Jack Kempf
(Oct 27, 1931 – January 30, 2024)
The ABA lost a great friend and huge supporter on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Jack was a legendary Alberta bowyer. He built bows for many years – traditional longbows and recurves but in his early days, Jack also designed and built custom compounds. Many of us have one (or more) of his creations and he had customers from all over the continent and around the globe. Beautiful works of art but also very efficient and functional.
Jack was a friend of the ABA for many years. He donated a recurve or longbow to our fundraisers (either at the banquet or for our raffles) for longer than any of us can remember. He valued what the ABA is about – our lobby for bowhunting opportunity, our recognition of the successes of the bowhunting community, our commitment to the youth. Jack attended many of our annual banquets and enjoy the comradery with fellow bowhunters.
Over the years, the ABA tried to show our appreciation for his unwavering support (a custom jacket, a custom buckle, an Honorary Life Membership in 2006) but he always said, “Not necessary – glad to help out”. Very humble.
His support meant a great deal to the ABA and he was also a “friend” to not only the Association, but to many of us as individuals as well.
The ABA offers Jack’s family heartfelt condolences in their loss of such a wonderful father, grandfather. Jack left a lasting impression on everyone who ever met him. The ABA and its members included.
