Obituary of Jeffrey Michael Locke

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeff Locke in Regina on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the age of 52.  His family has been by his side surrounding him with love and care during his brave battle with brain cancer for the past 17 months. Jeff was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1965, the eldest of two children raised by parents Mary (Sullivan) and Gary Locke. He was predeceased by his mother and sister Patty. Proudly carrying on Jeff's enduring love of family and sport are, his father Gary Locke; wife Rachelle Matic; daughter Mateja and son Aiden. He will be lovingly remembered by extended family and many friends. The principles of discipline, perseverance and loyalty guided Jeff to become an accomplished athlete, to achieve academic and career success, and most importantly, to be a devoted husband and father. In Toronto, he attended Blessed Trinity Elementary School and St. Michael's College School for Boys. At Western University, he received a BA in Economics, then a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and finally, many designations in the financial services industry. Raised in a family of professional and Olympic athletes, as well as, sport enthusiasts, Jeff's interest in both individual and team sports started early and continued for the whole of his life. As a youth, he played hockey in the Toronto Hockey League competing throughout the city and surrounding areas. He represented St. Michael's in hockey, football and wrestling. Challenging further his mental/physical limits, he later trained for and participated in triathlons across southern Ontario. After finishing Ironman Canada twice in Penticton, Jeff gained eligibility to partake in the Boston Marathon and the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. While subsequently walking away formal athletic pursuits, Jeff never forsook the pleasure of being physically active.  As a dedicated insurance professional since 1993, he held various titles in Great West Life, Investors Group, Cumis, Desjardins Financial Security, and finally Manulife. His primary role was to work closely with all distribution channels to provide training, education, coaching and joint sales case work on insurance products. In this capacity, Jeff travelled across Canada where he regularly encountered a small network of colleagues; many of which he formed enduring friendships with. While Jeff loved his work, much joy came from being with his family as a dedicated, caring husband and father. Of all his titles and accomplishments, Jeff put forth the greatest effort into and earned the most fulfillment from that of "Super Hero Daddy".  He devoted much energy coaching Mateja and Aiden in hockey and ball, as a spectator and cheerleader for their other sports and simply in play. God could not have blessed them with a more attentive, loving father, and for that we are grateful. Special thanks to Dr. Kumar, the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, the Palliative Care Program and Grace Hospice for their exemplary care. Prayers will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection R.C. Church, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, SK, on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Words cannot adequately express enough appreciation to the staff, students and parents of St. Dominic Savio for their comforting arms that encircled Mateja, Aiden and our family. They, as did family and many amazing friends and colleagues, gave us strength to persevere. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Dominic Savio CSCC., 195 Windfield Road, Regina, SK, S4V 0E9.