February 13, 1922 - December 14, 2021
In loving memory ~
The family of Dr. Jack Colbert is saddened to announce his passing on December 14, 2021, two months shy of his 100th birthday.
Jack was born on February 13, 1922, in Regina, Saskatchewan to Reginald and Christina Colbert. After attending the University of Saskatchewan, he graduated from the University of Manitoba School of Medicine in 1946. While in Medical School, Jack met a nurse by the name of Joyce Onhauser in Winnipeg's Grace Hospital, and they were married in 1947. After practicing in Winnipeg, Dryden, Ontario and England, Jack, Joyce and son John, moved to Trail for one year in 1953. One year turned into 68 years and Jack and Joyce welcomed the addition of Craig, Kim and Trent to their family. They could have gone anywhere but the people of Trail and the lifestyle it provided could not be denied. Jack enjoyed golfing, hockey, skiing and restoring old cars as evidenced by his prize-winning restoration of his 1928 Chrysler. With his never give up attitude, he got his one and only hole- in-one in 2015 at the age of 93. He was one of the Group of Five who were instrumental in making their vision of the Birchbank Golf Course become a reality, and he was granted a lifetime membership in 2018.
For many years Jack was the only Plastic Surgeon between Vancouver and Calgary. He was a proud partner in the C.S. Williams Clinic and was an amazing surgeon who was adored by his patients as he went above and beyond in the care that he provided. Jack was totally committed to his adopted hometown and continued to contribute and give back wherever he could. In addition to a busy medical practice, Jack served many different organizations. He was proud to be the team physician for the Trail Smoke Eaters and the Cominco Arena from 1953 - 1964 as well as serving on the Smoke Eaters Executive. He served as Chairman of the Board of Governors for Selkirk College, President of the Selkirk College Foundation, President of the Association of Colleges of British Columbia, President of the Pacific Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons, Chairman of the Board of Kootenay Savings and Credit Union, Board Member of the B.C. Association of Credit Unions and Board Member of BCIT, in addition to many other organizations. He was a member of the Royal Regina Rifles, Canadian Army Reserve and the Canadian Naval Reserve.
Jack was predeceased by his wife Joyce (2011), son Craig (1979), parents Reginald and Christina Colbert, sisters Thelma McMorris and Lorna Joy Ritchie. He is survived by his son John (Patrice), daughter Kim, son Trent (Cheryl), granddaughters Alison (Jesse), Stacy (Brandon), Lori, Jackie (Ryan), Alanna (Adam), Kaela (Kevin), Elyse (Mike) and Katrina and 10 great grandchildren. Papa was proud of his family as they were of him.
The family would like to sincerely thank those healthcare workers who cared for Jack in his later years and not only increased his quality of life, but also allowed him to remain in his own home until days before his death. A special thank you is extended to his neighbours who were there when he needed them, especially Scott and Allyson Daniels who were like family to Jack.
Jack, fondly known as "Doc", lived a full and amazing life and made a difference in the lives of others - truly a life well lived.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring or summer of 2022. Bill Clark of Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Jack's memory to the Selkirk College Foundation for the Dr. Jack Colbert Memorial Awards Fund. The fund will support an award for students in Selkirk College's Rural Pre-Medicine program. Donations can be made online at selkirk. ca/donate-today or by cheque. Please send cheques to Selkirk College Foundation, 301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar, B.C., V1N 4L3. Please note the fund name with your gift (online or by cheque).
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at
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