EDWARD JOHN ROWELL JACKMAN

1940 - 2021

EDWARD JOHN ROWELL JACKMAN obituary, 1940-2021

BORN

1940

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

EDWARD JACKMAN Obituary

JACKMAN, EDWARD JOHN ROWELL 1940 - 2021 Edward Jackman was born in Toronto, February 20, 1940. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Rutherford Jackman and Mary Coyne Rowell Jackman, and is survived by his siblings, the Honorable Henry "Hal" (Maruja) Jackman, Dr. Frederic "Eric" (Sara) Jackman, and the Honorable Nancy Ruth (Elizabeth). He enjoyed being with his nieces and nephews and their children: Henry (Mia), Duncan (Rochelle) and children Oliver and Elodie, Victoria (Thomas and Vita), Consuelo (Frank, Arthur, Josephine and Harry), Trinity (Griffin and Harry), Tara (Alexander and Jonathan), Tom (Lisa), and Robert (Stefani) and their son, Graydon. Many family gatherings included fun conversations. Edward leaves Martha Jackson, his loving partner of 34 years. Edward was particularly proud of his family and had a special affection for the life and work of his maternal grandfather, the Hon. Newton Wesley Rowell (deceased 1942), was a Methodist layman, a lawyer, Chief Justice (Ont.), politician and statesman. He will be laid to rest beside his maternal grandparents, Newton and Nelle Langford Rowell. Edward attended Upper Canada College where he distinguished himself both in academics and in football, a game he continued to love to watch right up until his recent illness. As had been the family tradition, he attended Victoria University in the University of Toronto and graduated with a BA in philosophy in 1962. His love of his alma mater never waned and throughout his life he was a generous benefactor of its programs and scholars. After his graduation he underwent a time of great spiritual discernment, which was marked by his conversion to Roman Catholicism. This set him on a lifelong journey in service to the church, its history, and its many charitable works. In 1971, he was ordained into the Catholic priesthood and became a member of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans). For a short time, he served as a librarian in Wa, Ghana, but was forced to return home after contracting malaria. His African experience, however, reinforced his commitment to help the marginalized, the hungry, and all those in need. Back in Canada he became active in the historical community, joining several societies dedicated to the study of Christian history. From 1980 to 1982 he served as president of the Canadian Catholic Historical Association, and up until his death, continued as its Secretary General, a role in which he, along with his assistant, Valerie Burke, organized, supported, and provided resources to the organization's scholarly conferences and publications for 40 years. He served as historian for the Archdiocese of Toronto until the 1990s, and during that time wrote and supervised many parish histories, an archdiocesan sesquicentennial project (1991-92), and a two-volume history of St. Augustine's Seminary. In partnership with McGill-Queen's University Press, "Father Ed" managed, through the Jackman Foundation, to secure funding for over 100 titles in its Study of the History of Religion Series. In addition, he managed to assist many historians, both junior and senior scholars, to continue their studies, to undertake research, and to publish. He was also an active benefactor of the University of St. Michael's College and the Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies. Father Ed never forgot his Methodist/United Church roots. He was a supporter of local United Churches and active in the preparation of a major study of the history of the Methodist Church in Canada. Moreover, he became a member and benefactor of the Canadian Methodist Historical Society. Proud of his family's roots in Sussex, England, he was a principal benefactor of the Petworth Project. At his alma mater, Victoria College, he became an enthusiastic supporter of the REED (Records in Early English Drama) project. He also had a deep interest in Ireland and became one of the principal supporters and a writer in the two volume series The Untold Story: The Irish in Canada. The scholarly and Celtic community bestows Father Ed an enormous debt of gratitude for his generosity, kindness, energy, and wisdom. An ardent supporter of a variety of other faiths and Christian philanthropic endeavours, he was a Chaplain in the Order of St. Lazarus for a quarter of a century and donated regularly to the Toronto Commandery, the École Biblique for the biblical studies in Jerusalem, and many smaller local church groups. Many will remember Father Ed as an avid patron of the arts. He loved opera and spent most Saturday afternoons listening to live broadcasts from the MET on CBC radio. He was a patron of opera in Toronto (Opera in Concert, music faculties at several universities, Orpheus Choir, No Strings Theatre for the development of young performers, the National Youth Orchestra, the Regent Park School of Music, among dozens of performing arts groups). Rarely a week went by without Edward and Martha attending an opera event. His lifelong interest in art began with his family's friendship with A. Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven and continued throughout his life as a member of the board of the McMichael Art Gallery. He used his love of colour in his writing and as a designer of flags (vexillology), a lifelong interest that drew him close to the Burkes, a Canadian flag-making family. He will be greatly missed by his long-term personal assistant, Valerie Burke. Father Ed will be missed by many. There are many stories that will be left untold because, in the true spirit of Christian charity, his generosity was often undertaken privately, without fanfare, and without advertisement. He could honestly say, in the end, citing St. Paul "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2Tm.4.7) Father Edward Jackman passed away peacefully in his home with Martha and Valerie by his side on Friday morning, June 18, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the new Vaughan Hospice (www.hospicevaughan.com). The family and Martha would like to publicly thank his Palliative Care team under the caring direction of Dr. Vincent Maida and the tireless attention from Ramona Ghosh. Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral has been arranged for invited guests. A public Memorial will be held when it is safe to do so. For those who wish to view the service, it will be livestreamed on the morning of Thursday, June 24th at https://youtu.be/zDbXfqURxjU. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

