Jack Tennant was a newspaper man. Hard nosed, grizzled, passionate and dedicated to the principles of truth and justice, he was the persona every intrepid beat reporter or brash editor from the silver screen was based. Jack's devotion to the tenets of the Fourth Estate and his respect for the responsibilities entrusted to the media was without match and powered his commitment to content being the driver of a newspaper. He loved print media and, like those of us still toiling away in an industry fighting for survival in the digital age, Jack knew the value and necessity of keeping newspapers alive. He was known for his commitment to the truth, an ability to tell it as he saw it and a never-back-down attitude that made him a stalwart and incorruptible force behind the press. Jack's columns and editorials were known for provoking thought, inspiring change and holding the powerful to account. His philosophy, which the Cochrane Eagle has written into its daily practice, was to ensure quality, fair and balanced news coverage. His ethics, principles and honesty form the mould from which every journalist should strive to emulate. Whether it was his work with the Calgary Sun, or starting various newspapers around the province, Jack was well-known, respected and at times infamous. His death will leave a giant hole in the lives of his loved ones and in the journalism community. While Jack's passion for journalism would have been legacy enough, it was matched by his love for community and his citizenship. Under his tough journalist's exterior beat a heart of gold, which he used to help others. Whether it was promoting charities such as the women's shelter, volunteering to mentor young ones with the Seniors For Kids program, or his time with the Cochrane Foundation, he found many ways to give back to Cochrane and area. Even when his health was failing him - Jack had diabetes and required dialysis multiple times a week - he could not be deterred from his volunteer commitments. Jack was also a good friend to the Stoney Nakoda people. He worked tirelessly to support those living in Morley and throughout the reserve. His impact was best described by Stoney Elder Roland Rollinmud last year during an event in Jack's honour when he presented Jack a painting of a buffalo. Rollinmud described the honoured animal as Jack’s spirit creature because buffalo are great protectors. “Jack is a protector of this valley,” Rollinmud said at the time, referring to the Bow Valley. The elder also described his first meeting with Jack as one that had a profound effect on his life. “I felt stronger in my soul from the time he spent speaking to me,” Rollinmud said of his first encounter with Jack. Jack was a man of the people, taking time to visit his local haunts and brighten someone's day. His death will be felt throughout Cochrane, the province and the country. Truly, a titan has fallen.
