Obituary of Jack Billard

John 'Jack' Billard, 85, passed away peacefully at the Seaview Manor in Glace Bay on February 21, 2025 after a lengthy illness. A lifelong resident of Glace Bay, Jack was one of 13 children born to the late Ernest and Alfreda Billard. The handsome fisherman caught the eye of Ann Milburn of Minto Street and the couple were married for 53 years prior to her passing in 2018. Their marriage produced two loving daughters, Jane 'Janey' and Krista. Captain Jack, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, spent more than six decades fishing out of Glace Bay and Port Morien. He was content to spend time at home and at the Milburn family bungalow in Mira Gut, where the large pointed-bill of a swordfish hung on a wall, reminding all of Jack’s fishing prowess. Not overly fond of traveling, Jack was forced to overcome his reluctance as both daughters opted for a life in Calgary. He loved visiting his grandkids in Alberta, but was always happy to be back home on Atlantic Street. Jack was a fine dart player and also enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, ice fishing, swordfishing and watching PGA golf on television, especially on final-round Sundays. He was also a familiar figure walking around Glace Bay and the nearby waterfront. Along with his parents, Jack was predeceased by wife Ann, brothers Gordon, Arthur, Gerald, Charles and Donnie; and sisters Erestina, Betty, Joan and Beverly; brothers-in-law Thomas Jala and Michael Milburn; and sister-in-law Inga Milburn. He is survived by daughters Janey (Mike) Proskow, Calgary, and Krista (Marty) Gross, Calgary; and by grandchildren Kristin Proskow, Jack Proskow, Adam Gross and Karli Gross; sisters Dorthy (Jim) Munden and Eileen (Blaise) Bigley; brother Ray (Linda Binder) Billard. Jack is also remembered by sister-in-law Mary Jala, nephews, nieces and many, many cousins and their families. The family wants to give a big shout out to the wonderful people who took such great care of Jack during his time at Seaview Manor. They also want to acknowledge the love and caring of longtime special friends Diane Munden and Kim O’Shaughnessey, and to all the others who remember Jack as the good man that he was. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date when all of the family can attend. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting tjtracey.com