Obituary of Jakob Alois Schikofsky

Born on May 16, 1927, Jack passed away peacefully at Sault Area Hospital with family by his side on Saturday, November 19, 2022. He leaves behind Ning, his beautiful wife of 53 years who he loved so deeply, their children Michael (Susan) and Vicki Bailey (Barry) and his much adored grandchildren Jacob and Malaya Schikofsky and Cole Bailey. Well loved by his extended family in North America, Europe and Asia. Jack was devoted to and did all things for his family. He was kind and generous, humble and proud, mentor and friend, and respected and admired by many.    

Jack was born in Köllerbach, Germany and was the third youngest child of nine to Joseph and Anna Schikofsky. In 1956, he left the homeland with no English and landed in Toronto and knew he needed to find work.  He was lucky to meet a gentleman who directed him to Abitibi Paper and upon interviewing him in Sault Ste. Marie realized because of his education and skills that he was better suited for Roddis Lumber which eventually became Weyerhaeuser.  While at Weyerhaeuser and working odd jobs he successfully moved up from Foreman to Supervisor to Superintendent to VP of Special Projects to the VP of Eastern Canada Hardwood Division.  In 1978, with the guidance of the late Skipper and Eleanor Manzutti he decided to leave the company and go off on his own and start JAS Veneer and Lumber in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. He was passionate about the industry.  He loved to work.  In fact, he loved it so much that he worked until COVID hit and he was no longer able to cross the border. Through his work, he and Ning met lifelong friends and many wonderful people who supported them as they worked together to establish a place to call home for their family of four (late Emilio and Rose, late Maria and Otto, Tony and Mary and the late Dave and Adele).   

Jack was well respected and highly revered in the Forestry Industry worldwide.  If you were a friend of Jacks, you knew how much he cared for you, and you knew without hesitation that he would help you if you asked.  He offered great wisdom and advice.  He was a perfect example of how a person with faith, courage and hard work could and would be successful.

We are heartbroken but we take solace knowing that our husband, father, Opa and friend left us in peace and with courage to embark on his next journey.

A memorial service will be held at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road) on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Hamish Currie officiating. All are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Jack’s life at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sault Area Hospital Foundation or the United Way of Sault Ste. Marie, where Jack was the campaign chairperson in 1976.

Heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the Renal Team at the Sault Area Hospital, Dr. Graeme Elder, Dr. Poitivin and Dr. Paul Gupta.  We recognize and are so very grateful to Dr. Jadavji and Kylie and Riley who were with us all during Jack's last days.  We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and gentle hearts. We are forever grateful to Ning’s sister, Lu and her daughters Darlene and Eliza who came without hesitation to take care of Jack while Ning was not well.