JACKSON, Vance Neily – With deep regret the family announces the passing of Vance Jackson. He passed away at the DVA wing of Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Middleton, NS on Monday, April 3, 2017.Vance was the first born son of Manning and Marjorie (Neily) Jackson, Clarence, Nova Scotia. Growing up on the farm; learning the value of hard work and appreciation for country living created the foundation for his life-long passion for farming. In his early years, Vance was an outstanding hockey player and had a keen interest in training his pair of young steers to the yoke. As a young man he enlisted in the RCAF and after the war returned to Clarence to pursue farming. In 1948, he married Rosalind “Rosie” Ward and they later became the devoted parents to Gordon (Joyce), Clarence, NS; Marjorie (Al), Bolton, ON; Neil (Margaret), Clarence, NS; George (Lori), Drayton Valley, AB and Barbara (Ray), Oakville, ON. Vance enjoyed mixed farming, managing dairy, beef, hogs, poultry, planting, harvesting, shearing sheep, apple crops, driving his tractor and in later years scything competitions. Working in the fields, milking his cows, eating delicious home cooked meals and dancing on a Saturday night were his greatest pleasures. Besides his loving children, Vance is survived by 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Left to grieve his passing are siblings, brother Fred (Helen), River Hebert, NS and Warren (Sandra), Clarence and sisters Gertrude (Frank), Truro; Pauline, Truro; Margaret (Don), Dartmouth, NS and sister-in-law Marion Webber, Clarence. Vance was predeceased by his wife Rosie (1990); brothers Douglas and Lawrence; his sister Primrose and her husband Ed Wright, who was Vance’s air force buddy; brother-in-law Clayton Spicer and Vance’s companion Emma Anderson. A special thank you goes to the staff at DVA where Vance received exceptional care. Their tender compassion and support will always be remembered. A visitation was held 7:00-9:00 PM, Thursday, April 6, 2017 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448 from where a funeral service was held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 7th with Rev. Leon Langille officiating. A reception for family and friends followed the service. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. Donations in Vance’s memory may be made to the Veterans Unit of Soldiers Memorial Hospital. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com