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November 26, 2022
In loving memory ~
Jack Ernest Chicalo was born in New Westminster in 1934, and with his parents John and Mary, and brother Bob, lived in Quebec and Ontario. Jack and family returned to B.C., settling in Richmond where he attended Richmond High School, graduating in 1953.
Jack, his wife Eileen, and their three children, made a move to Campbell River in 1972. In 1977 the family spent a wonderful year in England, which Jack said was the best thing he ever did.
Jack was proud and fulfilled in his career as a Land Surveyor, BCLS #434. A long surveying career brought Jack to northern B.C. as a young man, the lower mainland later, and finally the Campbell River area where his land surveying firm, Chicalo, Young & Assoc, existed until his retirement. His work satisfied his adventurous spirit, and his fellow workers will remember the expeditions, the camp food and the hard work. His mark is left behind on a wide range of projects; he would often point out places he surveyed, or describe experiences he had when surveying using rudimentary gear in the wilderness. It was challenging work, both mentally and physically, and he truly loved all of it. An interview with Jack, where he talks about his old surveying adventures, can be found here bit.ly/JackChicalo
He found his life partner Jacque Mielke (d. 2021) and they lived on Ocean Grove Road. The fun-loving couple shared many adventures throughout their 40+ years together. Their home was a comfortable place for lively discussions among their keepsakes and photos. Some highlights were trips to Romania, Egypt, Kenya, Peru, and much more with their great friends John and Irene. Their travel style was to mingle with the real local people, learning from them the culture and language of the country. Acceptance of all people was a big part of Jack's character; he
crusaded for human and civil rights, modeled tolerance for all religions, ethnicity and diversity. From the 50+ countries he visited, he leaves behind collections of stamps, currency and sand, and his incredible stories of global adventure.
Jack loved the B.C. Coast. On boating 'trips to nowhere', and expeditions up mountains, he engaged with nature; a love which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He often spoke about his circumnavigation of Vancouver Island with Jacque in his small boat, and the dramatic mountaineering adventure to the summit of Victoria Peak. Jack's resourcefulness prevailed when things got dicey, and his friends would rely on him to always make it home safely.
Jack is survived by his 3 children, John, Gerry and Diane (Wendel) and Jacque's sons David (Thomas), Bradley (Terri, Amelia, Tristan), Michael (Eriko, Kye, Sheena) and Tyson (Rachel).
Extra special to him were his grandchildren Moises, Roxan, Tatanya, Wes and Trematon. He had many great friends, neighbours, cousins, nieces, nephews, and old school friends.
Jack Chicalo: a man of adventure, curiosity and humanity. He thought for himself, lived an authentic life as a free man from a free country. He was proud of his Ukrainian heritage. We will miss conversations around the fireplace. We will miss his knowledge of history and military, of language, of tinkering, and of course, his sense of humour. Jack passed away peacefully in the Campbell River Hospital on November 26th, 2022. He was 88.



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