John Montague ‘Jack’ Pepper was well-known in the community.OBITUARY
Jack Pepper
Born: 5 April, 1918
Died: 10 January, 2010
PAKENHAM residents are mourning the loss of ‘Whistling Jack’ who was laid to rest last week.
John Montague ‘Jack’ Pepper was well known in Pakenham for his community involvement, eagerness to help others and his positive attitude towards life – which was evident as he walked the streets talking to locals and whistling tunes.
Jack was born on 5 April 1918 in Yarra Glen. He was the youngest of nine children.
Before moving to Pakenham, Jack went to school at Dixons Creek and Caulfield Technical College where he learned a mechanical trade.
Jack worked as a mechanic at Doug Hilder’s Garage in Pakenham and later at Vic Saunders Garage in Pakenham. He also worked with Jack and Keith Murphy on their orchard and with Bill and Minn Garlepp at the Princes Highway Hotel, Pakenham, now known as Castello’s.
After serving in World War II, Jack met and married Ivy May Buckland in 1948 and they had five children.
The dedicated father worked tirelessly to provide for his family and they eventually built their home at Anderson Street, Pakenham.
In 1960 Jack had the misfortune of suffering a brain haemorrhage and spent two years in rehabilitation. When his health improved, he joined the Shire of Berwick, where he worked with the road gang until his retirement.
Jack made his mark in the community by joining a variety or organisations, including the Pakenham Bowls Club and the CFA, where he volunteered from 1949 to 1957 and also served as captain.
Besides his family and work, Jack enjoyed television, drinks with friends, card games and was a Collingwood Magpies enthusiast. Jack loved to walk so much that his grandchildren used to call him ‘Round and Round Jack.’
Jack passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Ron Andrews Nursing Home on 10 January.
He is pre-deceased by his wife Ivy and survived by his children Raymond, Jan, Cheryl, Maree and Sharyn, his daughter-in-law Nancye, sons-in-law Steve and Barry, grandchildren Kellie, Luke, Lee, Rebecca, Shane, Olivia, Sam, Matt and great-grandchildren Gus, Billy and Jed.
The family wishes to thank Celebrant Lynette Shell who conducted the service on 13 January at David Bull Funeral Parlour before the burial at Pakenham Cemetery.
