Obituary of John Maxwell Bankes

Died on Friday, June 15th, 2007 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in his 92nd year. Loving husband of Betty Jean. Exemplary role model for, and devoted father to, Leslie Shikaze (Albert), Joanne Bankes and John F. Bankes (Pamela). Grandfather of Schuyler, Daniel, Stephen, David and Nancy. Devoted brother of Doris Campbell. Served in the Canadian Navy in WWII aboard the HMCS Calgary and HMCS Toronto. Wounded on the High Seas. A career banker, Jack was proud of his long association as an officer with the Royal Bank of Canada. His Bank postings included Vancouver, Hamilton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Jack reminisced often about his landmark business trips in 1956 to Russia and in 1958 around the world, including stops in China, with James Muir, Chairman and President of the Royal. His contribution to launching the Bank's business development efforts in the oil sector in Alberta set a high standard for future generations of bankers. Following retirement from the Bank, Jack assumed director and advisory roles for a number of diverse businesses including Manufacturers Hanover, Monsanto Canada, Majestic Pipelines, Canadian Schenley, AE Ames, Laker Air and Drivers Jonas. Jack treasured his many friends. Among others, his circle of friendships revolved around his family, the Bank, Stoney Lake, Mulmur Hills, his non-profit roles (for organizations such as Quetico Foundation, the Canadian Opera Company, Pearson College and others) and his many social and sports clubs in Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Naples FL. He loved his swimming, curling, golf, tennis and bird-watching. A very active and loyal churchman, Jack assumed senior lay positions at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church and St. Peters-on-the-Rock. Jack will be remembered for his sense of humour, his integrity, his loyalty, his generosity, his dedication, his wonderful gift to tell stories and, above all, his kindness. A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held in TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH on Tuesday, June 26th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Jack would have been so pleased and honoured if you would consider a donation to the music program at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church (230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 1R5) or to the scholarship funds in his name at Queen's University (Faculty of Arts and Science, 140 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6) or York University (West Office Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3).