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November 25, 1946 - October 1, 2015

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Jack Makortoff on October 1, 2015, at the age of 68.

Jack passed away at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC surrounded by his family after his Rheumatoid Arthritis aggressively spread to his lungs leading to respiratory failure.

Jack fought long and hard with this disease over the last 9 years before it wore him down in body and spirit.

Jack was born in Nelson, BC on November 25th, 1946 to Mike and Lucy Makortoff of Raspberry Village. He spent his younger years growing up in Raspberry Village and was married in Castlegar, BC in 1968 to Laverne (Lovie) Podmoroff of Grand Forks.They would have two children together and make Castlegar their home for over 20 years before a job opportunity for Jack took the family to Vancouver Island in 1988. While on the Island, Jack had a successful career as an Electrical Consultant in the industrial construction industry.

His career and success allowed both Jack and Lovie to travel to far away places like Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, Australia, Russia, Belarus, Frankfurt, Egypt, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico, Spain and Italy over the last 20 years. He strove to exemplify the values of hard work and common sense and we are grateful for his generosity and commitment to supporting us throughout his life. Jack enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, gardening and wine making. He loved his family deeply, was well respected by his friends and colleagues and was always up for a good debate or conversation over a glass of wine. His sense of humour will live on in us all, as will his smile.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Laverne (Lovie), children Myles Trevor Makortoff (Tiffany), Langley, BC, Stacey Dawn Rieder (David), White Rock, BC, 4 grandchildren, Luscha, Aidan, Brynn and Gracelyn, his sisters Marie Wilson and Lorna (Fred) Vereshagin, sister-in-law Nettie Makortoff, along with many nieces and nephews, extended family, and numerous wonderful friends and colleagues.

Jack is pre-deceased by his parents, Mike and Lucy Makortoff, brother Mike, and brother-in-law Lloyd Wilson.

A service will be held at the Brilliant Cultural Centre on Tuesday, October 13th at 10:00 am, followed by the interment at Brilliant Cemetery and lunch afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jack’s memory may be made to the Arthritis Society (www.arthritis.ca).

The family would also like to thank Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC and the doctors, nurses and other caregivers and staff on the 7th Floor of the Patient Care Centre for the care Jack received and the compassion they gave him while he was in their care.



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