The Conroy family arrived in Seattle in January of 1959, and Jack grew up on Capitol Hill, attending St. Joe’s, Prep and Garfield. He also attended Gonzaga University and then graduated from the University of Washington, with majors in political science and philosophy. Jack was very active in the Vietnam war protests of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, and nurtured an avid interest in politics his entire life.
Jack was a founding member of the Raccoon Lodge, now in its 50th year. He was the perennial catcher for the Raccoons’ softball team, as well as an enthusiastic participant in the Lodge’s social activities and travel, both locally and to Mexico for “Spring Training.”
Jack tended bar at The Fabulous Rainbow tavern for many years, and then kept bar and managed the legendary Blue Moon tavern for another three decades. He was a well-known and popular presence in the countercultures of the U District and Fremont.
His eight younger siblings remember Jack as generous and hospitable, with an irreverent sense of humor. He was a scholar who loved to share his knowledge with us at the dinner table, from his instruction that The Beatles were the next big thing, to prolonged conversations with Dad about history, racism, and the anti-war movement. He was devoted to his daughter, Julia, who recalls her father guiding her as a child through the far-flung reaches and beaches of Seattle, by bus and on foot.
In his later years, Jack dealt with serious health issues, but quietly continued to cultivate both his voracious intellect and his garden in Fremont.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Julia Buller (Justin) and four grandchildren: Clara, Dean, Emma and Flora. He leaves his siblings and their partners: Ann (John Givens), Kathy O’Hara (Kevin), Colleen (Mitchell Erickson), Eileen, Patty (Douglas Newell), Rosanne (Jay Tran), Bob (Sarah), and Jim (Tara), as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and many, many long-time friends.
The Conroy family invites you to join us for a celebration of Jack’s life on Wednesday, December 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Church Social Hall, 732-18th Ave. East, in the lower level, at the corner of 19th Ave. East and East Aloha St. Parking is available in the parking lot to the south of the church.
All friends of Jack and his family are welcome. Please bring memories and stories to share
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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