January 7, 1961 ~ June 10, 2017
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Neil Stanley Jeck in Williams Lake on June 10th at the age of 56. He was a bright, expressive, funny, and courageous spirit, throughout his life and especially so during his two-year ordeal with cancer. He faced his diagnosis and treatment with good spirits and rare courage, creating many special memories for family and friends during this time.
Neil was born in McBride, B.C. and had a fondly and humorously remembered childhood in the Robson Valley, a place he loved dearly. He lived in several places over the years: Prince George, Fort St. James, Bella Coola and Williams Lake; the Cariboo-Chilcotin region had a special place in his heart. He loved the outdoors, exploring backroads, camping, fishing in all seasons, and hunting. Neil was comfortable in his own skin whether alone with Mother Nature or being with friends and family. Music, guitar, games, jokes were all important to him, especially when enjoyed with the people he loved, and his love of life was infectious. Neil was expressive and thoughtful in words he personally relayed or wrote as special notes, poems and cowboy poetry. He was proud and honoured to have some of his poetry included in his dad’s latest book this year.
Neil worked as a lumber grader and first-aid designate at West Fraser in Williams Lake. He had held a variety of jobs: in other mills, as a period interpreter at Fort St. James National Historic Site, in construction and equipment operation, operating his own food chuckwagon, managing Chief Will-Yum Campsite and delivering water.
Neil is survived by his wife Alice; son Ryan Jeck (fiancé Geneva Mack, grandchildren Shayleen and Jovin); daughter Melissa Jeck (fiancé Dustin Gueulette); son Calvin Jeck (wife Caitlyn nee Bellows, grandchildren Eric and Elisha); and daughter Lora Jeck (partner Kyle Reid, grandson Parker). He is also survived by two stepchildren Stephanie Beck (husband Jonathan Beck, grandsons Ryder, Jayden, Logan and Tanner), and David Metivier (wife Rachael; granddaughter Kyara); parents Lloyd and Evelyn Jeck, sisters Valerie Jeck (partner Wayne Morhart) and Sheila Jeck (husband David Moon), special in-laws and many friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his brother Wayne.
Neil, Alice and family appreciated beyond words the care of Dr. Francina Van der Merwe, Neil’s medical team and all the support they received from family, friends, and the community.
There will be a Memorial Service held for Neil on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., at Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Services Chapel, 180 Comer Street, Williams Lake, B.C. Phone 250-392-3234.
In Neil’s memory, and in your life in general, Neil and family wish you to do something you love, help where you can, and live life to the fullest.
Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 250-392-3234 www.cariboochilcotin.ca