Regimental Number: M59215
Rank: Lance Corporal
Jack Laverick was born in 1916 in Whitby Yorkshire, England. One of two sons and four sisters to Richard and Annie Laverick. He took schooling to grade 8 in England and also worked farming and in the coal mines as a miners helper. At the age of 14, him and two sisters followed his dad and older brother George to the Peace country where they had already come to and settled in 1928.
In February 1941 at the age of 25 Jack joined the army in Calgary, he was then sent to Camp Borden. Before going overseas Jack was sent on many trips across Canada escorting POW’s by train to the West Coast.
In Nov. 1941 Jack embarked at Halifax and sailed to Liverpool. He then spent 3 years in the U.K. in the #9 Provost Coy employed as a L/CPL spending time in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Holland. He spent a lot of his time dispatching messages by motorbike. While stationed in the U.K Jack was able to take several leaves and visit his family who lived there.
Jack was awarded the 1939-45 star, France & Germany star, Defense Medal, CVSM & Clasp and War Medal 1939-45. He was later discharged February 21, 1946.
Jack returned from the war in 1946, soon to buy NE 35-72-3-W6 where he built his home. He homesteaded SW 13-73-3-W6 and eventually bought the adjoining quarter NW 13-73-3-W6.
Jack met Molly Ethel (Walker) and they were married May 11, 1951. They settled in their home and within the next 5 years had 3 children: Dorothy (Grotkowski) 1953, Tom 1954 and Howard 1956.
Over the years Jack worked in sawmills as a faller and also spent some time in the oil patch. Many winters the family spent time living in camp with Jack. George Steven and Pete Kebalo were two of the men Jack logged for. When Dorothy was out of school age, Molly and the family stayed home and Jack only spent a few more winters away and soon stayed home as well.
The family did mixed farming, grew grain, raised livestock and put up hay, many summers were spent on the homestead land picking roots. All the family was involved in helping numerous chores on the farm. In later years after retirement, Jack enjoyed the garden and was proud of the beautiful produce that was harvested and also the bountiful raspberry patch.
Some relatives came from England and visited and in 1983 Jack and Molly made the trip over to visit them.
Over the years Jack and Molly had seven grandchildren added to their family which brought much joy to them both.
Jack remained on the farm until his passing in 1985 and Molly still survives and is living in a lodge in Grande Prairie. Jack was buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery and was also a member of the West Smoky Legion Branch #244.
Written by Tom and Janet Laverick