Obituary of John Dennis (Jack) Nanson

Jack Nanson died peacefully on Friday, May 1st, 2026, at Innisfree House Hospice in Kitchener after many health challenges. He was 85.

Jack was a quiet man with a sarcastic wit. He was a hard worker, holding jobs from an early age. As a naval cadet in UNTD, he reached the rank of Lieutenant and taught navigation to cadets at Royal Roads, BC. He graduated from McMaster University (BA) and Osgoode Hall (LLB) and was called to the Bar in 1967. Jack was a dedicated lawyer in Kitchener-Waterloo for 42 years, retiring in 2008.

Outside of the law office, Jack kept busy with community activities. He was a Life Member of the Lions Club of Kitchener, awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, a former club president and chair of Oktoberfest Altes Munchen Haus. He volunteered for the Red Cross, KW Skating Club, City of Waterloo Committee of Adjustment and was an active member of Calvin Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Jack loved to sing. He found his joy in singing in the choir at church and in the Schneider Male Chorus for many years. Jack was a great supporter of his children's activities and sports and was a loyal Maple Leaf and Blue Jays fan.

Jack was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Rev. Leslie Nanson and Mildred (Ryan) on December 11, 1940.

Beloved husband of Christine (Johnson) Nanson for 60 years. Cherished father of Scott Nanson (Sharon) of Elmira and Dr. Karen Armstrong (Paul) of Timmins. Grandpa Jack to Michael DuBeau (Nicole) of Hamilton, Melinda DuBeau (Peter) of London and Josh Nanson (Hannah) of Elmira.

Dear Grandpa to Dr. Allison Armstrong of Kitchener, and Robyn Armstrong (Jasmine) of Montreal. Predeceased by his parents and brother Robert Nanson (Shirley ) Will be missed by nieces Cynthia Wallbank (Glen) Shelley Nanson Ryan, nephew Jeffrey Nanson (Marlene) and sister-in-law Jan Johnson (Gordon).

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Derek Papastergiou for his care over many years, to Paramed PSW's Omo and Shola for their patience and kindness and to the amazing staff and volunteers at Innisfree House hospice for easing Jack's final journey.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Jack at the Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S. Waterloo, Ontario, on Friday, May 8, 2026. Visitation from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Memorial service at 11 a.m. in the chapel, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Innisfree House Hospice or Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs, which may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.