SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Late Jack Troake

Honourable senators, today I’m pleased to present Chapter 95 of “Telling Our Story.”

The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

I truly believe that Captain Jack Troake of the Town of Twillingate, Newfoundland, not only left a trail but also a tremendous and proud legacy.

Captain Jack was born into a seafaring family and spent the better part of his life as a fisherman. He was a strong and passionate advocate for those who make their living from the sea, especially those who were involved in the sealing industry.

Historians, mariners, reporters and folklorists sought him out for his knowledge and storytelling. He always made himself available to the media, especially to defend the seal hunt, whether that was at home in Newfoundland and Labrador, throughout Canada or on the global stage.

Many journalists from around the world were welcomed into the home of Jack and his wife, Florence, offered something to eat and a place to sleep even if they were opposed to the seal hunt. Jack believed they needed to understand what the industry meant to the fabric of our communities, and it was always better for others to see and hear it first-hand. On many occasions, people left Newfoundland with a different point of view than the one they had when they arrived. Many believe that Captain Jack, on his own account, accomplished more for the industry than all the politicians of the past 30-plus years combined.

Captain Jack was the type of man who did not mince his words or actions. The Troake family was of English descent. When the British government caved in to the anti-sealing propaganda, it bothered him to no end. He was so upset that for days, he flew the Union Jack upside down to express his displeasure.

People trusted and respected Jack, and he would use any means available to fight for fair and honest treatment when he saw an injustice to his home province and its people. He loved to visit local schools and talk about Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and heritage in the fishing industry. Even in the classroom, he would defend and promote the seal hunt. His love and compassion for our way of life was very evident whenever you were in his company.

Captain Jack was also a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Canadian Sealers Association and the Northeast Coast Sealers Co-op. He received numerous awards during his lifetime, including being admitted into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame in 2010.

Our colleague Senator Ravalia served as a physician in Twillingate for many years and was a very close friend of Captain Jack. Senator Ravalia presented Captain Jack with the Senate of Canada’s 150th Anniversary Medal in 2017. Upon Captain Jack’s passing, Senator Ravalia had this to say:

Today we mourn the loss of an icon. Captain Jack Troake imparted worldly lessons to all those who shared his wisdom, insights and mischievous sense of humour. Thank you for the kindness that you showed my family and I.

Captain Jack and his family suffered a terrible personal tragedy in 2000 when he lost his son Garry in a boating mishap that also claimed the life of Roger Blake. The life of a fisherman is not for the faint-hearted.

Captain Jack made his final voyage on June 4 of this year when he passed away at the health centre in Twillingate at the age of 88.

He leaves to mourn his wife of almost 71 years, Florence; his son Hardy and his wife, Sharon; his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.

Even though Captain Jack Troake’s voice may now be silent, his incredible and proud legacy lives on. May he rest in peace.