In memory of
Jack Hugh Neilson
January 7, 1931 - May 28, 2026
Passed peacefully, at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering, age 95. He went on his way with a song at his ear and family by his side.
JACK is survived by his wife of 73 Years, Noreen (nee Profit) and his children Kirk, Mark (Kim), Scott, Tim and Melissa (Bill). He was called “Jake” to his grandchildren Tyler (Natasha), Katrina (Jansen), Noah (Vanessa), Olivia and Madelyn, and he was “Grandpa” to his great grandson Demetrius. Jack was son to Dan and Eileen Neilson (deceased), and big brother to Carol (deceased), Nancy, and Patricia (deceased).
JACK had a great life! He lived in many different towns in Ontario, as his father and grandfather were railroad men. He was born in Oshawa, ON, in his grandparents house. He also lived in Mimico, Hornepayne, and Picton as a child. A young man, fresh out of high school, he married the woman of his dreams. Jack and Noreen settled down in Scarborough, ON where they raised their children and made many good friends.
JACK then began a 40 year career at Prudential Insurance Co of America (Canadian Head Office). He started in the computer room and ended his career as the manager of Accounting. He will be fondly remembered by those who worked for him and with him. Jack was always cheerful and ready with a witty anecdote; and on Fridays, he often wore socks and sandals to work (it’s quite possible, though difficult to verify, that he started the “casual Fridays” trend :)
JACK retired at age 60 and enjoyed many years of cottaging, cruising and condo living, along with all the celebrations spent with his growing family. Life was good to him, and he knew it.
JACK was a devoted husband and family man. But he also had a love affair with cars. His first one was a 1935 Chevy. He took such good care of all of his cars, and passed many down to his family. When this happened, we all knew we were getting a great car. His usual greeting to friends and family was “how’s your car running?” :)
JACK was athletic, and was able to ski and golf into his 80s. He was competitive and loved games of all sorts. Jack was a skilled and intuitive Bridge player of more than 70 years, In fact, up until only three weeks prior to his passing he was still playing the game (which is arguably the best card game ever invented). He was also an excellent dancer, which is a good thing too because mom said “it would have been a deal breaker if he wasn’t” :)
FOR over 70 years, Jack and Noreen took care of each other, and although the last two weeks were difficult, his wife and his family were right there by his side with constant care and love. The most important thing to our dad was his family (and a good Manhattan). The second most important thing to him was that he hoped to be remembered as “a good guy”. Rest assured, Jake, you will be. And the good guys are up, 1-0… Much love, always. Your family.
Additional Notes:
The Neilson family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the Palliative Care staff at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering. They took great care of Jack and provided a lovely room with a view for his remaining days.
A celebration of life for Jack will be planned for the fall season. He always looked forward to fall because he could watch NFL pre season football, and that’s when he would get his ski membership renewal in the mail :)
JACK is survived by his wife of 73 Years, Noreen (nee Profit) and his children Kirk, Mark (Kim), Scott, Tim and Melissa (Bill). He was called “Jake” to his grandchildren Tyler (Natasha), Katrina (Jansen), Noah (Vanessa), Olivia and Madelyn, and he was “Grandpa” to his great grandson Demetrius. Jack was son to Dan and Eileen Neilson (deceased), and big brother to Carol (deceased), Nancy, and Patricia (deceased).
JACK had a great life! He lived in many different towns in Ontario, as his father and grandfather were railroad men. He was born in Oshawa, ON, in his grandparents house. He also lived in Mimico, Hornepayne, and Picton as a child. A young man, fresh out of high school, he married the woman of his dreams. Jack and Noreen settled down in Scarborough, ON where they raised their children and made many good friends.
JACK then began a 40 year career at Prudential Insurance Co of America (Canadian Head Office). He started in the computer room and ended his career as the manager of Accounting. He will be fondly remembered by those who worked for him and with him. Jack was always cheerful and ready with a witty anecdote; and on Fridays, he often wore socks and sandals to work (it’s quite possible, though difficult to verify, that he started the “casual Fridays” trend :)
JACK retired at age 60 and enjoyed many years of cottaging, cruising and condo living, along with all the celebrations spent with his growing family. Life was good to him, and he knew it.
JACK was a devoted husband and family man. But he also had a love affair with cars. His first one was a 1935 Chevy. He took such good care of all of his cars, and passed many down to his family. When this happened, we all knew we were getting a great car. His usual greeting to friends and family was “how’s your car running?” :)
JACK was athletic, and was able to ski and golf into his 80s. He was competitive and loved games of all sorts. Jack was a skilled and intuitive Bridge player of more than 70 years, In fact, up until only three weeks prior to his passing he was still playing the game (which is arguably the best card game ever invented). He was also an excellent dancer, which is a good thing too because mom said “it would have been a deal breaker if he wasn’t” :)
FOR over 70 years, Jack and Noreen took care of each other, and although the last two weeks were difficult, his wife and his family were right there by his side with constant care and love. The most important thing to our dad was his family (and a good Manhattan). The second most important thing to him was that he hoped to be remembered as “a good guy”. Rest assured, Jake, you will be. And the good guys are up, 1-0… Much love, always. Your family.
Additional Notes:
The Neilson family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the Palliative Care staff at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering. They took great care of Jack and provided a lovely room with a view for his remaining days.
A celebration of life for Jack will be planned for the fall season. He always looked forward to fall because he could watch NFL pre season football, and that’s when he would get his ski membership renewal in the mail :)