Obituaries & Tributes

(705) 445-2651 - Immediate Need

Prearrange Your Funeral

Contact Us

Site Search

82 Pine Street
Collingwood, ON
L9Y 2N7
182 Mill Street
Creemore, ON
L0M 1G0

The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of John Bonwick can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

Thank you.

Cancel
Select Candle

Obituary for John Alexander "Jack" Bonwick

John Alexander "Jack"  Bonwick
John ‘Jack’ Alexander Bonwick, of Collingwood, Ontario, died Sunday, April 8th, surrounded by his family. Jack was 87 years old. Jack is survived by his loving wife Francis Mae (nee Mirrlees) and children, Mayor Sandra Cooper (nee Bonwick) spouse, Ken Cooper, John Bonwick and spouse Patti, Brian Bonwick and spouse Wendy, Cindy Doyle (nee Bonwick) and her partner Claude Auger, Hon. Paul Bonwick P.C. and his spouse Sandi; his twelve grandchildren; and his seven great-grandchildren, sisters Shirley Cole (nee Bonwick), Marilyn Hale (nee Bonwick) and her spouse Bob, Kathy O’Rourke (nee Bonwick) and her spouse Terry, Sally Taylor (nee Bonwick) and spouse Eric, sister in-law Vera Bonwick. He is predeceased by his mother and father, John and Mary Bonwick, his sister Dorothy Styles (nee Bonwick) and her spouse Bill Styles, sister Ruthe McFadgen (nee Bonwick) and her spouse Murray, brother-in-law Wes Cole, sister Pat Campbell (nee Bonwick) and her spouse Hugh and his brother Charles Bonwick. Jack was born on June 20, 1930 in Collingwood, Ontario to John and Mary Bonwick. He started his career with Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) working in the Collingwood Shipyard starting April 8, 1946. Jack was a lead labour organizer, credited with bringing the United Steelworkers of America Union to Collingwood in 1963. He was subsequently elected the first President of Branch 6320, United Steel Workers of America. In 1965 Jack took on a new role with the CSL as the Personnel Manager for Collingwood Shipyards. Jack was promoted to Vice-President of Human Resources for CSL in 1979. As part of his new position, Jack was responsible for all labour, health and safety for Collingwood, Port Weller, Port Arthur and Pictou Shipyards. In 1981 Jack was appointed Chairman of the Board for the Canada Steamship Lines Pension Fund. In 1982 Jack received another promotion to Executive Manager, responsible to the President of Canada Steamship Lines, Mr. Jim Elder. Jack retired in 1984. In addition to his illustrious career, Jack served as a municipal councillor for the Town of Collingwood from 1962 – 1965. During Jack’s time on council he was credited with attracting Collingwood’s first radio station, CKCB AM 1400. Jack traveled to Vancouver in 1963 to formalize the agreement with CKCB executive management. Jack in his capacity as Chairman of municipal property had the honour of being the first elected official for the Town of Collingwood to raise the newly adopted Canadian Flag on the Town clock tower on February 15. 1965. Jack also was a member of Collingwood’s Industrial Development Committee. The committee is credited with creating the industrial lands in Collingwood throughout the early mid 1960s leading the attraction of many industries. He was an active and dedicated member of the community volunteering countless hours helping retirees with complex pension issues. Jack was appointed Harbour Master by the Federal Government in 1997 through 2005. Jack had a passion for fishing, family, friendship and great times. He will be remembered as a person that loved his home town, believing that hard work and perseverance would always produce a better tomorrow. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 13 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Fawcett Funeral Home in Collingwood. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 14, 11:00 am at All Saints Anglican Church in Collingwood, with a reception to follow at 12pm at the Collingwood Curling Club, 250 Hume St. (Wheel Chair accessible) Friends and Family are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack's life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Alexander "Jack" Bonwick, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Order Flowers
Recently Shared Condolences
Recently Shared Stories
Recently Shared Photos
Book of Memories

Serving Collingwood, Creemore, and surrounding areas for over 150 years.

82 Pine Street
Collingwood, ON
L9Y 2N7
182 Mill Street
Creemore, ON
L0M 1G0
Phone: (705) 445-2651
Fax: (705) 445-7542
info@fawcettfuneralhomes.com