1936 – 2021
In loving memory, we share the news of Jack Daines passing on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the age of 85 years. After spending a wonderful afternoon with family, Jack peacefully passed in his sleep. Born on May 18, 1936, Jack was the second of seven sons born to parents, Snowden and Ethel Daines. His roots in farming nurtured his true passions; a strong faith, western life, family, and community.
Jack was a cowboy from the day he was born. At a young age, Jack started his career as a competitor, announcer, promoter, and organizer/builder. He founded and grew the Innisfail Professional Rodeo into a top rodeo in Canada. He was proud to champion a true “cowboys rodeo.” Jack invented “Mutton Bustin” to include kids in rodeo - an event now celebrated at rodeos throughout North America.
Jack was a pillar in the Cattle Industry. As the patriarch of a renowned family-owned business, the Innisfail Auction Market, was Jack’s second home. Jack loved selling cattle, visiting with farmers, ranchers, and buyers, and sneaking candy to kids from the coffee shop. His handshake was his word, which solidified him as a respected businessman. His legendary raspy voice was a staple on the radio in Central Alberta, and his humour and wit was entertaining. Celebrating sixty-five years in 2020, the market is a testament to Jack’s livelihood as it continues to be a thriving family business.
Never one to sit on the sidelines, Jack’s countless commitments to serving the community kept him busy. He was a promoter of rodeo wherever he went, and served on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Board of Directors. He loved supporting local; whether it was 4H clubs, volunteering at community live auctions, or making it his personal mission to raise funds for local families in need.
Jack’s numerous awards and honors demonstrated his dedication and service. Jack won the Canadian Novice Saddle Bronc in 1956 and 1957. He was inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2009. Jack was a proud recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005, honored by the 125 Greatest Citizens of Alberta in 2008 by the Calgary Herald, and was greatly honored to receive the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award.
Jack’s self-professed greatest achievement was marrying the love of his life. In 1957, Jack married Audrey Severtson and the same year they bought their first and only home quarter outside of Innisfail. Throughout their sixty-four years of marriage, they raised three children, Duane (Cheryl) Daines, Brenda-Lee (Noel) Fader, and Joanne (Tom) Wallace. Family was at the heart of everything Jack did, and he was so proud of his seven grandchildren, Jenni (John), Bailey (Jeremy), Jaclyn, Shelby, Laura, Sydney, Davis and his great grandchildren, Max and Cameron.
No one was more surprised by his life success than Jack. Humbled by his beginnings, riding horseback to get his education in a one-room schoolhouse, made him truly grateful for life’s blessings. His greatest hope was to provide opportunities for his grandchildren and future generations, and inspire them to follow their passions. Grandpa - you succeeded.
Jack will be lovingly remembered by the immediate family members listed above and his Daines brothers, Norman, Ivan, Franklin (Shirley), Danny (Dusty); his sisters-in-law, Marilyn, Kay, Donna, and Carol; his brothers-in-law, Dale (Glenda) and Gary (Janet); as well as many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Jack was predeceased by his brothers, Jim and Glen Daines, a nephew, Darcy Daines, a niece, Stacey Greig, a sister-in-law, Bev Severston, and a brother-in-law, Ken Severtson.
The memories treasured by his family, friends, and the Rodeo, Ranching and Auction Communities will live on, as Jack will always be a one a kind cowboy. We take comfort in knowing that Jack is in heaven, pulling up in his RAM truck, wearing his Wranglers, and putting on a rodeo. We can hear Jack’s voice now, reminding us to thank the sponsors. Thank you to all the businesses and organizations for your support.
We thank the wonderful staff of Villa Marie, Revera Aspen Ridge, the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, the Calgary Foothills Hospital and the Innisfail Health Centre for their compassionate care in Jack’s final years. It is truly with a humble heart that we thank all who share their condolences, blessings, memories, or those who take a moment to remember Jack.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Jack’s honor may be made directly to St. Marks Anglican Church, Box 6126, Innisfail Alberta, T4G 1S8; to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Box 18069, RPO Shawnessy, Calgary, Alberta, T2Y 0K3; or to a Charity of the Donor’s choice.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced by Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. For those unable to attend the Service, it will be live streamed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com.
And last but not least, eat Alberta beef.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
