Jasper Lake
December 29, 1928 - May 24, 2015
He wrote no renowned work of literature, he composed no symphonies, he had no great achievements in science or business. Nevertheless, he leaves a legacy far richer than any of these things - a legacy of love and quiet devotion to his family, and a legacy of simple Christian life sincerely and honourably lived.

Slipped away in the presence of his family at the Palliative Care Unit of the Central Newfoundland Hospital, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, on May 24, 2015, Jasper Lake of Cranley Place, Grand Falls-Windsor, in his 87th year.

Jasper Lake was born in Fortune, Newfoundland, on December 29, 1928. He was the son of the late Grace (Hickman) and Jasper Lake. A cook on a fishing schooner, his father was lost at sea in the Bay of Biscay just weeks before Jasper’s birth. As a young widow, his mother had little formal schooling; however, she valued education and all three of her surviving children completed high school and became teachers.

Jasper received his early education in Fortune and began his teaching career in 1946. He received his Bachelor of Education from Memorial University College in 1954 and his Bachelor of Arts through summer school. In 1967, Jasper was one of the first two students to graduate with a newly minted Masters Degree in Education from the Faculty of Education at Memorial University. He held teaching and administrative positions at the school and district levels in Grand Beach, Durrell, Twillingate, Lewisporte, Norris Arm, Bishop’s Falls, and Grand Falls-Windsor.

Throughout his career, Jasper Lake was regarded by his students and colleagues as a highly principled person. He was a dedicated educator and and a member of the Canadian College of Teachers. He held positions at the branch level of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association and served on the executive of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Superintendents of Education.

Jasper Lake served as an executive member of the Central Newfoundland Chapter of the Alumni Association of Memorial University. He supported Air Cadets, worked with Boy Scouts, was a keener with the local garden club, an active member of the Memorial United Church family, and served on the Harmsworth Public Library Board. He was admitted to the Eaton Society of Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1993.

Following retirement in 1989, Jasper travelled, spent time with family and friends, walked every day, and enjoyed many hobbies including reading and gardening. Photos and memories of excursions to parts of Britain, Europe, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Maritimes made for a winter’s entertainment.

Jasper is predeceased by his father Jasper Lake (1928), mother Grace Lake (1979), sister Hilda, brother-in-law Temple Stryde, parents in-law Otto and Olive Stryde, brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Lydia Lake, niece Anne (Reid) Blanchard, brother-in-law Raymond Reid, and sister-in-law Dona Stryde.

Jasper was a loving, attentive husband and a nurturing father who treasured his grandsons. Left to celebrate his life and legacy of distinction are his wife of 59 years, Marion, daughters Sharon (Dr. Kevin Giles) of Bay Roberts, NL; Janet (Thomas Deveaux) of Halifax, NS; son Jeffrey (Donette Ivany) of Lewisporte, NL; and grandsons Adam Giles, Nicholas Giles, Jonathan Lake, and Jared Lake. His sister Clara Reid of Bishop’s Falls, her children, and Harvey’s children were blessed by his presence and are saddened by his passing. Brothers-in-law Harry (Elvina) Stryde of Lewisporte, Ivan (Gladys) Stryde of Gander, and Dr. Sherman Stryde of St. Philips, and their families feel a deep sense of emptiness in their lives.

Many of Jasper’s life-long friends and crowd circle are greeting him with open arms while others including his neighbours on Cranley Place will miss him dearly. A large circle of relatives and friends are left to reflect on his contributions to the greater good and to celebrate his achievements.

Resting at Central Funeral Home, Union Street, Grand Falls-Windsor. Family and friends are welcome to visit on Monday, May 25, between 7:00 and 9:00 PM; Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM. A service of celebration and thanksgiving will take place at Memorial United Church, Church Road, Grand Falls-Windsor, at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Pallbearers are Tom Deveraux, Son-in-law; Harry Stryde, Brother-in-law; Ivan Stryde, Brother-in-law; Kevin Giles, Son-in-law; Adam Giles, Grandson; and Nicholas, Grandson. Internment to follow at Memorial United Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to Memorial United Church, Grand Falls-Windsor, or the South and Central Health Care Foundation - Palliative Care Unit.

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me!
I hope to see my Pilot face to face, When I have crost the bar.
Alfred Lord Tennyson