tanya Halsall
"The world lost one of the kindest, most patient, and most generous men in the world the day Jack passed away. I often recount to other students the time he spent with me in elementary school, re-teaching me math as I’d almost failed out entirely. He was the first instructor to explain to me that I wasn’t stupid for not understanding things the other kids got right away, but that I needed to learn things in a slightly different way than they do. He changed my entire world in a day, and allowed me to feel a self-worth that I had never experienced prior. It is an attitude I took into teaching other struggling students as I went into mentoring later on, and would use him teaching me math with playing cards to explain to them how visual learning works. Through the people he has touched, taught, and spent time with, he has had an everlasting ripple effect through those who carry on the gift that was his spirit and presence. I love you Jack, I miss you, and thank-you for making me the person I am today."
— D.J. Herron
"I met Jack working at Pronto Auto Parts and all I can say is it was my pleasure working with him, he was a kind man willing to help you in anyway he could. Jack, my friend, you will be missed."
— Carm Marciello
"I didn't have the opportunity to get to know Jack well but I know that he made Erica happy. And that's what's important to me. God bless and condolences with love."
— Paul Rondeau
"He was a terrific guy and was extremely well liked both at the office by all his fellow workers but more importantly by all our customers. Even to this day I get customers asking how Jack is doing. I will miss the 'big fella'".
— Rick Grundy
"Remembering my dear friend Jack. I had the pleasure of knowing Jack and Erica for over 45 years. Jack was such a unique person. He was playful. He liked to tease, ask many questions and enjoyed lively conversations. Never a dull moment when you were with him. We met at the Royal Bank King & Ottawa branch in Kitchener. I so enjoyed working with him. Great memories from early days included a road trip planned by Jack to Ottawa for Canada day celebrations at Parliament Hill. My husband Tom drove with Jack as co pilot. Erica, Jodi and myself in the back seat. We stayed at Jack's sister home. I sat with Jack at the hospital when Dana was born. We always kept in touch over the years, including visits to London and Ajax, yearly Christmas cards and occasional phone calls. Of course Jack would debate whose turn it was to call. My last visit with Jack was here in Niagara on the Lake. Out of the blue I received a call from Jack to announce that he and Erica were coming for a visit. It was if no time had passed, right back to teasing and asking lots of questions. I shall miss my dear friend. I know that Jack is watching from above sitting in a comfy chair with his chips and pop."
— Bente Garner
"Yes, I will miss Jack very much! We often used to talk, about many things, and sometimes we didn't agree, but I think we always respected the other's opinions! Jack loved the thrust and parry of discussion, but deep down inside he also valued accord and especially the truth (as long as he was right of course)! Once or twice, our disagreements lasted for quite a while, but Jack was also essentially a very fair man. I will not forget the time though, after a particularly long period of difficulty, that Jack seemed to make a choice, as if it were the right time, to leave the past behind and to move on! It was as if he decided to welcome us back. For me it was a beautiful choice which he made. And after this moment, he made Olive and I even more welcome than before; as he very often used to say, 'You are welcome anytime'. I never forgot this moment, and to this day I very much respect him for it! Thank you Jack! Thank you for making my sister Erica happy too! And your daughters Jodi and Dana as well! And for watching TV with Linden too .. that was precious!! Who could forget that? … Most certainly I am glad and honoured to have met you! All the best dear brother in law! God bless! And Thanks again! "
— John Cunningham
"In May I lost a very very good friend, Jack. He always made me feel very welcome - like one of his family saying 'The door is always open.' On occasions he offered me very good advice knowing that it sometimes fell on a deaf ear. He enjoyed joining in puzzle making and many board games - especially when, as he very often was, on the winning team! Rest in Peace Jack, I have been very lucky to know you."
— Olive Harris
"Jack was so much like a father to me, stepping in where Dad didn't. As a teenager he stepped up and made sure that my teeth got fixed. He gave me a big break to leave Stanleyville and move to London which completely changed my life. He provided finances for my first home. He truly was a big brother, even playing hockey with us when I was a kid. He had an absolute great sense of humour as well. I cannot think of a family member that helped me more than Jack. He was tough but also very fair. I always looked up to him. You could talk to him and he gave advice. It's terrible that he is gone... too soon... for all of us. He will be greatly missed."
