Obituary of Jack Gillespie

John “Jack” Nelson Gillespie, of Wingham, Ontario, passed away on Tuesday, February 6th, at the age of 80, peacefully and surrounded by family and friends at the Wingham and District Hospital.

Beloved husband of Nancy (Longley) Gillespie. Devoted father of Brett & Pam Gillespie of Stratford and Scott & Shannon Gillespie of Wingham. Loving grandfather of Kamden, Parker, Isabel and Olivia. Cherished brother of Hilary Gillespie.

Predeceased by his parents William & Mary “May” (Hagan) Gillespie.

Jack was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1943 and was "shipped" out to Canada, in the 50s, with his parents (William & May) and sister Hilary when he was seven years old. Long story short, he eventually resided in Toronto where he met his wife Nancy Lynn Longley. They were married in 1964, giving their families just one day’s notice!  The result was a 60-year relationship filled with love and devotion. 

Jack was best known as a longtime member of the CKNX family in Wingham, starting off as a brash, self-assured salesman before rising to sales manager and eventually general manager of the station. One of his biggest accomplishments was to help spearhead the 2003 "Health Care Heroes' Radiothon"; something that he continued to be passionate about, even after retirement.

Jack was well known for enjoying long conversations on religion, philosophy, mathematics and politics, and would regularly engage his family in deep kitchen talks after dinner. He also had all of the roads of Southwestern Ontario memorized and could easily give better directions off the top of his head than you'd find on Google Maps. His love of the outdoors led to many adventures down new roads with his favourite passengers. His quick wit, dry humour and love of family (and candy) will be sorely missed.

Jack passed in the bleak mid-winter; we will honour and celebrate him on Sunday, June 9th, 2024 at the Wingham Columbus Centre, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham & District Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice in his honour would be greatly appreciated.