WILLIAM “JACK” KNOX
The final hockey, baseball, curling and golf game has ended for sportsman William John (Jack) Knox of Kincardine, formerly of Walkerton. It is with deep sadness his team announces his passing on Dec. 24, 2022, at the age of 91.
Jack was an assistant coach to his front liners (children) consisting of Dianne (center) of Walkerton, Michael (right wing) and Laurie of Kincardine, and Bill (left wing) and Donna of Barrie. On the bench, the second-line of 12 grandchildren are ready and waiting to jump the boards. In the wings are 15 talented great-grandchildren.
Jack was predeceased by assistant coach and life partner, wife Bette (née Johnstone), parents William (Bill) and Gertrude Knox, brothers Robert and Alan, and sister Betty Ringham.
After attending Walkerton Public and High School, Jack joined the staff of the local post office (1950). He was promoted to Post Master in 1960, a position he held until his retirement in 1985. During Jack’s 35 years of service, the new post office was built. Jack and Bette were then free to spend more time between their winter Florida home and their Kincardine summer cottage, which they moved to in 2000. Jack and Bette loved to attend the Kincardine Pipe Band parades on Saturday nights, where they ate ice cream cones and visited with many neighbours, friends and family. He was pleased that the parades ended early so he could get home to watch whatever sport was on TV.
Jack was a member and held positions in many of Walkerton’s clubs including the following: Past-President and Life-Member of Walkerton Kinsmen Club, Golf and Curling Club, Lawn Bowling Club, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 63 years.
Jack was very qualified to serve as his family’s coach. He was an excellent athlete and played on many teams including hockey, baseball, curling, golf, lawn bowling, shuffle board and bocce.
In his youth, Jack was a talented teammate on many hockey and ball teams. He played shortstop on three Walkerton teams which won all-Ontario Senior Fastball Championships. Jack was a forward on Walkerton’s only Ontario Champion Intermediate “B” hockey team, The Capitals. Jack’s seat in the penalty box never got a chance to get cold. He did well in individual sports, too, excelling in downhill skiing and golf. His lifetime four holes-in-one attest to that.
When Jack had to give up sports he remained opinionated about players, fans and refs. He never changed. And so the third period has ended. Jack might have hung up his skates, but his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always know that they have Mom (Bette) and Dad (Jack) in the stands cheering and giving encouragement. It is a clear win for Team Knox.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend his Celebration of Life, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 102, Walkerton.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Saugeen Hospice Inc. would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com.