TONKIN, Jack

The Last Long Drive
His laugh was heard across the whole golf course.
His stories captivated an entire room.
He was ALWAYS larger than life.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Captain Jack Tonkin, at home, on January 30, 2026, at the age of 77. He went peacefully and painlessly in his sleep, just as his dad did—exactly how he always said he wanted. The house was full of those he loved, following a big Montreal Canadiens victory. Perfect.

Jack is mourned by his beloved wife, Wendy, of 49 years, and his children, Kelly and Chris, who were the centre of his world. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Austin, Jack, and Cora; his sister Kathryn (Tom); his cousins Andrea and Kim; his brothers-in-law Daniel, Chris, Michael, and Tim; his many nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends.

Jack was born on November 8, 1948, and was raised in NDG and Montreal West, where his lifelong love of sports, people, and telling a really good story took root early. He grew up in a loving home with his parents, Art and Muriel, his sister Kathy, and his beloved dog Duke. It was on the local outdoor rinks and fields that his athletic career began.

Jack’s father, Art Tonkin, had a passion for aviation and enjoyed a stellar career with TCA/Air Canada, rising to the position of Director of Flight Operations in his forties. He proudly flew members of the Royal Family on numerous occasions. Jack followed proudly in his father’s footsteps and was hired by Air Canada in 1973, quickly earning the role of Captain. Over his career, he flew nine different aircraft, always eager to learn something new and explore new places. His curiosity, confidence, and love of adventure defined both his career and his life. Many of the people Jack met and worked with at Air Canada became cherished, lifelong friends. Walking through an airport with Jack felt like walking alongside a celebrity—everyone knew him, and he was always happy to stop, joke, and catch up.

Jack met his wife, Wendy, after first befriending her brothers, thereby circumventing their rigorous screening process—clearly the most strategic move he ever made. Together, they built a life full of laughter, friendship, and stories that only got better with time. They were married on a rainy October day, an event Jack never forgot—largely because of his choice of a beige tuxedo that haunted him for years afterward. They travelled often, gathered friends easily, and had legendary cottage weekends that are still talked about (and laughed about) today.

When Kelly and Chris came along, the adventure only grew. As a father, Jack was fun-loving, endlessly proud, and the ultimate supporter. He created a good time wherever he went. The family home in Beacon Hill was the place—bikes scattered on the lawn, doors always open, and friends knowing they were welcome the moment they walked in. Jack loved his children and their friends wholeheartedly. Weekend Vermont trips became part of the family lore, filled with memories, laughs, and stories that are still retold today.

As a grandfather, his joy was unmistakable. He adored his four grandchildren and took a genuine interest in everything they did. Their friends loved him just as much, all happily drawn to “Grampy” for his humour, warmth, and the way he made everyone feel like they belonged.

Jack Tonkin and sports were inseparable from the very beginning. Growing up in Montreal West, Jack was a top-end athlete early on, excelling in football, hockey, and golf, with a claim to fame that still makes people smile—earning MVP honours in the world-famous Garbage Bowl and landing in the Montreal Gazette. Hockey and golf ran through six decades of his life, not just as a player but as lifelong passions. As the years rolled on, Jack seamlessly shifted into coaching baseball and hockey and became the loudest, proudest supporter on the sidelines, cheering his kids through every sport under the sun. The only collection larger than his Pointe-Claire Oldtimer Championship plaques was the encyclopedic sports knowledge he carried around in his head—any sport, any decade, Jack was the ultimate “phone-a-friend.” And if you thought he was busy with sports already, don’t forget the legendary sports pools. While aviation was his true career, his second calling was running NHL and NFL pools—long before online platforms—bringing hundreds of friends together year after year for competition, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun. Simply put, Jack was sports, and sports were Jack.

In more recent years, Jack found great joy in cross-country ski outings, bike rides, long walks with the dogs alongside Wendy, and, of course, playing as many rounds of golf as he possibly could at Summerlea.

Jack lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment with enthusiasm, incredible generosity, and a deep love for family and friends. A generous and welcoming host, Jack was always topping up drinks, cooking incredible meals (especially his legendary breakfasts), and leading lively conversations. He loved a good joke and would keep repeating it until his audience gave the appropriate reaction. He treasured his regular breakfast “meetings” with friends, where—according to Jack—very important topics were always discussed. He never entered a room without striking up a conversation, and within minutes somehow knew everyone’s name. His laugh was unmistakable and could be heard across a room—often before you even saw him.

Deeply missed, impossible to forget, and always remembered, Jack leaves behind stories that will last generations. He leaves a legacy of laughter, connection, and love and will be remembered as a man who lived fully, loved deeply, laughed loudly, and made everyone feel instantly at home.

As per Captain Jack’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral.
One big celebration of life will follow, as that is what the legend deserves.

April 4, 1–5 p.m.
Champagne Center, DoubleTree Hilton, Pointe-Claire

Rest in peace, Jack. Dad. Grampy.