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February 18, 1927 - December 5, 2019
Jack passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on Thursday, December 5, 2019, in Fernie, BC at the age of 92 years. Jack was a resident at Rocky Mountain Care Village in Fernie for the past 7 years; however, he resided in the Creston Valley for over 50 years.
John, better known as "Jack", was born in Cranbrook, BC on February 18, 1927 to his parents Ora and Bertha Taplin. He, along with his siblings Art and Claire, were raised in logging camps, first being in Yahk, BC and later in the Findley Creek area near Canal Flats, BC. Having been raised in logging camps and working in the back country, Jack enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He loved to tell the story of his pet elk, Barney, along with the pet deer & horses he had as a child. Jack worked hard and was able to purchase his own CAT, working with, and on heavy equipment for many years. Later in life Jack, along with his father Ora, owned and operated a bulk fuel plant in Creston, BC and Jack hauled fuel from Calgary, AB to supply the bulk plant. Jack's truck driving career continued until his retirement in 1992 when he retired from the Labatt's Columbia Brewery in Creston/Castlegar.
Jack married Henriette Pyplacz in August 1960 in Creston, BC and together they welcomed three children, daughter Jacqueline, and sons Trevor and Stacey. Jack and Henriette raised their children in the Creston Valley.
In his final years, Jack could be found cruising the halls of the Rocky Mountain Care Village with his walker & crib board looking for a challenger, he loved bingo nights and visiting the other residents. He would speak often of all the new friends he made and the occasional familiar face he stumbled upon. He always loved to tell a story to anyone that would listen.
Jack is predeceased by his wife Henriette in 2002; son Trevor Taplin in 2018; parents Ora and Bertha; brother Art Taplin of Cranbrook, BC; sister Claire Wilson of Fernie, BC; nephews Dean Taplin, Ross Taplin, Neil Taplin, Pat Wilson and Mike Wilson; sister-in-law Barb Taplin, brother-in-law Bill Wilson, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Charles Amatto of Blairmore, AB and brother-in-law Stanley Pyplacz of Cranbrook, BC.
Jack is survived by his daughter Jackie (Neil) Ross of Blackfalds, AB; son Stacey (Karen) Taplin of Red Deer, AB; 7 grandchildren: Sheldon (Melissa) Ross of Cranbrook, BC, Brianne (Matthew) Kempe of Taber, AB, Andrew Ross (Julia Martin) of Blackfalds, AB, Kaitlyn Ross (Rusty Gilchrist) of Creston, BC, Tamara Anselmo (Cory) of Cranbrook BC, Calvin Taplin of Cranbrook, BC and Lacey Taplin of Nelson, BC; 5 great granddaughters: Avery and Kendall Ross, Henley and Loewen Kempe and Aven Anselmo; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and care staff at the Rocky Mountain Care Village for their wonderful care of Dad over the last 7 years and a heartfelt thanks to the extended family and friends in Fernie for their countless visits, cribbage games and bingo rallies, he cherished those moments.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to the Rocky Mountain Village Ladies Auxiliary, 55 Cokato Rd., Fernie BC, V0B 1M0.
A Celebration of Jack's life will be held in the spring in Creston, BC. Details to follow at a later date.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
 Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.