Jack Jeffrey

Jack Jeffrey was born in St. Andrews East, Quebec, in 1921. After serving with the Canadian army in World War II, Jeffrey enjoyed a successful and varied career in both the private and public sectors, where he played a major role in developing equal employment opportunities for women.

At age 60, Jeffrey retired to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he channeled his generosity, energy and talents into community, volunteer and youth work. But it was Jeffrey’s chess teaching in Wolfville schools that made an especially great impact ­and for which he has received much attention and acclaim. Jeffrey sees chess not just as a game but also as a tool to help young minds learn to focus – a skill so necessary for success in academics, athletics and the arts and a skill that will serve them in a lifetime of learning.

In 1994, soon after moving to Victoria and joining Victoria-Harbourside Rotary Club, Jeffrey brought his unique vision of chess to George Jay Elementary School. His chess club there has produced some of the finest junior chess players in Greater Victoria.

Through teaching chess to children, Jeffrey has found a unique way to transmit his zest and love of learning to younger generations. In this, he epitomizes Royal Roads’ own commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.  We are proud to recognize Jack Jeffrey for the way he has so innovatively used his life and the game of chess. In doing so, he has made an immense difference in the lives of children and the life of our community.