Jack Ashton Marlatt of Bredenbury, SK, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Yorkton Regional Health Center, with his family by his side - he was 76 years old. Jack was born on April 30, 1935 in Wawanesa, MB, the son of Victor Ashton Marlatt "Curly" and Alice Mary (nee Blair). The family moved to Rocanville, SK when he was six years old, this is where he received his education. He grew up on the family farm, learning a hard days work at an early age. Employment drew Jack to Sceptre, SK, working for John Deere, this is where he met the love of his life. Jack married Rose Rissling on December 29,1958 at St. Francis Xavier, Roman Catholic Parish in Prelate, SK. He was taking his Journeymen Mechanics in Saskatoon, SK, completing two years prior to their marriage. They moved to Saskatoon for 2 months allowing him to complete his 3rd year, then moved back to Sceptre and instead of returning to school he challenged his 4th year, passing with flying colors. Jack and Rose were blessed with four children, Benita, Robert, Janice and Ruth. Jack had a love of sports, he played hockey, ball and curled. Once the children arrived Jack quit playing hockey and took up refereeing. The family relocated to Rocanville, SK, in the fall of 1965 after Jack gained employment at IMC in Esterhazy, SK as a general underground maintenance foreman. He commuted back and forth, before moving the family to Churchbridge, SK in October, 1966. Jack was very community orientated, becoming involved in minor sports coaching ball and senior hockey. Many hours were spent in the curling or skating rink. They moved to Edson, AB in July, 1979 where Jack was employed at Luscar Sterco (1977) Ltd, (coal mine) as a Maintenance Superintendent, returning to SK in July, 1984. Once they returned they set up home in Bredenbury, SK, where Jack was employed once again at IMC as a Underground Maintenance Foreman. They bought an acreage, as Jack's love of the farm life was in his blood. The acreage allowed him to have horses, cows, chickens and hay land. He spent hours on the swather and baler, loving every minute. The swather always had a pail (used as an extra seat) in case someone wanted to go with him. He coached minor hockey, followed his family around taking in whatever they were involved in. Living in Bredenbury, Jack loved the Christmas lights, and was involved helping out where ever he could lend a helping hand. He had a team of horses and wagon, spending many hours giving twinkle tours for the month of December. Jack loved life and embraced it, never giving 100% but 110%. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly. He was predeceased by his father, Ashton: his mother, Alice; his brother, Albert; his sister-in-law, Thelma; his brothers-in-law, Art and Charlie; his mother-in-law Euphemia; his brother-in-law, Joseph; his sister- in-law, Tillie and by his grandson, Bradley. Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Rose; their four children, Benita (Andy) Lauer, Robert (Maggie) Marlatt, Janice (Dwayne) Hussey and Ruth (Martin) Lisitza; 14 grandchildren, Mark (Tasha), Michael (Tehra), Lorne (Amanda), Ashton (Breanne), Allyson (Cody), Andrew (Brooklyn), Setasha (Yomi), Angela, Jacqueline (Tyler), Jennifer (Craig), Dustin (Karmen), Laura (Nathan), Nadine (Danen) and Stephen (Megan); 12 Great Grandchildren, Destiny, Madison, Mya, Easton, Andrea, Yinka, Dana, James, Lily, Thomas, Emmery, and Kemi; sisters, Irene and Betty Lou; brother, Ernest(Shirley); brother-in-law, Jack and sister-in-law Betty, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, December 9, 2011 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Reverend Faye Greer officiating. Jack's niece, Terry Lou Bailey, shared two solo selections, "How Great Thou Art" and "One Day at a Time". Special music was also provided by friends from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite who sang, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Silent Night". Mr. Fred Nicholson shared words of eulogy and Jack's grandchildren remembered their Grandpa with a loving tribute. The recessional music was "Dance With Me" as sung by Johnny Reid. The Cremation Committal will follow at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
