In conjunction with the last class bell, R. Jack Hatkoski passed away on November 30th, 2016in the comfort of his Dwight home surrounded by his loving family.Once the seriousness of his abdominal cancer was considered, he made the brave decision to forego further treatmentsand to divert those resources to those that truly needed them. His 3 week battle was brief, heroic and honourable.
At just over 82 years of age, Jack had a full life that wasted little time. Born in St. Catherines, he moved with his family to Dwight while in High School.Upon graduation from the University of Toronto in 1956, with a degree in Forestry, he worked in his field for a short period of time before entering Teachers’ College. Upon graduation, he began teaching at Parry Sound High School and spent the majority of his career at Huntsville High School before retiring in 1989.He was an avid private pilot, Ontario Land Surveyor, traveler, outdoorsman and village elder who skied and snowmobiled in his spare time.
Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jacquie Hatkoski, brother Jim Hatkoski, son Richard (and Judy) Hatkoski, daughter Janice (and Paul) Fulton.Pride of his life were his granddaughters Taylor Hatkoski, Dana Fulton and Sophia Hatkoski.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Stewart Memorial Church, Dwight, on June 17th at 12:00 p.m. with a lunch reception to follow at the Dwight Senior’s Centre.All are welcome to attend his celebration and we encourage everyone to perhaps pass on a few of Jack’s more famous quotes, sayings or personal stories.He was never shy to share his option.