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John Douglas Lees "Jack" Alma

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John Douglas Lees "Jack" Alma

October 6, 1934 - April 10, 2023

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Jack at the Northumberland Hills Hospital on Monday April 10th.
Graduated in 1957 from the University of Toronto in pharmacy. Jack remained close to his Phi Kappa Pi fraternity family. He went on to have a long respected career in pharmacology throughout southern Ontario. Avid collector of everything including his prized 1952 MG TD… his first car out of university. He was a trivia master, a cryptic crossword lover and the longest shortcut taker ever. Jack and his late wife, Beth were long time residents in the Cobourg/Grafton area and were affiliated with St. George’s Anglican Church and the Cobourg Cougars.
Jack is survived by his brother Lee, sister in law Beth and their family. He will be greatly missed by his five children (Kristin, Lauren, John, Tim and Jennifer), ten grandchildren, and his four great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Golden Plough Lodge, and the Northumberland Hills Hospital for the loving care they provided.
A private service will be held in Niagara on The Lake later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Paul and Ilda Salamon - August 23, 2023

John, our condolences on the passing of your father. I fondly remember stories you’d tell of your father in the years we spent together in the high Arctic.

Shawna Foxton - May 15, 2023

I wanted to offer my condolences to Jack’s family, particularly his 5 amazing kids who I had the pleasure knowing growing up. I was first introduced to Mr. Alma at Jennifer’s 6th birthday party. He was in charge of serving the milk with lunch and explained how chocolate milk is from brown cows and white milk is from white cows and each time a request was made he had to consult the cow in the backyard. We all giggled. He was the life of the party. Throughout the next 50 odd years he never lost his spunk and zest for life. I remember him sitting contentedly by the big fireplace in Cobourg enjoying his pipe. If he didn’t have a smile on his face it wouldn’t be long before one would appear. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and I know he will be greatly missed by his loving family and all who had the pleasure to know him.

Elaine - May 1, 2023

I was saddened to read that Jack has passed away. He was for sure a trivia master and also a superb bocce ball player:) I’m grateful I had a chance to know him. My sincere condolences,

Nancy and Dave Blakely - April 24, 2023

Our deepest sympathy to family. Treasure the memories.

Jennifer - April 17, 2023

Sorry for you loss, he was a wonderful man and pleasure to work with.

April Jarvis - April 16, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to Jack's family. I had the pleasure of working with Jack a few different times through my pharmacy career. He was a good man. Thank you Jack for introducing me to "grafton style" strawberries a fond memory for me. Sending love and light to your family in this time of grief.

Betty Smith - April 16, 2023

To Jack and Beth's family - Remembering gathering at the Alma home to decorate the Cobourg District General Hospital's float entry for the Santa Claus Parades. My condolences to all.

Joan and Don Diminie and family - April 15, 2023

Alma Family: Sorry to hear of Jack passing on, a wonderful friend through working at the old Cobourg Hospital and pharmacies. Don was happy to be reunited with Jack through woodcarving recently.

Susan Kirkham - April 14, 2023

Dear Lauren and family, I'm very sorry to hear the passing of your dad. He was great and kind man. I was always amazed by all the tidbits of knowledge that your dad knew. As the next few months pass and your heart is aching, remember all the special times you spent together. Please pass my condolences to your siblings. Love and peace. Susan and Carina, Connie, Kelly, Christine, and Ian

Tom Wilson - April 14, 2023

Sorry to see Jack has died. I remember him as a pharmacist in the area over many years.

Lynne Taylor - April 14, 2023

My condolences to Jack's family. I worked with Jack at the hospital in Cobourg . We also spent some social time with Jack and Beth and loved their wonderful sense of humor and witty repartee. Memories are what keep us strong. Take care. Lynne Taylor

Julia Webster - April 14, 2023

So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Have so many fond memories of times spent wìth Jack and Beth and kids at the Yearley house, East York house, Brougham Home...have had wonderful visits at all of their homes! Hugs to all. Cousin Julia

The Sheehy Family - April 14, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack, he was such a lovely man and we were so thankful to have him and Beth as our neighbours. I hope he rests peacefully and gets to drive a great convertible in the sky. Our condolences, Shannon

Denise C. Burnham - April 14, 2023

Dear Alma Families, Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Father. How does anyone find the words to describe the wonders of Jack! He was highly intelligent, vastly interesting, wickedly humorous, always adventurous, a master tinkerer and a most kind and generous man, in all regards. I was privileged to have spent many enjoyable times with Jack and Beth over the years. My funniest times would be when Jack would have some project in 50 pieces on your Mother's dinner table than just needed one more part from his garage, if he could just find that part! No Egyptian tomb of a God could compare to Jack Alma's garage. He will be greatly missed but is now with your Mother Beth, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Try to keep smiling, Jack will always be with you. Denise

Ron Hook - April 13, 2023

So sorry to hear about Jack, worked with him for many years, and had many lunches at the old Brook House with both him and Beth. He will be missed for sure.

Michelle Wright (Diminie) - April 13, 2023

So saddened to learn of Jack's passing. Many fond memories from working at the old Cobourg Hospital. He always made a point of having a conversation (interesting) or 2 or 3 per day. Such a nice man. Sincere condolences

Jameson - April 13, 2023

Condolences and great memories of a caring and comedic uncle.

Nahanni Alma - April 13, 2023

Thank you for being a part of my life. You Will be missed but remembered and referenced daily.

Richard McEntee - April 13, 2023

I have known Jack for many years I am very sorry he has past away. I will miss him and his wife. You and Doctor Beak FIX the world you made better.

Janet and Kevin Burn - April 13, 2023

Our deepest condolences. We both worked with Jack for many years. He was a fun, kind and generous person. He will be missed.

Cathie Edison - April 13, 2023

Condolences to all of Jack's family. Worked with Jack many times when he would work the Sunday shift at Downey's in Colborne

Dorothy Young - April 13, 2023

So very sorry to hear of Jacks passing. I worked with him many times in different pharmacies. He was for sure a cryptic crossword lover and got great joy out of challenging me. Jack always got it right ! Rest in Peace Jack…you will be missed.

Lori Andrus - April 13, 2023

So very sorry to read of the passing of Jack and such a classic and wonderful picture of him.. I worked with Jack many times over the years at Watsons and Plummers pharmacy’s…We had so many great times working side by side and always looking for something to fix or make better.”.Truly a Jack of all trades!”I have so many wonderful memories of Jack and will remember him fondly.He and Beth made such a great team together.thinking of his family and friends at this sad time..

Joan & Steve Blaind - April 13, 2023

So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a wonderful & fun "guy" I worked with Jack at the old hospital.also a great neibour on Brook Rd. S.

Keith I MacDonald - April 13, 2023

A true gentleman. We will miss him.