Skip to content

CUTTS, John “Jack”

July 22, 1926 – January 29, 2012


Jack was born in Cokato, BC on July 22, 1926 to Joseph and Sarah Cutts. On November 23, 1948 he married Muriel Anne Baranowski and together they had 4 children: Bob (Evelyn), Wendy (Willie), Larry (Edith) and Brian (MaryAnn). Since 1972 Jack has been with his soul mate Judith Davis and they have 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his brother Ed Cutts and his sister Olga Kielpinski as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William and James (Chap) Cutts, sisters Rose (Walter) Owen and Sarah (George) Vandenberghe, his brother-in-law John Kielpinski and by his beloved grandson David Charlton in August of 2011.

Jack received his education in Fernie, traveling with his sister Olga by horse & stoneboat. Seems that Olga made it to school but Jack would quite often become sidetracked! As a very young man Jack worked at Downey’s farm (south of Fernie), later going to work for Ed Brown Sr. at the King Ranch. He also worked briefly underground with the horses at the Coal Creek mines before moving on to his beloved ranching. Jack was a trapper & guide outfitter in the McEvoy Creek area with his partner and longtime friend Willie Bossio.

In 1952 he purchased his beloved Sheep Mountain Ranch from Brownie Sharp, and for over 20 years supplied the roping/penning and sorting stock for the Snow Valley Wranglers. For many years Jack was on the racehorse circuit, bringing many horses back to Sheep Mountain where he was able to rehabilitate them, returning them to the track. Jack’s knowledge of horses was legendary and he became known far and wide for his horse trading skills. He hated machinery and was always happiest with his horses.

Jack loved Sheep Mountain Ranch where he and Judi have spent the last 40 plus years surrounded by their chickens, horses and cows. He loved going to the Elko Hilltop to visit with the Mindek’s, Dennis Dilts and anyone else who happened by for endless cups of coffee, news and gossip. Jack was loved by his family and will be dearly missed.

The Memorial Service was held at the Knox United Church on Thursday, February 2nd with Rev. Barbara Langton officiating. Memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Assoc., the BC Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.