Jack Wells

Builder (1993)

Track and Field

Jack Wells was born in Victoria in 1918, attended St. Michael's and Brentwood College in Victoria before coming to Saskatchewan to join his father in the construction business.

Jack first worked for the company in Wilkie, and then moved to Saskatoon in 1949 where he became president of the W.C. Wells Construction Company until it was sold in 1967. He was also active in the community as founder, publisher and managing editor of The Commentator weekly newspaper.

He became active in track and field, first through the Nutana Kiwanis Club, was organizer and director of some of the first national championship meets held in Saskatoon. In 1963, he organized the first outdoor meet, which brought international talent to Griffiths Stadium.

In 1965, Jack applied his construction skills to the development of training corners, which were first installed for training purposes at the University of Saskatchewan. They were later adapted for use at the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games at the downtown Arena.

He was an original on the Saskatchewan Jubilee Games board in 1965 and remained on the board when the Knights of Columbus assumed sponsorship.

For his leadership role, Jack was selected Kinsmen Sportsman of the Year in 1974.

Jack died in March 1979, at the age of 61.

** Deceased