Jack Willicome, beloved husband, father grandfather, brother and friend passed away on July 19 2026 after long and full life.

Jack was born January 21, 1937 in Cranbrook B. C. to Lewis Arthur Willicome and Winnifred Irene (nee Phillips). His mother Winnifred passed one week after Jack was born and his four year old brother David Phillips Willicome passed away two months later. So Jack spent the first 6 months of his life cared for by the nurses of St Eugenes hospital in Cranbrook. His father Lewis, not wanting to be parted from Jack, then raised him along with Jack’s sister Elleanor with the help of Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents.

As a teen Jack met Karren Lee from Kimberly B.C. and married his sweetheart on June 29th 1957. In 1958 they were sealed for time and Eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they loved and raised four children Lee Ann, Lyle, Christine and David.

Jack’s life was centered around his family, providing for them by working for Canada Post (30+ years) while also running his small office cleaning business “Willicome’s Services” (20 years).

He also served faithfully in his local church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) as Branch President, District President, Bishop, Scout Leader, Seminary Teacher, Geneology Library Director and many additional positions in the Church. While doing so he was a positive influence to many.

Jack was always an example of integrity and wisdom to his family and acquaintances. He was known for his willing service and dependability by all who knew and loved him. He was non-judgemental to his core, making people around him smile and laugh and was loved for his sense of humour and his positivity right to his last moments with us.

He was known for his artistic talents, bringing joy through his wonderful cartoons and caricatures. He loved long hikes and exploring the beautiful lakes, forests and mountains of the Cranbrook area with his dog, Tagg. Taking his children, grandchildren and neighborhood kids along to share his love and respect of nature with them.

In 2011 Jack’s wife Karren passed away leaving a huge hole and much sorrow in his life. After two years of loneliness he found a lovely lady, Donna Patterson to heal his heart.

Jack and Donna were married in the Cardston Alberta temple on March 15, 2014 where together they made their home. They shared a love of dancing and filled their days with gentle teasing and laughter and service to others. In October 2025 they sold their home in Cardston and returned to Cranbrook where they would have the love and support of family.

Jack is pre-deceased by his first wife Karren (nee Lee), his grandson Isaac Willicome, his great grand-daughter Raelynn Nelson, grandson Martin Willicome-Motry and step son Robin Patterson and step daughter Tara Patterson.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Donna, Jack’s four children Lee Ann, Lyle (Caroline), Christine (Don) Brehm and David (Theresa). Jack’s sister Elleanor Ritchie and 16 wonderful grandchildren and 11 beautiful great grandchildren, and by 4 step grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother in law and sister in law and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A viewing will be held at McPherson’s funeral home on July 24 at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (2210 2nd Street North Cranbrook B.C.) on Saturday July 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, please click the following link to view: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/john-willicome

Interment will be held at Westlawn Cemetery in Cranbrook, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society: https://www.cranbrookhistorycentre.com/donate-now/

mcphersonfh.com