Published in The Lake Report, January 15, 2026, page 22.
March 26, 1931 – Jan. 6, 2026
Forgive me for leaving the party early. Jack peacefully and graciously completed his life’s work on Jan. 6 after a brave journey with vascular dementia. It’s hard to believe that this wonderful, larger-than-life man is no longer with us — our hero. Jack always had a smile on his face, laughter in his heart, and hugs for those he loved. Jack’s ultimate love was for his wife, Teresa (Ogilvie) of 42 years. They were life partners and work partners. Whatever challenges came their way they faced them together. Perhaps their greatest strength was their shared sense of true love and partnership. Although their time together ended too soon, they shared more love than many experience in several lifetimes.
Jack and Teresa travelled the world together, experiencing Africa, South Pacific, Europe, Asia, and many cruises. Together they built a beautiful home, filled with love and laughter. Always enjoying their serene backyard. When Jack wasn’t getting dirty from playing in the dirt at work, he was getting dirty working at home, updating the house with many projects, in the gardens, or knee-deep in his fish pond.
Jack had pride in any work he touched and he loved sharing it with his friends and family. Often hosting backyard barbecues filled with food from the vegetable garden, local wine, and memories to last a lifetime.
Jack was predeceased by his brothers Bill and Doug, his sister Sharon, and by his sons Scott and Chris Ogilvie. Jack is survived by his loving wife Teresa and his brother Donald, sister Sandra, his children Tracey and Brad (Anna), his grandchildren Cassidy-Lynn Ogilvie, Noah, Stanley, and Audrey, and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jack had an incredible sense of humour lighting up whatever room he walked into and always had a great story to tell. He was a mentor and advisor. To many, he was a natural leader and a man who fully lived his values, principles, compassion, and appetite for life and adventure. Jack was a big presence in our lives and the life of his community. He had an active and long successful business career. Jack was a partner at ABC-Andres-Bell Construction in 1960 before forming Bell Contracting Equipment in 1986 and Bell Travel Group in 1984. Jack had a love for heavy equipment, and he was proud to have excavated for his community for so many years. Some of his favourite projects he was involved with were for the Welland Canal, Shaw Festival, Brock University, the Fallsview Casino, McMaster University, Jackson-Triggs Winery and the Niagara Falls History Museum.
His community involvement was lengthy. He found time to coach minor hockey in Virgil and was proud to be a referee in the American Hockey League for many years. He was a volunteer fireman in Virgil for over 20 years. He volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society for five years. He was president of Niagara-on-the-Lake Minor Hockey Association from 1967 to 1969, a member of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Parks and Recreation Committee from 1970 to 1973. He was master of the Masonic Lodge Niagara No. 2 in 1971, and a proud brother for over 60 years.
He represented Niagara-on-the-Lake as a school trustee with the Lincoln County Board of Education from 1974 to 1981, becoming chairman of the board in 1979. He was a member of the East Niagara Housing Authority from 1975 to 1981. He became Niagara-on-the-Lake Citizen of the Year in 1975. He was chairman of the Niagara Falls Downtown Board of Management in 1986.
Jack received the Paul Harris award from Rotary International in 1999. He again received a Niagara-on-the-Lake Citizen of the Year award in 2003, a group award for the major fundraising of the new Virgil Arena (Meridian Centre) in 2003. He also helped with fundraising for the new Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre. He was president of the Niagara Construction Association in 2003.
Jack filled his 95 years with fun, hard work, and adventures. As you can tell he was a friend to everybody, a true gentleman, and a loyal friend. Jack loved to laugh and could engage an audience with his numerous recitals. He was always eager to lend a hand and share a story or offer his opinion on politics often over a single-malt Scotch or two.
Thank you to all who loved to befriend him, challenged him, supported him, advocated beside him, and made his life fulfilling and rewarding. Jack faced his illnesses with incredible strength, and continued until he no longer could. He was truly a brave champion; Jack chose to leave this world as he lived it with determination, strength, and on his own terms.
We were lucky to share our incredible journey with him. We extend our gratitude to Dr. K. Bertie for her compassionate care who provided endless comfort, it will forever hold a special place within our hearts. Memorial tributes may be made directly to Niagara-on-the-Lake Palliative Care.
A private Masonic ceremony and burial will take place. A celebration of life will be taking place in the early summer in the Bell Garden for all to celebrate a remarkable man’s life and achievements.
Jack never liked to say goodbye, as goodbyes are final. He liked to say see you soon. So Jack, with that in mind, we will miss you, we will continue to love you, and we will see you soon.
Funeral arrangements with Haine Funeral Home & Chapel, 26 Ormond St. South, Thorold.
