Jack Bainbridge

John “Jack” Bainbridge was a robust man who embraced his Scottish birthright. His boyhood countryside gave him a love for the outdoors, and his enjoyment of music was given full expression when he played the bagpipes. He was lighthearted and sociable as well as spirited and kind, which made him a friend to many.

John was the son of John and Mary (Brown) Bainbridge, born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 16, 1935. Great Britain was in the midst of a worldwide economic depression and political matters were stirring in Europe that eventually led to World War II. Yet Jack enjoyed a typical childhood full of fun and mischief. He learned to play the violin but was more inclined to be outside. His energy for biking, swimming and fishing wasn’t diminished even when he and his mother and siblings, Barbara and Joe, went to live with a farm family to escape air strikes over the city.

After high school, Jack apprenticed as a scale mechanic and continued his favorite outdoor recreations of cycling, camping and hiking. From 1956-58, he satisfied his two-year mandatory military service doing office work with the British Army. He was stationed in Hong Kong, which meant traveling by ship, and he earned the distinction of being able to eat cheese sandwiches while other troops were seasick.

In 1960, Jack boarded the Cunard R.M.S. “Sylvania” and emigrated to Canada eventually settling in London, Ontario. Fittingly, he was on a Canadian Youth hiking weekend when he met Dorothy “Dot” Wagstaffe. The two fell in love and were married in a small ceremony on July 17, 1965.

Three sons were born to Jack and Dot—Joseph, David and Alan—and he had the pleasure of introducing them to his Scottish heritage and the great Canadian outdoors. The family took many trips back to Scotland, and when they moved to the States, Jack expanded his travels to explore such natural wonders as the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Kalamazoo, Michigan became home when Jack took a job as a locksmith with the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Being a culturally rich city, Kalamazoo offered him the opportunity to learn the instrument that is pure Scottish. Jack met a group of bagpipers who invited him to learn the bagpipes and to play in the Kalamazoo Bagpipe Band. He loved the music and especially the camaraderie. The band hosted “Fang Fest” in the Bainbridge backyard, where the pipers could eat unique food and drink heartily as they played. Music was always in Jack's bones, and even tunes on the radio brought it out of him. He liked to whistle along, but when he did it drove Dot nuts.

Jack also listened to the Kingston Trio, Chad Mitchell Trio, Clancy Brothers, Peter, Paul and Mary and other music of the 1960s. He enjoyed reading and watching detective shows on TV, and he kept up with his love for walking.

During a separation from his wife, Jack remained connected with Dot, and the years from 2007 to 2011 gave them the best memories they shared in life.

Suffering from dementia, Jack’s health declined and long term care became the responsibility of Tendercare Nursing Home.

John “Jack” Bainbridge, age 79, died Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Bainbridge. Members of his family include his wife, Dorothy Bainbridge; 3 sons: Joseph (Lori) Bainbridge, David Bainbridge and Alan (Heather) Bainbridge; 3 grandchildren: Kenny, Ryan and Simon; and a sister, Barbara (Andrew) Steel. Services will be held on Friday 11am at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler, 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo, 269-375-2900followed by a luncheon in the Life Story Center. Please visit Jack’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to New Friends Dementia or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.