John 'Jack' Albert Kolafa

John (Jack) Albert Kolafa passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, at the age of 81.

Jack was born in Calgary Alberta, and grew up living between the family farm in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, and Calgary until the family relocated to Red Deer when Jack was in junior high school. In Red Deer, he met and fell in love with Barbara Bill. After completing his studies in photography at NAIT, the couple were married on July 1, 1967, as their Centennial Project, and began their family. They came to Calgary in 1970 where they raised their seven children. Jack plied his trade as a photographer and worked as a news cinematographer for CFCN. He was part of a golden age of television journalism in the 1970s and 80s, winning national awards for his news and documentary work. He later worked for Carewest doing audiovisual aids and later in stores and purchasing where he made many friends from colleagues. He was an entrepreneur who had a vision of running his own business. With the support of his family, he founded Icejet and dedicated himself to making it a success. After years of hard work and growth, he sold the business and retired, proud of what he created. Later as a “retirement project” he drove a limousine in Calgary and enjoyed meeting many celebrities.

In retirement, Jack and Barb took pride in their yard, gardening and decorating it with historic implements from the family farm. Having grandparents who were homesteaders and a father as a mechanic, Jack inherited the ability to work with his hands and took on many household projects as well as appliance and car maintenance. He was also generous with his time, lending his skills to his family, helping with renovations.

He and Barb enjoyed many travel adventures together. They also enjoyed traveling with Jack’s brother Bill and his wife, Darlene. He especially enjoyed time with his 10 grandchildren, watching them grow. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, Jack was an avid reader, always eager to explore new ideas and read the latest detective mystery.

Jack learned to be an amazing cook by hanging out in the kitchen with his mother Ivy.  He taught all the kids and grandchildren to cook. The grandchildren grew up going to Grandpa and Grandma’s Thursday nights for dinner and cousin camp. This built rock-solid bonds among the grandchildren. Grandpa Jack was famous for teaching the grandchildren pranks that their parents did not always approve of. Jack had toys, scooters, go-karts, and bikes always on hand for the grandkids. 

He welcomed his friends and extended family with open arms and was always warm and caring. Although he didn’t say much, you always knew you could count on him if you needed his support.

No one loved all the family dogs more than Jack, and the dogs felt the same way.  They knew whose chair to sit beside and where the treats were in his office. The dogs knew what “go to Grandpa’s” meant.  Dad was a farm kid at heart with a great love for all animals.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 57 years, Barb. He is survived by his children Robert (Leanne), Jacqueline, Thomas (Katrina), Michael (Liron), Patrick (Jacqueline), Laurie (Jon), and Wendy (Rory). His grandchildren Jacob, Nicholas, Alec, Ruby, Grayson, Piper, Gabriella, Sophia, Oliver, and Nathan and sister-in-law Darlene.

He is predeceased by his parents Albert and Ivy, Brother Bill, and grandson Spencer.

Like all of us, Jack battled through many challenges in his life including a bout with cancer. While his heart was filled with love by all who were close to him, it grew too tired and now he rests with his creator.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church (404 Northmount Place NW) on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Rockyview Garden of Peace Cemetery. Reception to follow at Corpus Christi Hall (across the street). For those who were unable to attend in person, there will be a recording below.

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