Jack was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on January 7, 1931 to parents John and Mabel (McGoldrick) Smith. His sister, Sheila, was born 5 years later. Jack grew up in Calgary surrounded by his numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on both the Smith and McGoldrick side, including his favorite Uncle Joe.
He was a gifted athlete all throughout his life, playing baseball, football, golf, skiing and, most importantly, hockey. He played quarterback for his high school football team, leading his team to the provincial championships his senior year. Jack’s love was always hockey though, playing in several leagues in Canada. He caught the eye of the University of Denver and was offered a scholarship to come to Denver. He was captain of the hockey team at DU and graduated with several school records, one of which still stands today - the most points scored in a game. Jack graduated with a Masters in Business and an undergraduate degree in accounting. Soon after becoming a U.S. citizen, he proudly became a Certified Public Accountant. Jack was a CPA for over 60 years, retiring in 2017 with his firm Smith, Brock and Weber.
While at DU, he met his future wife, Marna Jean Jordan. She was studying elementary education. They married on August 27, 1955 in Denver, Colorado and honeymooned in Calgary. Their first daughter, Sheila, was born in 1957 followed by Stacey in 1959, and Shannon in 1964.
Jack and his family enjoyed many activities together such as skiing, ballooning, rafting and annual trips to Calgary to visit family. Jack and Marna loved to travel without their kids as well, to Hawaii, on several cruises and numerous trips to Santa Rosa, California where Jack played hockey with the Oldtimers Hockey League.
Whenever asked about any of his accomplishments - strong family, CPA career, hockey career, or his numerous life-long friends - Jack would always smile and say “more good luck than good management!”
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Marna Smith, sister Sheila Heater and daughter Sheila Jarrett. He is survived by loving daughters Stacey Smith and Shannon Clark. Grandchildren Jordan Jarrett, Erin Jarrett, Johnny Clark, Aubree Clark and Kaylee Lyons and great grandchildren Elika Jarrett, Adelaide Jarrett and Elijah Lyons.
Funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 19th at 10:00 AM at Church of the Risen Christ. 3060 S. Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO 80222. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Fairmount Cemetery later this year.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations can be made to Colorado Children’s Chorale - 3801 E. Florida Ave., Suite 400, Denver, CO 80210.
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