Morgan, John T. 'Jack'
John T. ‘Jack’ Morgan died at home in Meaford, Ontario on Sunday, August 4th, 2024 in his 85th year.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of Meaford; his daughter, Sarah Morgan, now of Thornbury; his son, Ned Morgan (Susan Potter) of Meaford; and grandchildren Nathaniel Paquin, Caroline Paquin and Ella Potter Morgan.
Jack was predeceased, among many others, by his younger brothers, Philip Morgan, of Orillia. Ont. and Ralph Morgan, of Ailsa Craig, Ont.
After his first job working for the National Film Board, university graduation and teacher training, Jack began teaching secondary school at Northern Secondary School in Toronto. When he and his family moved to Meaford in 1970 he taught at Georgian Bay Secondary School for several years. Then, moving into school administration, he became in turn a vice-principal of Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute, principal of Georgian Bay S.S, principal of Community Education, principal of West Hill Secondary School in Owen Sound, and finally through to his retirement in 1997, a superintendent of schools for the Grey County Board of Education.
He was actively involved over the years in many volunteer activities. The first of two that stand out was an early one when he was a member and chair of the Meaford General Hospital Board of Governors. The hospital was then a 65 bed active and chronic treatment hospital. He worked to ensure that the viability and, indeed, presence, of hospitals in small towns like Meaford were seen by those who made the decisions as critical and necessary parts not only of the health but also of the economic well-being of small communities.
After retirement he became active as a volunteer helping the Bruce Trail Conservancy acquire conservation properties mainly in the Beaver Valley section of the Bruce Trail to ensure that the Trail and the properties would be conserved in perpetuity. Over roughly twenty years he assisted in the acquisition of dozens of such properties.
His signal Trail development project in those years was leading the building of a 30 km optimum route addition to the Trail, along with its integrated side trails, into the upper reaches of the Boyne/Beaver River system. That now well-known length of the Bruce Trail has come to be called The Falling Water Trail.
His leisure activities over the years were many and mostly outdoors and included, in season, boats and boating, long canoe trips and fishing trips with friends and family and much cross-country skiing in winter. He did enjoy his friends, old and new, and he read a lot of books.
There will be no official end-of-life ceremonies or gatherings. Jack’s family will scatter his ashes privately at a later date.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Bruce Trail ConservancyDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, August 5, 2024
Linda & Family – I was so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a gentleman and made the world a better place. Mike always thought that Jack was a special man and a special educator. Enjoy all your wonderful memories – they will really help you through this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Hammond
Monday, August 5, 2024
So sad to hear of Jack’s passing. I worked with Jack at the Education Centre in Markdale. He was a gentleman and wonderful person.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family.
Brenda Edwards
Monday, August 5, 2024
Linda and family.
I was very sad to learn of Jack’s passing. Having known him from my GBSS high school days in the early 70’s, since high school, when we crossed paths, Jack was always interested in taking a few moments to chat. Jack would call me by name, which was always a surprise to me, knowing how many students had the oppotunity of being a student of his. It was just a few months ago, maybe last fall, I was having lunch with schoolmates, planning our 50th High School graduation reunion, and Jack came into the same eatery. Of course Jack stopped and greeted us.
In my books, he was a great educator and gentleman.
My sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Linda, Sarah, Ned and families sincere condolences. Treasure your memories at this stressful time
Tom and Verna Wilcox
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Linda, Sarah, Ned and your families ~
We are so sad to hear about Jack.
Our thoughts are with you all. What an amazing man who accomplished so much.
A true gentleman with a sparkle in his eyes.
Jim and Deb
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Mrs. Morgan, Sarah, Ned and family
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Morgan was a great teacher and principal.
He taught with my Dad for a number of years.
May you get the strength you need from your wonderful memories.
Jayne Quinlan Clark
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
I have so many memories of Jack. I loved his appreciation and passion for teaching, the Georgian Bay, the Bruce Trail, the love he showed for his children and grandchildren. I fondly remember our times in Florida as we would watch the incredible sunsets and was often surprised at his ability to name every type of bird and wildlife. He was a staple of my childhood….Always charming and gracious. My condolences to Linda, Sarah, Ned, Susan and all the Grandkids
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Keith and Sue Mitchell
We enjoyed our times with Jack and Linda in Florida. He taught us how to hold our fingers to estimate the time of the actual sunset or maybe it was how many drinks we could have in that time!!! And we remember the boat rides and dinners we shared. So many happy memories. And to quote old Robbie Burns, “Rest and Be Thankful.”
