Jack Northey

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jack Northey, 91, of Southampton, Ontario.

Jack was a loving husband to his late wife Karen (née Young), a devoted son of the late John and Kay Northey, and a caring father to his late daughter Karen (Bob) Stephenson, son John Northey (and his late wife Cheryl), daughter Kristine Northey, and daughter Jennifer (Dave) Hickinbotham.

He shared a lifelong bond with his siblings: Eileen Foxall (predeceased by her husband Al), Ray (Sally) Northey, and Sandra (predeceased). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jayne and her husband Ross Gimbel, whose close relationship and support meant so much to him over the years.

Jack will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews, who shared many special moments with him over the years.

He will also be fondly remembered by his neighbours and many friends on and off the golf course. He and Karen spent many of their retirement years as snowbirds in Florida, where they formed lasting friendships. His golf crew were an exceptional group of friends who ensured he enjoyed the game as long as possible and lifted his spirits in more difficult times.

Jack was a devoted dad who built backyard ice rinks, spent hours teaching his kids to golf, unhooked many a snagged fishing line, and made a legendary hamburger hash once a week to give Mom a break from cooking.

A local golf legend, Jack played through his final summer, while still shooting sub-80, and was known for winning friendly wagers with his Monday and Friday golf group. At age 90, he was honoured to hit the ceremonial tee shot at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, hosted at his home club, Saugeen Golf Club, in September.

Golf was more than a sport to Jack—it was a passion and way of life. He won over 100 amateur tournaments and proudly represented Team Ontario across Canada, earning provincial and national titles along the way. From his early days at Tam O’Shanter, where he learned to play at 18, to his later years at Saugeen, his love for the game never wavered. Nothing delighted him more than outplaying younger competitors with his precision and calm consistency.

The loss of his beloved wife Karen in 2022 left a void that could not be filled. Though he enjoyed time with friends and family, Jack often said he had lived a full life and was ready to be reunited with the love of his life. Their bond was one of enduring love, laughter, and appreciation for life’s simple joys. His humour and wit stayed sharp to the end, and he will be missed dearly.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbours, and extended community who surrounded Jack with care, companionship, and love after Karen’s passing. Their support brought him strength and joy in his final years—more than any of us could have hoped for.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Monday, May 26th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Saugeen Golf Club, 5278 Bruce County Road 3, Port Elgin, Ontario.

A private interment will take place at Southampton Cemetery, where Jack will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Karen.