Obituary of John "Jack" Oliver Batty

John “Jack” Oliver Batty passed away peacefully, April 1st, 2013 in Shellbrook, SK 6 days before his 85th birthday. He was born in the “Old House” on the family farm on April 7, 1928 to John William and Caroline Batty. He was their first and only child. Jack lived his entire life on his parents’ home quarter of land in the Avebury District near Iroquois Lake, Saskatchewan. As a young boy, he did not have many playmates that lived nearby, so he occupied himself by finding great companionship in his animals. Starting school at the age of 7, Jack attended the Avebury School. In 1944, upon completing his Grade 9, he left the books behind and joined the working world as a farm hand for Hector Duncan in the summer and during harvest. At age 16, Jack found his calling when he joined the D’Amour fastball team. This marked the beginning of a career that spanned over the next 25 years. This home-grown farm boy became a local legend. Jack’s name is published in the book “Safe at Home: A History of Softball in Saskatchewan.” In 1945, he started to farm his own land. In early 1945, Jack met the love of his life, a young lady from Shell Lake. On September 6, 1949, Jack married Evelyn Johnson and for 63 and a half years they never left each other’s side. Their marriage was a wonderful example of true love and devotion. They were blessed with two sons: John Robert and, fifteen months later, Gerald Swan was born. Jack’s father passed away in 1950, but his mother remained a part of his daily life until her death in 1970. Some of Jack’s favourite past times included playing hockey (in his younger years) as well as fishing, curling, and hunting, playing cards and visiting with family and friends. He loved the simple life on the farm. Caring for crops and cattle kept him very busy.” Jack will be remembered as a kind, hard-working, athletic, comical, quick-witted, gentle, loving, and devoted man. He has found his peace and has been reunited with family and friends. Jack will be forever cherished by his wife of 63 1/2 years Evelyn (Johnson) Batty,his sons and his grandchildren: John (Darlene) Batty and children; Joyanne (Joe) Dufour, Allison (Dillan) Batty-Simonar, Jay (Jessie) Batty, Gerald Batty and children; Raschelle (Wayne) Bodenstab, Karleen Batty (Paul Sharp), Erin Batty, Kara Batty, his great grandchildren: Ayden, Ellianna, Lochlan & M’Kinley Dufour, Emeri, Nixen & Maddox Simonar, Teryk & Danyka Bodenstab, Alexa & Xavier Sharp, his sisters in law: Irene Anderson & Bella Barber along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John is predeceased by his parents: John William & Caroline Batty, his parents in law: Swan & Florence Johnson, a daughter in law: Donna Batty, his brothers and sisters in law: May & Walter Grimm, Melvin Johnson, Milton Anderson & Stanley Barber. The Funeral Service was held for Jack on Saturday, April 6th, 2013 at 2:00 pm, from the Lions Hall in Leask, SK, with Pastor Chris Dean officiating. Jack was laid to rest in the Avebury Cemetery. Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Parkland Integrated Health Facility Furnishings. Edward Beaulac of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home of Spiritwood entrusted with arrangements 306-883-3500 Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. Thank you to the Big River Health Centre and the Parkland Terrace in Shellbrook for their kind, compassionate care.