Ethan Jackson Jaques

Ethan Jaques died unexpectedly on June 19, 2025 for medical reasons as yet unknown. He was at his family cottage on Galiano Island. Galiano was Ethan’s sanctuary, the place he loved most in this world. If he had to die young, it’s somehow fitting it was there.

Ethan’s impact on those around him belied his age. He was widely known and loved in the community of Dunbar where he grew up and played soccer and baseball. At St. George’s School where he attended from grade one to graduation. At Queen’s University where he majored in partying and rugby. And back home to Vancouver and the Meraloma Rugby Club where he continued playing the game he loved.

It’s impossible to speak about Ethan without talking about his brother Connor in the same breath. Ethan was only 15 months younger than Connor and by the time Ethan was born, his parents Tracey and Simon were separated. Being born into divorce meant Ethan, along with Connor, grew up moving between his mom’s house and his dad’s house until they each left for university. Ethan and Connor shared that experience and only they understood what the other went through. Their bond is unbreakable. They fought hard. They loved hard. They would walk through fire for each other. Those fortunate enough to have seen them together caught a glimpse of what they meant to each other.

Ethan’s physical strength showed itself early. He started crawling at six months and before he was a year old he was escaping his crib and slowly lowering himself to the floor like an acrobat. In later years it was the finger pull ups he’d do while hanging over the staircase. Ethan wasn’t a big kid but he was immoveable when he wanted to hold his ground. Opponents targeting him in soccer and hockey soon learned that lesson when they went in for a hit and ended up on their butts. In rugby Ethan was known as the guy who was impossible to push back one on one. Ethan was the person you hated having to play but loved having on your team. Nobody worked harder. Nobody left it all on the field like Ethan. He was a leader who led by example.

When you had a conversation with Ethan he was interested in what you had to say. He asked insightful questions. And the next time you saw him he’d remember where your last conversation left off. If you needed help moving or fixing something, Ethan said yes. If he couldn’t say yes he’d find someone who could. He didn’t leave you hanging. Ethan showed up for his friends. And he had friends of all ages, like a man out of time. He knew what it was to take interest. He knew the importance of being present with and for people.

Ethan loved sports. Playing. Watching. Analyzing. He loved music, especially classic rock from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. He taught himself bass guitar and loved making music with his friends. His vinyl collection is a treasure.

Ethan was with us for 24 years, three months and three days. He leaves behind his father, Simon Jaques, his mother, Tracey Hirsch, his stepmother Julie Prutton, his stepfather Russell Steiner, and his brothers, Connor, Zenara, Robert and William.

May his memory be a blessing.

We will be celebrating Ethan’s life on Tuesday, July 8 from 4:00-6:30 pm at Princeps Hall, St. George’s School Senior Campus, 4175 West 29th Avenue, Vancouver.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity meaningful to you in Ethan’s name.