By Jessica Anstice
Memories of Emerald community man Jack Wilson have been shared among residents following his passing on Saturday 2 May.
Jack sadly passed away at Lifeview Emerald Glades at the age of 96 after suffering from a heart attack.
The friendly man was well-known for strolling the streets of Emerald on a daily basis, chatting to anyone with open ears.
“He was living at the local aged care home so in 2016, as soon as he got there, he started walking the streets,” former Emerald shop owner Janine Hadley said.
“He used to wander up past my shop and eventually he would just sit out the front of my shop to find people to talk to.
“He loved people and animals and kids – he was just a beautiful man with such an incredible wit about him.”
Growing up in Scotland, World War 2 came along and Jack joined the Navy.
He was based on a merchant ship and made many trips to India and South East Asia delivering supplies to troops.
When the war ended, Jack returned home and met the love of his life, Janet, who lived in a nearby village.
After Jack and Janet married and moved in together, they soon started their family of four children – two boys and two girls – William, Jacqueline, Jennifer and James.
When the economy started to decline in Scotland and they couldn’t see a future for their children, the family migrated to Australia, arriving in December 1961.
The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, surrounded by family and friends, at Clover Cottage.
In 2014 Janet’s health deteriorated suddenly and she had to be placed into an aged care facility at Mt Martha.
Jack could not bear being separated from the love of his life so he sold their home and moved into the aged care home to be with her all day every day.
Janet passed away the following year so Jack moved to Emerald, where he could be closer to his daughter in Monbulk.
“Dad loved being at Emerald Glades as he could go for a walk anytime and weather permitting it became a daily meet and greet of the locals and their dogs,” his daughter Jennifer said.
“He became a very popular local identity and this was evidenced when on his last two birthdays the road from Emerald Glades to the local shops– a distance of 400 metres – streamers, balloons and ‘happy Birthday Jack’ posters were put up on posts and fences.
“Even the local Woolworths supermarket had a large poster taped to their window wishing Jack a happy birthday.”
Now in a sombre twist, signs advising of Jack’s passing were placed around the township.
“He really did belong to Emerald the last few years of his life,” Ms Hadley added.
“And he really was one of the kindest men.”