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Linda and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Jack will be remembered by many as he was dedicated to family and community. Trudi and Brian
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
So sorry to hear about Jack. Our thoughts are with you.
Carol and Dal Gouett
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Linda, Sarah, Ned, and families,
I knew Jack first as a teacher at GBSS and later as a superintendent when we worked together at the board office. He had a passion for teaching which impressed me greatly. I remember monitoring his English classes during my spares in grade 13. I have many memories of Jack from my short time at the board office. I appreciated his no-nonsense, direct leadership and was very happy to find ourselves neighbours when we moved to Lakeshore Road in 2000. Jack always enjoyed a chat. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and was always willing to update me on their lives. Jack had a huge presence. You will miss him so much. My thoughts are with you.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Dear Linda, Sarah, and Ned.
I was saddened to learn of Jack’s death. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss of a dear husband, father, and grandfather. May your memories bring you peace and comfort as you navigate the difficult times ahead.
Marion Mower
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Linda, Sarah, Ned and families
Janet and I were saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. My memories of Jack from our years of working together at GBSS are of a teacher well respected by his students and by his peers. Later as a trustee I was pleased to see Jack take on other challenges as an administrator. His contibutions to the community have benefited many. May your good memories be of comfort to you at this difficult time.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Dear Linda & family!!
On behalf of the Georgian Quilters’ Guild (to which Linda has been a major contributor for many years), we extend our very sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father & grandfather!! May he rest in peace!!
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
❤️❤️❤️ so many wonderful memories!
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Dear Sarah and family
What a way for us to get an insight into how wonderful a person your father Jack was than his obituary and reading the many condolences shared by his colleagues and friends. Our love is with you and trust you and your family members own “inner resources” will enable each of you to experience good grief in your personal journeys into your “wholeness of life”.
Sandra and Clint
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Mrs. Morgan, Sarah, Ned and family
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Morgan “Captain Jack” passed away.
He is a legend and has left us all with many wonderful memories.
Love,
Cass
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Linda and family, so sad to learn of Jack’s passing. I met Jack via boating/wine club. We shared many stories but mostly, Jack was present when Terry needed support. A true gentleman and scholar. With condolences,
Liz Harris
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Dear Linda, Sarah, Ned and families
I am very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing
I hope that in time your wonderful memories will ease your sadness
My condolences to everyone
Heather Metzger (Bray)
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Dear Linda and family
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Jack or Mr. Morgan, as I felt I had to call him, since he was my grade 13 home room teacher at GBSS was a class act that had the respect of those of us that knew him. He had wicked sense of humour that you would only catch, remember we were teenagers, by his lopsided grin that only some us caught. He was a gentleman and a role model for us to emulate when we ventured out into the world. He is missed but well remembered. Savour your memories and he’ll always be there.
Sincere condolences
Kate Simpson
Thursday, August 8, 2024
I a truly sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a great Superintendent of Education and I got to know him through his many school visits to Victoria School where he came in time for recess and even made the coffee in the staff room and took the time to spend time with everyone. He set a high standard. It was nice to reconnect with him at the BALL lectures. Jack was a skilled educator and a great gentleman.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Linda, Ned, Susan and Sarah,
We’ve been thinking so much about you all at this very sad time. I have such lovely memories of Jack and your family spanning my lifetime.
Lots of love.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
We were so saddened to receive the phone call from Scott informing us of Jack’s passing. So many memories of our interactions with Jack and LInda. Jack was a great friend, a terrific person to work with, to ski with and to socialize with. He was always supportive and a pleasure to work with. We cross country skied with him many times and had our annual ski trip to Manitoulin. We enjoyed suppers and lunches together and Linda and Jack’s visits to our cottage on Manitoulin. We will miss you.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Linda and family,
I am truly sorry for your loss, I hope that your memories, friends and family will help you get through this difficult time.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Sarah, Ned and Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack! He was a fantastic human being! Sadly, one of my last memories of him was when he rushed to my Dad’s death bed after he had passed, to help Michelle and I. I have so many wonderful memories of him as a student and a family friend and then with all of us as young adults attending our “parent’s parties” up North! My thoughts are with you all! Sending BIG HUGS!! Love Christina Dobie xoxo
Thursday, August 8, 2024
It was my pleasure to know Jack through our involvement with the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club. His leadership inspired all who knew him. He was one of those persons, I wish I had known him earlier in my Jack you will always of us who weekly gathered for lunch weekly at McGintys and known as The Old Farts. Jack, I will miss you.
