For Jack Poole...

Jack Poole was a marvel of a human being. Born in Ireland in 1933, he had an amazingly strong, tight and healthy relationship with his da... When his community was hit by a bomb, his dad had to identify a niece, only knowing her by a severed finger that held a ring. This had such a devastating effect on Jack's dad and within a few weeks, he too was gone from this earth. Jack made a decision to accept an opportunity to move to Canada and teach. As he flew over the northern shore of this massive country, he wondered why - to paraphrase him - one could grasp Ireland, toss it like a frisbee into this land and it wouldn't be found for a week. Landing in Edmonton the immigration officer asked him what he was coming to Canada to do? Jack replied by telling the man he was going to teach. This very wise and caring man looked directly at him and told him that he had better make this country better and to do good!

And... he did...

Mr. Jack Poole remained with us "until after the Olympic Torch was ignited in Athens and then died peacefully in Vancouver. He was 76." 

In Mortlach, Saskatchewan, where Jack once taught, a very special torch relay event was held in his honour - you can view that event here.