MAREK, Jack Edward Sr.
10/31/1932 - 6/13/2016
Jack passed away on June 13, 2016 surrounded by his wonderful family. At his request no service will be held. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 59 years. They met in Tokyo, Japan on Easter Sunday 1955. They were married on November 3, 1957. Jack will always be remembered with so much love by his children, Jack Jr., Stacie Schmalz (Bill), Jennifer Marek and four precious granddaughters, who called him PaPa, Andrea, Lindsey, Savannah and Cierra; sister, Phyllis Candee (Les); brother-in-law, Will Ward (Diana); many nieces and nephews, so many friends and people whose lives he touched. Jack was born in Berea, Ohio on October 31, 1932, Halloween. He always thought that everyone celebrated his birthday. He loved to dress in a crazy costume and go trick or treating with his friends. Jack's unique visionary guidance and leadership qualities were demonstrated in running his real estate company for 58 years, A.P. Brown Company, now known as Tucson Arizona Real Estate Co. During his real estate career, he served as a volunteer President of the Board of Realtors for two years. Through his leadership and guidance, he restored the organization to a strong and viable Association. Jack proudly served 24 years in the Air Force. He loved the Air Force and his country. He loved flying and anything to do with airplanes. He was one of the first to be involved in the SR-71 program at Beale Air Force Base in California. He served one year in Vietnam and was awarded the Legion of Merit, one of the highest awards for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. He was a true officer and a gentleman. Jack was a Lifetime Paul Harris member of the Rotary Club of Tucson and member of The Tucson Association of Executives. He loved playing and watching hours of golf. He was passionate about making a difference in the lives of people. He practiced a daily act of kindness. He would ask "what can I do to make your life better today?" Or tell me your life story. He passed out cards that had "pick a number from 1-4" Just about everyone would select "3". The answer on the back always made people laugh. Jack loved telling stories about any and everything. Some we known he made up. He loved life and making people laugh. He was always happy. We are sure Jack is having a reunion with family and friends, Manny Hellman, Robert Serling, Harry Kling and Ralph Roemershauser. There were always trying to top the other person's story or joke. Jack went to light the way for the rest of us and knowing what prankster he was, he will turn the light off and on during our journey. The family would like to thank Mitch and Terry Parker for their assistance with Jack in his hour of need, the Paramedic's, Pima County Sheriff, the TMC doctor's and ICU nurses. Denise Bennett and Ford Goodman for their complete dedication to Jack. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to two of his favorite charities, Old Pueblo Children's Services, 9121 E. Tanque Verde Ste. 105, Tucson, AZ 85749, 760-2782 or the Air Force Aid Society, helping to care for our service members and families, www.Afas.org A Celebration of his Life will be announced at a later time. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.