Wakeford, Jack
Jack 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
Jack was the heartbeat of Chaplin.
A leader of many major projects, he will be missed by all.
Condolences to all of his family.
My condolences to the wakeford families
Jack was a fine man with no quit and a friend to all
Our condolences to Jack’s wife and family. Hold onto those memories and Jack will live on in your hearts forever.
There are many memorials to Jack’s good work in Chaplin ,a good man who made the world a better place. He will be missed, my deepest sympathy,Gerald Smith, Chaplin Saskatchewan
We want to express our sympathy to you Renee and to your family. We enjoyed the times we got to know Jack. He was a nice man. Anita liked how Jack would tease her. May the love of family and friends help encourage you. Sympathy also from our family Elaine and Vivian
I send my sincere condolences during this time of grief. The Bible promises that your loved one will soon live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.
It is with heart felt sadness to hear of Jack’s passing. We send our condolences to Wanda, Renee and all family members.
I first met Jack when the cottage development started in Palliser Regional Park. He was a fun person to work and play golf with. Always had something to say and it ended with a laugh.
We wish to express our condolences to Jacks wife & Family. He was respected and loved in the community. He was a mentor to many people. He put his heart into everything he did and lived life to its fullest. We will surely miss Jack
Deepest sympathies to the family.
Deepest sympathy to all Of Jack’s family in this time He always had a smile and a story to tell.
Our most Sincere Condolences to Renee, Wanda, Nick and all of their families!! Neil will always remember the good hockey times between Chaplin and Riverhurst. Jack was a remarkable man, with many talents. RIP Jack
What a beautiful obituary for an incredible man. Renee, Nick, Wanda, please accept our deepest condolences. Jack was one in a million and will be missed. He was such a friendly man with a warm smile and would always make a joke or tease me when I was a kid at the lake. It was amazing to see that continue with my nephews and son.
He would always lend a hand, could solve any problem and was such a hard working guy. He will be remembered and missed.
My condolences to Renee and the family. Jack was a great guy and I always appreciated his friendship.
My deepest condolences and sincerest thoughts are with the Wakeford Family at this time. Jack was friendly and funny anytime we ran into each other. He will be missed. Cherish your memories ❤️
My condolences to Renée and family on their huge loss. He was one of a kind….hard working, caring, smart and witty. He, Renée and my brother Darryl came all the way to Black Diamond Ab. to build a 10’ x 40 deck on my home. As he left, he stopped, put his truck in reverse, got out of the truck with money in his hand, (which I had given him for his work which wasn’t much) , handed it to me and said “I don’t charge family,” got back into his truck and drove off. He left us all with great memories.❤️
Jack wasn’t a good man. He was a great man! His smile lit up every room he walked into. I remember as a kid in the rink saying there’s Jack! As a adult working at the Silver Dollar saying theres Jack. He was easy to please, hard to hate and impossible not to love! Rest easy Jack. We will smile up at you as we know you will forever smile down at us! “Good Job Kid”
To the family of Jack Wakeford we send our sincere condolences from a fellow STI Architectural Technologist, Jack was a great classmate and friend to all and participated in many of our class antics!