Obituary of Jack Syroid

John (Jack) Arthur William Syroid passed away at the age of 78, surrounded by his family on October 8, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jack Syroid was a legend.

The only child to William Syroid and Dorothy Syroid (Phillips), Jack was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia on December 13, 1945. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to St. Stephen and then ultimately to Fredericton in 1955 where he became a lifelong resident.

He described his childhood as idyllic, trolling the courts of Sunshine Gardens with his neighbourhood friends, hitting homers on his little league team and turning heads (especially those of his parents) every time he brought home another new car. He always had a knack for the faster things in life.

He was the kind of man people met once and felt like they’d known forever. His sparkling and kind eyes were as piercing as his hearty and commanding voice.

The kind of storyteller that had you hanging off every colourful word, knowing that there was a great punchline coming but the path to get there was too good to want it to end.

The kind of leader that never accepted the word no, and made you push yourself in ways you didn’t know you could, to reach accomplishments you didn’t think possible. He made complicated problems feel simple, and left you not only with a pathway forward, but an anecdote that would stay with you.

Jack studied Sociology and Political Science at the University of New Brunswick (grad class ‘69) for both undergrad and postgraduate studies. Following university, Jack went on to have a long and distinguished career as a civil servant with the province of NB. He held many notable positions throughout his career, including Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Labour, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and Deputy Minister to the Premier’s office before retiring in 1999.

The kind of husband who shined a light so bright in every room and at every social setting that you could relax and enjoy the moment while letting him take the lead, and who never failed to bring the fun, the unexpected and the dramatic to every special occasion. He famously met the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Nancy (Likely), in the summer of 1967 on the grounds of UNB Fredericton with a case of beer in one hand and a boom box in the other. After a whirlwind courtship, they settled in Fredericton NB, where they would go on to raise their family.

The kind of father that would hold you to the highest of standards, yet would sit with you in your failures and be proud of your efforts while empathizing about the lessons he’d also learned the hard way. Jack and Nancy had 3 children, Peter (Jessica), Karen (David), and Kim (Jon).  Of his many accomplishments, he prized his family most highly. But it was after his grandkids Kate, Jack, and Sam were born that Jack truly shined in his favorite role of all; as that’s when he became “Papa”.

The kind of outdoorsman who spent many years hunting and salmon fishing at his lodges on the Miramichi river with his field trial lab Duffy, and who proudly volunteered with Ducks unlimited.

The kind of skilled musician who played his songs by ear, with no need for sheet music. His musical taste included all genres, but he loved none more than Rock and Roll. He spent many years playing in popular local bands, starting with Crossroads and then Blue Suede, where he was affectionately known as the Big Bopper. His rendition of “Great Balls of Fire” always brought down the house.

The kind of golfer who played for more than just a great score. A true gentleman of the game, his passion extended to the ritual, the history and the culture of the sport. As an original member of the Kingswood Golf Club, he had countless memorable moments there. Most notably his hole in one on the 17th hole, and shooting his age at 69. But regardless of the score, it was the many treasured friendships he made on the fairways of Kingswood that he cherished the most.

His dedication to the game expanded over the cold winter months to Myrtle Beach, where he and Nancy spent their winters for over 20 years. It became a second home for them and they made many long-lasting friendships there, both on and off the course.

Let’s just say that Jack wore many hats, and it’s hard to put a life this full, this varied, and this impassioned into words. A self-described “Renaissance man”, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Of all that he did in his life, he was most proud of those roles. A man who went by many names; Jackie, Jack, J.A.W.S., Big Bopper, Papa...But his true legacy lives on through his kids and grandkids, and through his favorite Jack-ism that will be handed down for generations to come: “Have I told you how much I love you yet today?”

Jack Syroid has departed this mortal coil. But as they say, legends never die. They become a part of you. And in true Jack fashion, he always had to have the last word:

“Life isn’t about stuff. It’s not about how much money you have or what career you had or what car you drive. I want to be remembered as a decent man who loved his family and left a family that could contribute to society as decent, hardworking, likable people. It’s a living legacy if you leave progeny that are going to thrive. For others to look at my children and my children’s children and to say ‘look what he did’, then that makes me the proudest man in the world.”

The indelible impact he’s had on the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him is a rich legacy indeed.

A life well-lived is a life worthy of celebration. Rather than a funeral, Jack wanted a party. In that spirit, a joyful Celebration of Life will be held at the Kingswood Lodge on Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. All are welcome – drop in or stay a while.

At Jack’s request, there will be no eulogy. Your personal experiences, stories or condolences are gratefully accepted at the "upload your memory" link provided below.