Jack Warkentin

Jack Warkentin

Jack Warkentin believed life was meant to be lived fully—with curiosity and humour, and with people at the centre of it all. Whether you knew him as Jack, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Jack, or Mr. Warkentin, chances are you have a story to tell.

Following a sudden illness, Jack passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday June 30, 2026, at Brandon Regional Health Centre. He was 83 years old.

Born on March 11, 1943, Jack spent his earliest years in Ontario and Winnipeg before moving to Churchill, Manitoba. Life there wasn’t always easy, but it fostered the resilience, determination, and quiet strength that would guide him throughout his life. It was there that he met the love of his life, Gloria Jean Cook, in 1961. They married in 1966 and shared nearly 60 years of marriage, raising their two children, Cara and Kurtis, in a home filled with love, friendship, and adventure.

Jack and Gloria Jean eventually made their home in Brandon, where Jack devoted 26 years to education in Brandon-area schools, including Green Acres, Alexander, J.R. Reid, Riverheights, and Earl Oxford. As both a teacher and principal, he left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues.

Jack rarely passed up an opportunity for adventure. He loved hiking, cycling, skiing, and travelling the world. Whether dancing, golfing, or going out for breakfast with friends, he found joy in being on the move. A true Jack-of-all-trades, he was always eager to learn something new. He enjoyed a variety of entrepreneurial ventures and took great pride in building the family cottage at Sandy Lake, as well as overseeing the construction of the family home in Brandon.

Above all, Jack cherished his family. Throughout his life, Jack and his mother, Edna (née Senczuk), shared a very special bond. He is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Gloria Jean; his daughter, Cara (Reda) and granddaughter, Serine; his son, Kurtis (Aiko) and grandchildren, Kienon and Kianna; his sister, Linda Lanteigne, and her children, Mike (Sharon) and Melanie; his sisters-in-law, Donna Vrooman, Kay Holland, Beverley Layh (Harvey), and Jacqui Rowland (Jim); along with many nieces, nephews, former students, colleagues, and dear friends in Brandon and around the world.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Monterey Estates Community Centre, 40 Mockingbird Drive, Brandon. Those wishing to honour Jack’s memory are invited to share a story, tell a joke, recite a poem, or sing a song.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, designated to Palliative Care, at 150 McTavish Avenue E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B3 or online at brhcfoundation.ca, or to a charity of your choice.