Jack Theodore Smith
July 2, 1931 - April 21, 2011
I met Jack the summer of 1997. At the time I was going to college at the University of Portland and was looking for an inexpensive place to live close to school. I came across a room to rent just a few blocks from school. Little did I realize the lasting friendship and love that would find me there. As fate would have it I only lived in that house for a few months but mine and Jack's friendship would continue and grow until his dying day.
Who was Jack Smith? That is a question I've been asking myself a lot lately. It's a question that I wish I had asked Jack more often. Jack was one of the strongest, proudest men I know. He was a military man, a protector. When he spoke about being in the Army I could see the pride he had in his country even if he didn't necessarily like the way the country is now.
He was a man who loved to make you laugh and loved to pass on a good dirty joke. Jack didn't talk about his past life much. We got along well because I didn't pry but if he wanted to share I would gladly listen. The few times he spoke of his wife, Lela, I was astounded by the love I could see in his eyes. He had never remarried after she had passed away. Jack's love was powerful and could at times be overwhelming.
I wish I could say more. It is difficult to sum up the life of a man in just a few paragraphs. I feel like there is just so much to his life that I didn't know about and there is so much more that I just don't know how to put in words. Why did he choose me to be the one to take care of him when he was no longer able? He loved me like a daughter and he will be missed.
Jack I hope you find peace.
He was a man who loved to make you laugh and loved to pass on a good dirty joke. Jack didn't talk about his past life much. We got along well because I didn't pry but if he wanted to share I would gladly listen. The few times he spoke of his wife, Lela, I was astounded by the love I could see in his eyes. He had never remarried after she had passed away. Jack's love was powerful and could at times be overwhelming.
I wish I could say more. It is difficult to sum up the life of a man in just a few paragraphs. I feel like there is just so much to his life that I didn't know about and there is so much more that I just don't know how to put in words. Why did he choose me to be the one to take care of him when he was no longer able? He loved me like a daughter and he will be missed.
Jack I hope you find peace.
1 comment:
In you, Jack found a kindred spirit. One just as full of love and dedication. You brought such joy and purpose to his life. Your love was unconditional and total. You made his last years happy ones.
Mom
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