We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant John "Jack" Reasbeck (Ret’d) of Espanola on 19 February 2014 at Health Sciences North in Sudbury ON in his 80th year. Jack served in the Canadian Forces for 26 years from 1953 to 1979.
Jack was born in Chapleau QC and enlisted in the Army in 1953 He was under basic training in preparation for deployment overseas for the Korean War when recovery from an accident t required considerable rehabilitation. When he recovered, Jack was sent to Sussex, NB, with the Black Watch Regiment and was stationed there until 1956. The next year he transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers and was sent to Chilliwack, BC, for his training. His Sapper Career was to be a combination of Field Engineer, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Airborne. In 1958 Jack deployed to the Middle East as part of the UNEF Suez peacekeeping force. He returned to Canada to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa during which tour he also became Airborne-qualified. Jack then went to Germany with 4 Field Squadron 1967-70.
Upon return to Canada, Jack was posted to the radar base at Falconbridge for a four- year tour. During this tour he was also sent to the eastern Arctic to work on the Northern Airfields project. In 1974 Jack was transferred to CFB North Bay and then took his release at the end of that tour. Jack returned to Espanola and worked for the Town of Espanola until 1985. He and his wife the purchased a store in Whitefish Falls and operated it for 8 years.
Jack was always involved with his community. He served on the Whitefish Falls and Espanola Fire Departments and he was an active member of the Espanola Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 39 holding the title of Service Officer. He served as past president and as chair for many committees for Branch 39. Jack also started the Espanola and Manitoulin Legion Army Cadet Corps in 1980 and assisted with the leadership until 1984. Jack was also an active member of the War Pensioners.
Funeral Mass was held on 22 February at St. Jude’s Church in Espanola. Interment of ashes in the Espanola Cemetery will be at a later date. If so desired, Memorial tributes may be made to St. Jude Memorial Fund or the Espanola Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.
