June 14, 1940 – January 9, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John (Jack) Franklin Hubbel on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Jack passed away at the age of 83 peacefully at McNally House Hospice in Grimsby.
Jack was born to parents Franklin and Hazel (Betty) Hubbel in Bancroft, Ontario on June 14, 1940. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Janet Heaton. Jack is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Dianne Marie Hubbel (nee O’Leary), his sister Joan Bowden and his two sons Dennis (Debbi) and Patrick (Sharalyn) Skinner as well as his grandchildren – Jon (Cassie), Thomas (Robyn), Josh (Sammie), Shelyn (Ian), Jesse (Kassandra), Amanda (Jack), Kody (Jenn) and great-grandchildren – Ivory, Rowan, Jaxen, Boaz, Felix, Angus, Freya, Hawthorne, Arlo, Ben, Winnie, Luke, Benjamin and Carter.
Jack received a Bachelor of Arts at Sir Wilfred Laurier University. For a brief period after university Jack worked as a chemist. He then went into the family sawmill business – Hubbel & Son in Algonquin Park. Jack lived most of his life in Huntsville, he and Dianne later moved to Burlington, where he again worked as a Chemist. Jack was known for his love of the outdoors. He had many hobbies including sailing, flying (gaining his pilot’s license at a young age), fishing, camping and enjoyed writing. He was also known and loved for his great compassion and awesome sense of humour.
He was passionate as a volunteer at Barton Street Prison for 15 years and a volunteer at Compass Point. He was a marine navigator and taught Power Squadron, was very involved in the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Special thanks for all the medical care received from West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Paramed and to all the staff at the McNally House. The family asks that donations be given to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Please, no flowers.
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Diane,
I’m so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. I have many fond memories of Jack, growing up in Huntsville and our times together in Waterloo. We are really glad we were able to spend time over the years with you, Jack, Don and Donna and Margaret and Marcello. Remember the pickle parties! Our condolences to you and your family.
June and Dave Salmon
I was saddened to read about Jack. I can remember him from my childhood and youth, the university antics he told us about, seeing him over our house in his plane are vivid memories, helping with the stonework on our fireplace and that great laugh. He was at our house often and was the Master of Ceremonies at my wedding. Although I hadn’t seen him for years, I did think of him often. He certainly made a mark in my life and will be remembered always. My condolences to all of his family. Godspeed Jack.
I remember Jack from back in the days when he would show up at Ernie Grace’s machine shop, looking for a ‘job’. Ernie was always ready to accommodate and Jack was a decently capable machinist.
He had a nimble wit, a smile always just lurking, and once breaking free, it lit his entire person. He suffered fools poorly, but had the knack of getting past being insulting. He would say what he had to say and then be about his business. Ernie and I often joked that it would take a few days of thinking before the person he had commented to, would realise just what had been said. That’s a talent.
He was never the most punctual of employees, but what he lacked in timeliness, he more than made up for with that big grin.
Condolences to the family. Another good one gone.
We are very sad to hear of Jack’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of Jack and Dianne in the Huntsville Curling Club and so many social outings that involved lots of laughing. We are sending loads of love to the family/
Carol and Roy