Jack Mann

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Jack Mann at the age of 71, after a short courageous battle with cancer.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Paulette, daughters Melanie (Cory) Gadsby, Veronica (Darcy) Woychyshyn, Charlotte (Karpo) Koloski, and Jennifer Mann. He was papa to eight beautiful grandchildren Lane (Mallory), Logan, Laura (Eric) Woodhouse, and Landon Koloski, Danielle (Jarrod), and Jaxten Woychyshyn, Nicholas, and Kaden Gadsby.

Left to mourn his passing are his sisters, Kathleen (Gary) McNaughton, Audrey Plishka, Myrna Wright, Karen (Dennis) Gislason, and brother Larry (Wendy) Mann also sisters in law Ginger, Sharron and Denise Mann, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Mable. Mother and father-in-law Paul and Delia Bernier, brothers David, John, Mickey, sister Marge White, and Beverly Singer. He was also predeceased by his brothers in law Jim White, Wally Plishka, Mike Wright, Carl Singer, and Andre Bernier. He is also survived by his numerous brothers and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews in the Bernier family, plus many friends in the Hodgson, Fisher Branch and Rossburn areas.

Jack was born on March 10th, 1953, to Arthur and Mable Mann in Tuelon, MB. Jack attended the Hodgson school and Fisher Branch high school before joining his father and brothers at Hodgson Motors in 1969, where Jack was part owner and mechanic.

On June 23rd, 1973, Jack married the love of his life Paulette Bernier and had 4 daughters Melanie (1975), Veronica (1976), Charlotte (1978) and Jennifer (1980). With a young family to support Jack took on extra work from 1982-1984 by working part time for Manitoba forestry planting trees, tree maintenance and firefighting during fire season. Jack also managed the Fisher Branch hotel from 1984-1986 which led to the purchase of the Rossburn hotel in May of 1986. Jack, Paulette, and family operated a very successful business until 1995. After a few years at a slower pace Jack missed working in a garage and started employment at Rossburn farm and auto with Darryl Drul in 1998. Jack enjoyed the work and comradery with everyone at the garage before finally retiring in 2018. Jack and Paulette had then decided to live in Rossburn for a few more years, but they just couldn’t make the move anywhere else they were home.

Cars were his passion. Over the years he spent many hours tinkering either at home on his cars or at the garage in Hodgson or at Rossburn Farm and Auto. In early 2000 he bought himself a 1967 mustang which became his baby. Endless days were spent restoring and rebuilding the car. He was proud to drive it through town as soon as he could, with Paulette by his side. Through the years they took that Mustang on trips to Brandon, Dauphin, Carberry and Hamiota to show off his car at various shows. Through these car shows dad was found off wandering around with his car buddies talking and looking at what was there. Nothing made him happier. Even in his hospital bed he talked of his car and parts he needed for the mustang.

Jack was a lover of all animals and would frequently come home with stray dogs and cats that he would find while at work in Hudgson. The family had numerous pets over the years and Jack was always the first to provide cuddles and spoil with treats. He was also a great support to community sports teams and helping neighbours with outside work and repair of small machines. He enjoyed all his family and friends and will be missed by so many. We love you rest in peace.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional care that Jack was given by Dr. Roose at Rossburn clinic, Dr. Sandhawalia and the fantastic nursing staff at Brandon general hospital on floor 5 and to all the staff at the Assiniboine Center A3. Your compassion and care will never be forgotten. We would also like to express appreciation and gratitude for all the prayers, words of encouragement, food and expressions of sympathy received from family and friends. Please stay with the family after the service for a hot lunch and sharing of memories. 

In tears we saw you sinking

We watched you fade away

You suffered much in silence

You fought so hard to stay.

You forced your task with courage your spirit did not bend,

But still you kept on fighting

Until the very end.

God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be

So he put his arms around you,

And whispered, “come with me.”

So when we saw you sleeping

So peaceful, free from pain,

We could not wish you back,

To suffer that again.

You didn’t deserve what you went through,

So he took you home to rest.

Gods garden must be beautiful

For he only takes the best.

But if tears could build a stairway

And our memories a lane

I would walk all the way to heaven

Just to see you once again.