Daniel John McQuarrie

Daniel John “Jack” McQuarrie October 3, 1939 – November 4, 2017 Jack was the second child of John and Marianne McQuarrie. He was born and raised in New Westminster along with his older brother Michael and younger brother Neil. The family lived for a period of two years in Pender Harbour, and then a year in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast before Jack was school age. Jack had many fond childhood memories of his time in Pender Harbour, as well as growing up in New Westminster upon their returned. Jack’s life was full of adventure both in personal and professional accomplishments. With his love of being on the water, he worked on the tug boats along with his father and older brother. After graduating from New Westminster Secondary School and attending UBC for two years, he entered the Navy and was stationed for a short time in Halifax. It was discovered at the time of his lantern test he had colour blindness, and therefore he would not be able to continue in that capacity. He had to make alternative career choices, however this didn’t deter his passion.  He ventured to work on the tugboats for Stratiotes. Furthering his education, he attended BCIT to become a Surveyor, eventually working for the Highways Department and Construction Aggregates. They merged with FRPD and in1970 Jack started working as a surveyor, later advancing to superintendent in pile driving and marine construction. Jack’s work in marine construction took him through various places around the world such as South Africa, New Guinea, Chilli, various States in America, and Provinces in Canada. Jack had a range of personal passions and adventures from his love of reading while relaxing on the beach in the sun, to riding his Harley motorcycle with his buddies, hunting game, playing racquetball, fitness and lifting weights. He spent time with his niece and nephews competing on the slopes, along with many other activities they shared together. While in Kamloops Jack volunteered at the Therapeutic Riding Association helping children with disabilities. Friends and family affectionately had nicknames for Jack such as “Beachy” due to his frequent breaks while taking in the rays on the beach as the pile drivers continued to work. He was called “Captain Jack” for his love of the ocean and tugboats, along with his many boating stories. He is fondly referred to as “Uncle” by his nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife Deborah McQuarrie, his brother Michael, sister-in-law Maureen, his niece Jacqui (Michael), nephews John (Karrie), Cameron (Stacey), great nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and co-workers. He is predeceased by his brother Neil, and his parents John and Marianne McQuarrie. He will be remembered for his tenacity for life, his punctuality, his amazing vocabulary, his love of reading, the beach, tugboats, sunsets, love of rock and roll music and his empathetic ways when no one was looking. He embraced the Christian faith later in life and was baptized in the Catholic Church on Easter 2014. An Internment to be determined.