Obituary of Dr. John "Jack" Douglas Ashton Mollard

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Dr. John (Jack) Douglas Ashton Mollard on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Like his beloved wife Mary Jean, he died peacefully at home surrounded by those who loved him. It was only a few days before their 65th wedding anniversary and we believe he and Mom spent it together.

Jack was born on a farm near Watrous, Saskatchewan, on January 3, 1924 to Nellie and Ashton Mollard.  He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in 1945, followed by a Master’s degree in Geotechnical and Highway Engineering from Purdue University where he discovered the possibilities of exploring the physical features of Earth using aerial photography, a technology then in its infancy. After completing a PhD at Cornell in 1952, he worked in Saskatchewan with Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) before setting up his consulting firm, J. D. Mollard and Associates Ltd., in 1956. Over 60 years Jack and his company completed 5,000 projects on all seven continents, and Mars. As a consultant to NASA later in his career, he identified landforms on Mars which was truly a case of remote sensing. How he would have loved that particular field trip. Jack taught short courses at many universities including Alberta and Harvard, received several recognition awards for his lectures, and was the author of three textbooks and numerous papers. He was not one to sell his knowledge; he shared it.

Jack’s many achievements included being a Member of the Order of Canada and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (SOM).  He was also a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002; the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2005; and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2006. At the time of his SOM recognition it was said to be unheard of for someone to have seven fellowships.  It was more Jack’s style to recognize the many people who helped him than to accept honours on his own account.

As renowned and respected as Jack was in his business, he will be best remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jack and Mary Jean’s devotion to each other deepened throughout their lives together. Even in their last years, they never stopped laughing, never stopped dancing, never stopped saying “I love you.” Jack was also the ultimate sharer - generous with his time, knowledge, ideas, love. He never missed an opportunity to help someone in need, whether at work or in his personal life. Jack and Mary Jean’s Christmas Open Houses were a highly anticipated annual event attended by their friends and family. “One Last Punch Party,” held by his children the week after Jack’s passing, was attended by more than one hundred people. Many memories and much laughter were shared that day.

An avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, Jack rarely missed a game in 60 years. He and Mary Jean were great supporters of the Regina Symphony and Globe Theatre and long-time members of Lakeview United Church and St. Paul’s Cathedral. He was also a loyal Rotarian for decades, organizing the annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Always a giver, Jack had to learn to receive in the last months of his life. We are forever indebted to the women of Bayshore who gave him such respect, dignity and tenderness as they cared for him in his last year. Each was an angel. We are also thankful that Patrick, Leslie and their son Ashton lived only three blocks away. They filled Jack and Mary Jean’s lives with love, laughter and wonderful company. Jack often spoke of their great fortune at having them nearby.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Nellie and Ashton Mollard, his cherished wife Mary Jean, and his sister Claire. His memory will be treasured by his three children, Cathy (Stephen Vasicek), Jacci, and Patrick (Leslie); and his grandchildren, Nicole (Owen Tait), Danielle and Ashton, all of whom were a blessing and a great source of pride to him and Mary Jean. Jack also leaves his dear brother George and many nieces and nephews.

To Celebrate Jack’s Life, a Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral, 1859 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memoriam to St. Paul's Cathedral or Lakeview United Church, 3200 McCallum Avenue, Regina, SK, S4S 0R8. 

                               “Dad, you were our rock. We love you and we’ll miss you.”