Bill McMurray
Friday, August 9, 2024
Linda (Sarah and Ned and families) My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jack became a very valued friend and fishing partner over the last 25+ years; through Jack’s brother Phil (my adopted brother). Then came cousin Doug Morgan and Michigan John Morgan, who all became a wonderful part of my life. Fishing became the connecting event but the shared stories, laughs, adventures and some mis-adventures became the reality. Jack was an extremely kind and generous person and was always prepared to ‘educate’ us on world events, geography, or the most recent Bruce Trail acquisition. He was after all a great storyteller and the maker of a very good Cuba Libre.
He will be missed immensely !!
Friday, August 9, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family. He was a great teacher and educator. I remember him fondly.
Lynda Marshall
Friday, August 9, 2024
Linda and Family
My condolences.
I only had the privilege of Jack’s friendship for a few memorable days over a few years while fishing.
He was a gentleman, a scholar, a story teller, and a hell of a fisherman! My favorite of Jack’s quotes – “PERFECT!”
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Linda and Family,
Many years ago I met Jack when we were teachers at G.B. S. S. I discovered that he had a wide range of interests and a remarkable ability. Some things I remember are —educator, Bruce Trail Volunteer, Boater, Canoe Tripper, Politician, Negotiator, Skier, Beef Farmer and a Family Man.
He will be missed.
Ken and Lilian Risk
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Linda, Sarah , Ned and family was saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack was a great gentleman and also had a friendly smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda and family.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Linda, Sarah and Ned. I am very sorry for your loss.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
To the Morgan family, it’s such a profound loss. Jack was a remarkable man. Kind and present and intentional, he always had a twinkle in the eye, a zest for all that life could offer and a generous spirit to offer so much back. I’ll miss his sincere and friendly poise.
Monday, August 12, 2024
Mrs. Morgan, Sarah and Ned, I always thought that Ned had the coolest Dad. He was always so calm, kind and humorous. When I was a teen, he treated me like an adult and asked me adult like questions. It always threw me off, but I was so appreciative of that…that person to person curiosity and genuineness that he showed. He was loved and respected by so many!!! Thinking of you all and sending much love.
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Mrs. Morgan, Sarah, Ned & families,
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Morgan’s passing. Though I had not seen him in several years, I am grateful for help he provided me in my younger years and always remembered and admired how he dealt with people in his calm and dignified way. Wishing you peace, comfort and enjoyment of your many years of warm memories.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Linda and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Please let all the wonderful memories guide you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Dear Linda, Sarah, Ned, Susan and families:
There was always some fun to be had besides work growing up on adjoining Morgan farms! From fishing and swimming in the creek, Christmas gatherings to Jack teaching my sister and I a new dance craze called “the twist”!!!
Jack exemplified the person only one could hope to be!
Sending our deepest sympathy!
Kindest Regards,
Bonnie and Greg
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Dear Linda,Sarah Ned and families. Jack was a favourite cousin of my Dad,Doug Morgan. He and all the boys could hardly wait for the annual Morgan fishing trips. The fish might not be plentiful at times but the laughter and friendship was. Jack will be missed by many. Our deepest condolences from the Livingstone and ( Clinton) Morgan clan.
Monday, August 19, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Jack’s recent passing. I remember him as a tough, insightful English teacher at GBSS. Later in life we crossed paths as Bruce Trail enthusiasts.
My sincere condolences to his family at this time of grief.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
A little late in reading this but I wanted to let his family know he was one of my favorite teachers at GBSS.
I have never forgotten how he treated students with compassion and respect.
Angela Johnston – Seabrook
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Linda, Sarah, Ned and families I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a special guy not only as an educator and volunteer but as a guy that was always interesting to meet and say hello. Keep all the great memories in your hearts.