A well-known and respected resident of Twillingate has passed away.
Captain Jack Troake passed away on Wednesday at the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Hospital at the age of 88.
A well-known sealing captain, Troake was a long-time advocate for the sealing fishery. Historians, mariners, writers and folklorists often sought him out for his knowledge and his story-telling.
He was passionate about sharing and passing down local traditions, everything from best-growing practices to the weather and navigation.
He proudly grew vegetables in clay brought over as ballast in ships from England many years ago, and delighted in pointing out to visitors the rich Dorset soil feeding the crops in Hart’s Cove.
Troake and his family suffered a terrible personal tragedy in 2000, when he lost his son Garry in a boating mishap that also claimed the life of Roger Blake.
Senator Mohamed Ravalia, who served as a physician in Twillingate for many years, offered his condolences on Troake’s passing, remembering him for his “worldly lessons, wisdom, insights and mischievous sense of humour.”
Donations in Troake’s memory can be made to the Twillingate Volunteer Fire Department.
Today we mourn the loss of an icon. Captain Jack Troake imparted worldly lessons to all those who shared his wisdom, insights and mischievous sense of humour. Thank you for the kindness that you showed my family and I.
Thoughts and prayers are with Florence, Hardy and family. ?? pic.twitter.com/fMtNNQ9vu3— Senator Ravalia (@SenatorRavalia) June 6, 2025
