John 'Jack' Ness

Passed peacefully at the age of 78 due to complications from lung and heart issues.

Loving husband to his late wife, Sandra (Sandy McPhail), d. 1998, and dear father to Fiona.

Jack was born and raised in Dundee, Scotland to parents John and Catherine Ness. He was the eldest of three children, a brother Gordon (Wendy), and a sister Carol (Kelvin) Hussey. He went on to attend North of Scotland College of Agriculture and worked selling veterinary and agricultural products in northern Scotland. He married Maureen Murray, and they went on to have two children, Linda and Michael.

Jack loved music and played accordion from a young age. He pursued his passion for Scottish Country Dance Band music throughout his life, playing accordion at many places throughout Scotland, most notably with Bill Black. He listened to music, transcribed arrangements and composed his own music up until his peaceful passing.

Jack's parents and siblings had emigrated to Canada in 1967, and after the end of his marriage, he decided to join them in Waterloo, Ontario in 1980. It was here that he met his second wife, Sandra (Sandy) McPhail. They had one daughter Fiona.

In Canada, he pursued a new career in computer engineering, specializing in software development and automated data collection and management, working at various companies including Wardair. He then decided to found his own company working with major clients such as Campbell Soup, and the Hibernia project in Newfoundland. His love of music also continued, as he joined the Waterloo Regional Police Choir, and toured with them, most notably to his beloved Scotland.

In Jack's later years, he moved to Orillia to join his daughter Fiona. He spent his time on his computer working with graphic programs, and also enjoying all things related to Scotland and traditional music. Jack enjoyed cooking and baking traditional Scottish dishes, and Scotch Baps and Apple Pies were his specialty. He was also known to enjoy his pint of Guinness and a wee dram of Scotch now and again. Jack always had a story to share, and his many nostalgic memories have become part of his legacy.

Left to honour his memory, his daughter Fiona (Nyreen), his brother Gordon (Wendy) Ness of Waterloo, nephew and niece Robert (Robbie) and Norma (Ontario); his sister Carol (Kelvin) Hussey, of St. Albert, Alberta, his nieces and nephew, Andrea and Ethan, (Edmonton, Alberta), and Emily, (Torbay, Newfoundland).

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia. Cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be planned for a later date. If desired, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Messages of condolence welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com