— Donald Moran
"Who would ever think that your Bank Manager would turn out to be a great friend? Well in the early 80’s that is exactly what happened. I had the pleasure of meeting a guy named Jack Moran. What a guy he turned out to be. Such a pleasant fun, caring, energetic, genuine person! He never had a problem with helping someone he liked. I bought my first house with Jack’s blessing in 1985. Our friendship grew and grew over the years and I already really miss him. He was so nice to my mom and loved talking to her. He went out of his way to help my mother-in-law. He would stop by with his 2 cherished little girls after their fun day at Canada’s Wonderland. He was always so proud of his girls. As I started a family he was there for us and I am so happy he got to know my kids and wife. So many great visits to our house with his other half Erica for sports, food and so many laughs over the years. In 2014 Jack and Erica even showed up at our house in their pajamas at 7 AM to watch the Canada Gold Medal game live with my entire family. So much fun. Typical Jack.
Jack was such a great guy to talk to and we had so may great calls discussing many different subjects but it always ended up about business. Jack would always speak his mind and that is what made him so much fun. He became a big part of my business always willing to help out. While he would work at Pronto all day, in busy times, he would be at Merangue by night and week ends with his crew to make sure our orders got shipped. His crew loved him he made work fun. He never refused taking on a project and was always there to give advice. In the later years he was a great advisor and helped Merangue plan for success. I loved the numerous calls and meetings with him over so many years and no matter what I was feeling he kept positive and would look for a solution. I will really miss our calls. Thanks Jack."
"First and foremost, Jack was a family man. Him and Erica always together. He loved telling me about his large family in Ottawa and the fun gatherings they would have. He loved his girls and always talked about them with such pride. When Jodi got married, he was so excited to have his son-in- law, always talking about him. Martin, he loved you so much. When Linden came along Jack was ecstatic. I am so sad that he will miss you growing up. Erica, Dana, Jodi, Martin and Linden we are so sorry for your loss. He may no longer be here but I know he will be looking down on all of you. Rest in Peace Jack, we love you!"
— John and Shanet Moreau
"Dana and I have been friends for over 15 years. Part of the pleasure of such a great friendship is getting to know a friend's family. I'm grateful for the visits I've had with Jack and Erica when I would hang out with Dana in Ajax. Jack was kind and provocative, I remember dinner chats with him where he'd ask direct questions about my family and my life with curiousity and a lot of humour. He genuinely connected with people and tried to figure out their motivations. It means a lot to me that Jack and Erica came with Dana for important events in my family, my sister's wedding in 2012, my father's funeral in 2019. It speaks to the kind of people they are. Dana is one of the kindest people I've known in my life, and I've learned that her kindness is a characteristic of her family. I will miss Jack, he had such a dynamic energy and presence, and was always ready with a joke. He was a pleasure to be around. Above all, he had good character, which is the best attribute to possess. I'm glad he met his grandson and has such a loving family. You're here with everyone in spirit, Jack. Lots of love to Dana, Erica, Jodi, Martin and Linden. "
— Shangeetha Jeyamanohar
"We were friends as students in Carleton University. (Right from my first year on.) I enjoyed his presence in no small way. He even came to Rouyn-Noranda to visit me and my mom and dad. My mom remembers Jack. When I envisage him, I envisage a smile — perhaps even a smile that depicted his insight into something "not-so-smart" that I might be up to or considering. It is hard to put write in words the kind of happy, straight-shooting friendship that we had, that he would have had with others. He was loyal, an active an lively contributor to the happiness in a party — even though he would not touch a drop of alcohol!
One odd memory — when I was invited to Eric and Jack's wedding, I wore an pair of running shoes (likely the only shoes I had in Ottawa at the time). Jack took note, and wore an pair of running shoes to my wedding too.
When we got back in touch about 4 months ago — all the same feelings were there.... the candor.... I do indeed miss Jack, and the hoped for continuation of such a dear friendship."
— Nick Lukach
"I have positive memories of Jack. Such a special person and a special bond you have had, I always thought of Jack whenever I thought of you. I remember how respectful Jack was to you and to me whenever we met. May his memory be a blessing, and I wish you all the best as your life continues."
— Earl Bogoch