1921-1989

Jack Agnew

Jack Agnew was born on July 22, 1921 and enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders at 18 years old, serving in the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean area. In December 1944, he lost his left leg below the knee and suffered other injures while stationed in Italy.

Mr. Agnew returned home and attended the University of British Columbia and the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where he specialized in office management and administration. He brought these valuable skills to the Association when he joined the Vancouver Branch in 1945.

He became known as one of the Vancouver Branch’s most active members, holding several positions with the branch and the Association as a whole, including:

• President and Vice-President, Vancouver Branch
• Chairman, Membership Committee, Vancouver Branch
• National Vice-President, War Amps National Council
• National President, War Amps National Council (1983-1989)

Mr. Agnew dedicated his time and energy to the CHAMP and PLAYSAFE programs. He believed in the importance of sharing his experiences as an amputee with the Champs and their parents at seminars, and by playing golf and other sports, he showed them that amputees could live active lives. He was also instrumental in operating the PLAYSAFE parade program in many communities in the province.

He received the following awards from The War Amps: the Meritorious Service Membership, Distinguished Service Membership and Honorary CHAMP Membership.

Mr. Agnew passed away on July 7, 1989.
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