WAKEFORD
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jack Wakeford, who lived his entire life at Chaplin, Saskatchewan. Jack passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by family and friends after a life full of hard work, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to his family and community.
Jack began his devotion to his community at the age of 14, when he helped build the Chaplin rink, the current post office and many other community structures.
He went on to become an architectural technologist in 1966. He began his career shortly after at Sask Minerals in Chaplin and Fox Valley where he spent the better part of 30 years, wearing many hats. Once he retired, his focus shifted to building up Chaplin Fabricating Ltd (CFL), with his brother Dewey, best friend Darryl, and nephews Barry and Randy. When he married Renee, who shared the same passion for building and helping others, she became a part of that club.
He worked long hours, day in and day out, without ever a complaint—unless, of course, you tried to tell him how to do something differently.
He was the first person to lend a hand when someone needed help, and often the first to make you laugh when you needed it most. He was a role model to many in his life and mentored several young minds.
His home was always a revolving door of family and friends, all of whom were drawn to his energy, generosity, and his ability to tell stories.
While he was undoubtedly the life of any gathering, he was also one of the kindest souls you’d ever meet. He made sure that no one around him ever felt alone or unwelcome. He often said a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.
He was as sharp as they come—brilliant, creative, witty, and never shy to express his opinion. He could build anything, and fix everything. He could lighten up any room, just simply by walking into it.
You could usually find him solving a problem, creating/building something out of thin air, golfing, fishing, playing a game, or 10, of crib, and always cracking a joke. He had a way of making people smile, even when they didn’t feel like it.
He lived more in one lifetime than most could dream.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Audrey; son-in-law, Craig Langer; brother-in-law, Lou Matity; and nephew, Barry Sims.
Jack is survived by his wife, Renée; son, Nick (Paulette); grandchildren, Eric (Kerstin) and Kylie; great-granddaughter and namesake, Ripley Jack; daughter, Wanda (Robin); grandchildren: Ty, Janae, and Davis (Lauren) Langer; siblings: Jean (Richard) Messer, Rena Sims, Carol Matity, and Dewey (Anne) Wakeford; and in-laws, Rene (Donna) Young and Irene Hicks.
Jack had many nieces, nephews, and special friends – too numerous to mention.
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chaplin Community Hall. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Chaplin Recreation Board. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
