Obituaries

After a long and wonderful life Dr. Jack (John) Franklin Huber chose May 12, 2025 to say goodbye.

Jack was born in Weyburn, SK in 1931 to Lloyd and Margaret Huber (McSherry) and was their only child. In spite of being a “Great Depression” child he never had a sense of deprivation or lack of loving care. He attended high school in Swift Current where he met several lifelong friends and his future bride Alice Kruse.

After graduation, he was fortunately guided into training as an optometrist. He attended the Ontario College of Optometry where he received the designation of R.O. (Registered Optometrist) in 1952.

A prairie boy at heart, he returned to his native Saskatchewan and entered practice in Regina with Hugh MacKenzie. During this time he continued his education and after correspondence and attendance at the Los Angeles College of Optometry was granted the Doctor of Optometry degree in1956 and was also admitted as a Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Optometry.

The amicable partnership with Hugh MacKenzie flourished over 40 years and developed into a successful group practice. As well, the Huber and MacKenzie families created multigenerational lifelong friendships.

Jack’s first and foremost love was his family, his wife Alice and their two daughters, Nancy and Judy. Alice and Jack were very proud of their daughters’ accomplishments and successful careers but most importantly of their fortitude and determination of survival under extremely difficult circumstances. Their two grandchildren Luke and Jane Jacoby and their four great-grandchildren Isla, Oaklyn, Jacoby and Lainey, were also a source of immense pleasure and pride.

Jack’s second passion was his profession of optometry. He enjoyed 51 years of practice and in retirement continued his participation in the affairs of the profession. He was active at the local, provincial, national and international levels, and he and Alice formed many friendships as a result. In 1993 he received The President’s Award in recognition of his contributions.

He was active in the community for over fifty years as a member of the Wascana Kiwanis Club and received the honour of being named “Father of the Year” for his dedication to Regina High School Football. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners drum corps. He volunteered for various organizations and helped create the Hospital Art Foundation.

Jack was always active and often found outdoors. He enjoyed many sports such as biking, cross country skiing, jogging, hunting, fishing and golf with his buddies as a 50+ year member of the Wascana Country Club. He spent most of his noon hours at the YMCA Health Club. Jack and Alice loved their back yard at their home of 46 years. They welcomed everyone and had great fun hosting dinners and parties. They were most happy watching the fun and enjoyment of their kids, grandchildren and their friends in their backyard swimming pool.

He and Alice travelled extensively exploring many parts of the world, including numerous family holidays to warm destinations. His favourite trip was biking through the south of France enjoying roadside lunches and meals at wineries along the way.

Jack was predeceased by his wife of 70 years Alice (2025) and his daughter Judy (Dean Hundseth). He valued the opportunity to spend time and say farewell to his family before he passed. Jack is survived by his daughter Nancy (Ray) Jacoby. His legacy will also be remembered by his grandchildren Luke (Anne Marie) Jacoby and Jane (Colin) Kendall. He was known as GGPa to his great-grandchildren Isla, Oaklyn, Jacoby and Lainey.

We would like to thank Nurse Pam and Dr. Carson for their kindness and compassion at the end of Jack’s life.

A joint Celebration of Life will be held for both Jack and Alice at a later date.