Obituary of Jack TALLON

Michael John "Jack” Tallon of Lafleche, SK passed away on Monday, September 1, 2014, at the age of 65 years. Jack was born in Lafleche, SK on July 2, 1949, the youngest son of Stan and Theresa (nee Corkery) Tallon. When Jack was two years old, the family moved from their home in Lafleche to a farm 7 miles south of town, where the farm still is today. Jack attended Harwood School for five years, and graduated from Lafleche High School in 1969. Jack worked at various jobs over the course of 1969 and 1970. In the spring of 1970, Jack went down to the States with a local custom combining outfit. After returning home, Jack began farming alongside his dad and brother. Jack farmed with his dad until he passed away in 1988, and continued on with his brother Pat, and later on with his nephew Lee as well. Jack truly did love farming; he appreciated that he was able to be his own boss and do things as he saw best, enjoyed being outdoors, and the satisfaction that came from setting your hand to change an entire landscape from bare soil to abundant grain fields in a short growing season. Jack also had a passion for hunting, and his family enjoyed many meals of goose, duck and deer, and at least twice as many stories about his adventures of chasing game. Jack loved the people he lived and worked around, often lending a hand when neighbours were in a pinch, being present for the celebrations, and well as the losses. He believed that to be a farmer was an honest and dignified occupation, and that you not only worked to feed your family, but the world beyond as well. Not long after establishing his own farm in the spring of 1971, Jack met Beth Curry, the girl next door. Jack and Beth truly were best friends, and courted until they were married in Lafleche on November 2, 1974. By 1977, they had moved a house onto what is now considered their home quarter. By 1984, Jack was the proud papa of three lively kids, Michael, Holly and Chris. Jack took great pride in his family, and gladly brought his children to every tournament, practise and community event that they were involved in. He cheered for them at every chance, and never begrudged his time spent waiting and watching their efforts. He was proud of the spouses each of his children chose, and his grandson was his pride and joy. Jack and Gabriel would often be seen shopping together or going for drives. Jack will be remembered for his patience, coupled with his sharp wit and quick humour, his love for his family, and the kindness that he showed to others. Jack was Beth’s rock as she battled her own illness 2 years ago, and Beth never left Jack’s side through his journey as well. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Beth Tallon (nee Curry); son Michael (Amanda) Tallon; daughter Holly (Brian) Dyck, grandson Gabriel Tallon-Dyck; son Chris (Brittany) Tallon; brother Pat (Betty-Ann) Tallon, niece Terri (Georges) Belcourt, niece Linda (Wayne) Hynes, nephew Lee (Maxine) Tallon, nephew Dale (Denise) Tallon; brother Mel (Carolyn) Tallon; sister-in-law Brenda (Paul) Heine; brother-in-law Blair (Marlene) Curry, nephew Cody Curry; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents Stan and Theresa (nee Corkery) Tallon; brother Orville (Eleanor) Tallon; sister Millie (Albert) Erfle; mother and father-in-law Stan and Lorna Curry. Prayers were held on Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., with Angela Belcourt presiding. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, September 5, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Maurice Minne celebrant. Both were held at Ste Radegonde Roman Catholic Church, Lafleche, SK. The eulogy was shared by Michael Tallon. Readers were Terri Belcourt and Dale Tallon. Prayers of the Faithful were shared by Amanda Tallon and Brittany Tallon. Offertory gifts were presented by Linda Hynes and Lee Tallon. Music was shared by Maurice and Anita Palmier, and the Church Choir was accompanied by organist Glenda Crooks. Active pallbearers were Ben Crooks, Adam Crooks, Jeff Crooks, Blaine Ellis, Corey Ellis and Duane Clermont. Honorary pallbearers were "All those who shared in Jack’s life.” Ushers were Aubrey and Marg Ellis and Larry and Verlyn Crooks. Ringing of the bells by Paul Dumont. Interment took place at the Lafleche Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Jack to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Suite 801-3100 Steeles Ave. E., Markham, ON L3R 8T3, and the Lafleche Lions Club, Box 206, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0, were greatly appreciated.