I Knew Jack

Last week I wrote a blog, Who Is In A Name? The first photograph included our friends Jack and Winnie. That day, Jack passed away. His wife Winnie had suffered a stroke a few months ago, he was by her side as much as he could be. During that time he became ill, was also in a rehabilitation facility and passed away peacefully.

Today we attended his funeral. His oldest son, John, spoke of how Jack's only daughter was the twinkle in his eye. He was a tough, stubborn, and generous man. He said Jack's own father passed away when he was in junior high, so he wanted to be influential in his kids lives... never missing a sporting event and always there to play catch. John misses his dad offering advice (even when he didn't want it), his Saturday morning football phone calls discussing his USC team, and the chance to call and ask him for advice. He ended tearfully saying, Thank you Dad, for everything.

Scott and I were in the car talking about another man at church who gave some words of wisdom to our kids. I said, "You know, these are the perks of your job. I may never get my gas range, but I knew Jack."

I was told once that everyone should have a friend in every decade. Befriending a child or two (not your own), a 20-something, 30-something, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90-something. What we can learn from all of those ages is endless. I knew a 91 year old who had the smile to light up a room and the love story of a lifetime with the love of his life.

In the words of the officiating pastor, Good-bye Jack, we'll see ya a little later.

His obituary can be seen at: http://www.coloradoan.com/viewart/20120717/OBITUARIES/207170303/John-Jack-Leslie-Shedd-Jr-