Jackson Banford Robert McAllister
May 1st, 2020
Jackson Banford Robert McAllister passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour on Friday, May 1, 2020 at The Harrison, Elim Village in Surrey, BC. Gramps, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, their spouses and great grandchildren, was 92 years old.
Jackson was born to Russel and Christina McAllister in Detroit, Michigan in 1927. When he was young, his family relocated to Tillsonburg, Ontario where he grew up.
Jackson came to know the Lord as his personal Saviour as a child and always had a desire to invest in the lives of others. Being an educator at heart, he spent his life in service to God in missionary education and ministry in Africa, and in higher education and church leadership in Canada. Jackson was a fun-loving, warmhearted, godly man who prayed faithfully for his family by name every day. He will be deeply missed!
Jackson is survived by his second wife, Laurel McAllister, 4 children (3 spouses), 12 grandchildren (10 spouses) and 16 great grandchildren.
1 Corinthians 15:57. “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Dear Laurel. We just heard of Jackson’s death in your email today. We send condolences as you grieve the loss of your dear husband. What a blessing you have been to Jackson as you brought so much joy into his life. And a blessing to his children too. It is so good to hear of your peace and pleasure in your living arrangement. A supportive family’s and community is such a help. Keith and I are both 81 and talk about our future and what we should be planning! Like you I don't post anything on FB but do read. With love and prayer Cindy for us both
Dear Laura, Thank you for adding such joy to Jackson's life and his family as well. I have such wonderful memories of the McAllister family during our years together at Mukinge Hospital in the early '60's. We had the only piano and so when we had an evening together we gathered around the piano with all of our kids and had a great sing song. May the Lord give you His peace in your grief. Jim and Martha
In his years as Registrar of Winnipeg Bible College and Theological Seminary (now Providence University College and Theological Seminary), Jackson was known for his love for students and his wise counsel for how best they might achieve their academic goals. He was always a cheery team-player with faculty and administrative colleagues. A good friend and a faithful servant of Christ, he clearly left his mark on God's kingdom here on earth.
Dear Laura - Mary here. Just to say I am empathizing with you at this moment, as I have just this minute received your sad news. You may still be feeling numb, and finding it difficult to stop and intentionally grieve your very deep loss. Jackson was such a joyful missionary and I remain with a fun memory of him and Gray competing with each other in a Fathers' race at Sakeji. They were each determined to beat each other, no matter what! I remember Jackson as a man who was able to get along with anyone. I hope you will take the time to let the deep pain hurt, Laura, and allow tears to flow freely......no Christian "stiff upper lip".....tears are so healing and wash away the toxins from our deep loss. God's design. With my love and prayers at this time - and good memories. - Mary W
Dear Laurel, Just got back from our South Africa ministry trip. We worked with Jackson in Zambia in the early 60's. An amazing friend, fellow worker and counsellor. May the Lord fortress you about with His peace. Hope we can get together and recollect all the ways. the Lord led you in your marriage. We particularly enjoyed deep fellowship during his Trinity Western University years. Love from us both!