Manley, Jackie Wayne - Age 74 of Bible Hill, passed away on May 15, 2025 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre with his loving wife, Mary at his side.
Jackie was a son of Frederick and Annie (Sanford) Manley of East Noel.
Jackie acquired the gift of music at an early age. One of his fondest memories was playing music along side of his family on his grandparents’ lawn in Walton. At the age of four, Jackie and his sister, Mary won their first talent show singing together while their mother, Annie played the guitar. All of this has led to a lifetime of music for Jackie who was very modest about his talent. Jackie loved to perform and had many bands over the years. He was always willing to participate in benefit concerts whenever he was asked. Jack was a good friend and neighbour, he lived by the motto " to have a friend, you have to be a friend".
He loved to joke and tease, and he was known for his hearty laugh.
As a young teenager Jack worked at Sunny Point Farm in Noel for William and his son, Eef, this job was Jacks favorite and he could often be heard speaking fondly of this time. Jack went on to work for DOT and retired from there in 2003. Jack was not one to sit still and continued to work in areas that more suited his generous, helpful and outgoing personality; driving a bus for CTCL, driving taxi and he was a very popular VON driver.
Jack had a soft spot for all children, especially his numerous his nieces and nephews. He and Mary were honoured to have been godparents to many children over the years and took their role seriously, staying in close contact with all of them.
One of Jack’s most joyful roles in life was playing Santa Claus. With his hearty laugh and twinkle in his eye, he was the perfect stand-in when the real Santa couldn’t be there in person. Over the years, he brought Christmas magic to countless children by making calls to let them know Santa was watching, asking about their wish lists, and reminding them to be tucked into bed on Christmas Eve because he’d be stopping by. His voice, full of warmth and wonder, lit up little hearts and brought smiles to parents, too. Santa may never be able to replace “Santa Jack,” but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of the children—and the moms and dads—who believed in him.
Jackie is survived by his special treasures in life his wife of 55 years, Mary (Clarke); son Roary; sister, Mary Bond (Darrell); brother, Fred; sister-in-law, Maxine; special niece, Donna Brown and grandnieces, Brooke and Shianne.
He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Annie (Sanford) and brother, Clifford.
A Celebration of Life will be posted at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Colchester East Hants Hospice Society or Canadian Liver Foundation
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