Published by Toronto Star from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD JACKMAN

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12 Entries

Fond memories of a wonderful human being... Ed was Head Steward of Seaton's House my first year at Upper Canada College; a mentor and true inspiration... I'm saddened not knowing Ed later in life!... My condolences to all the special folks Ed touched, he had good taste!... #RIP Ed

Phoenix, Arizona
July 5, 2021

Michael Spector

Classmate

July 5, 2021

St. Chads Anglican Parish in Toronto which includes Ahadi East African ministry, has lost a great friend with a great heart in Fr. Edward Jackman.He advocated for the existence of the Parish and offered support both financially and morally. He contributed to the church's new roof replacement and the music program. He's behind an ongoing work to produce a booklet for the Parish's History, a first for this church and part of the church's 110th anniversary celebration. Fr Jackman loved St Chads and Ahadi Ministry and was keen to see them progress, prosper and have an impact in the neighborhood and beyond.
Rest in peace God's servant

Rev. Elivered Mulongo, Priest in Charge.

Rev Elivered Mulongo

Friend

June 25, 2021

We had written to Fr. Ed just before his passing and hoped he was able to realize the depth and breadth of our appreciation for a life of service, kindness and inspiration.

His role in the creation, support and ongoing involvement in The St. Johns Centre may never be known by more than 100,000 children from Niagara Region who visited and learned about pioneer life at this extraordinary historic village. But, those who were there, those who were touched and those who learned from this larger-than-life personality can never forget him.

Our hearts are with those who loved him as they struggle with the loss of a great friend and relative.

As today's memorial eulogy noted, he sought not to follow wise men but to follow what they followed.

John and Sue Scott

Friend

June 24, 2021

Tom and Lisa Jackman

June 24, 2021

Uncle Eddie was not my actual uncle, but he has been a lifelong friend to my dad and we called him Uncle — his name (and “connection” ?) was also invoked a couple of times on the golf course when a shot went awry and seemed bound for the centre of the woods. A yell of “Eddie!!” and the ball bounced from tree to tree and back into the fairway.

You’ll be missed. I feel blessed to have known such a warm and wonderful person.

Peter “Petie” Campbell

Friend

June 23, 2021

Mrs. Arthur B. Scott- The Scot

June 23, 2021

Saddened by the loss of Fr Ed.
As a director of the St John's Center with Fr Ed for many years it was my pleasure to serve. His guidance over the year helped me appreciate his well founded vision of how to be of service.
His guidance continues to serve as an inspiration.
I will miss him

George Scott

Coworker

June 22, 2021

We, at the Etobicoke Centennial Choir, are deeply saddened to learn of “Father Jackman’s” passing. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. His support over the years allowed us to bring joy, through song, to our choristers and local community.

Greg Pimento ECC President

Friend

June 22, 2021

It was a pleasure working with Fr. Ed doing Catholic historical research on parish histories, regional Catholic histories and researching the significant events in the Catholic Register newspaper. Above all, it was a pleasure working with Ed. I can still his hearty laugh and remember his friendly manner. I wish him well on his great journey ahead !

Regards
Brian O'Sullivan ( older brother of Canadian Olympic boxer Shawn O'Sullivan )

Brian O'Sullivan

Friend

June 21, 2021

He was a beacon in the Canadian Landscape

The Rev. Dr. John Joseph JJ Mastandrea

Friend

June 21, 2021

Mary Catherine Campbell

June 21, 2021

Peter and I extend condolences to you Hal, Eric, Nancy, Martha and Valerie. Our friendship has been a 73 year relationship whilst growing up, growing older and attaining wisdom and experiences. Our family has been the richer for having Ed in our lives as our children lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Eddy" an endearment of inclusion since they were born. Beginning as boys in the Prep. through to our wedding when he was our Best Man and all the births, Christenings, Anniversaries, special birthdays and weddings he was a constant. Ed's appetite was legendary in our family sharing so many dinners over the years. Growing up our boys especially so admired and always tried to our-eat him at a multitude of Thanksgiving meals. We will miss you very much Ed. Rest in peace our dear, dear friend. Lovingly, Peter, Cathy, Pete, Jim and Lini.

Peter and Cathy Campbell

Friend

June 21, 2021

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Memorial Events
for EDWARD JACKMAN

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1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8