Jack M. Condrey

Jack Messenger Condrey was my father. He was an incredibly kind, strong and inspirational man, who always wanted to do the right thing and to do right by others. He left a lasting legacy, for his family and for those who knew him, through his examples of character, kindness, duty, loyalty, love and quiet faith.

Jack was born December 21, 1924 in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Ellis Terrell and Mildred Marie Messenger Condrey. He passed away August 22, 2014 in Irvine, California.

In high school, Jack lettered in football three years with an undefeated senior year, was a member of the band and a cappella choir. His mother was his social studies teacher.

Immediately upon high school graduation, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in the European Theater in WWII, as a paratrooper and infantryman. He marched in the Victory in Europe Parade in NYC. His brother, Bob, was in the crowd watching, but neither knew of the other's presence there until sharing memories on Bob's visit one year ago.

While earning his BA from Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma A&M) in Stillwater, in 1949 he met his future wife, Laura Nell Johnson. Upon graduation they married and in short time moved to Wyoming to join Laura's family ranching operation. I was born September 26, 1950 and on September 26 three years later, my brother, Jack Jr., was born.

We moved to Denver, CO, in 1955 where Dad worked for Prudential as both a farm and ranch and also commercial real estate appraiser. He transferred to Scottsdale, AZ, in 1962 and then to Newport Beach, CA, in 1976. After retiring from Prudential he worked with Pacific Mutual and then briefly opened his own business.

My husband, Bill, and I lived across the street from my mom and dad in Irvine for 13 years and our children had the benefit of their Granddad as an after-school caretaker, sports booster, motivator and moral compass. He took such pride in what they did and was a constant source of encouragement. We benefited tremendously from our close proximity.

Jack Jr. and his family live in Charleston, SC, and even at that distance still knew his deep love for them, support and encouragement.

He's with me every day, for which I am grateful. His lessons run deep and he is dearly missed.

Jack is survived by his wife, Laura; their daughter, Susan, her husband William Gordon, and their sons Will and Ben; his son, Jack Jr., his wife Colleen and their sons Jackson and Danny; his brother, Bob; nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard and Terrell, and his sister Betty Hutton.