Jack Abercrombie

Born September 27, 1921, in War Eagle, Arkansas, to John and Ruth Abercrombie. He passed away on June 27, 2005, in Seattle, WA.

The family moved to Visalia, CA, when Jack was nine and that is where he spent all his formative years. He was the oldest of six children: brother Jim deceased; sister Kathy Weed of Portland, OR; sister Ruthie Tomlinson of Hanford, CA; brother Bob of Sacramento, CA; and sister Lee Burt of Modesto, CA.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne in 1975 and his second wife Beverly in 1999. He leaves his immediate family: son Steve Andrea of Langley, WA; daughter Peggy Jackson of Edmonds, WA; son Michael Monika of Edmonds, WA; and daughter Cathy Marc Moray of Seattle, WA; six grandchildren, Brei Eric Haywood of Seattle, WA; Jeni Lee Abercrombiecarswell of San Jose, CA; Alysa and Kristin Abercrombie of Edmonds, WA; Zachary and Lucas Moray of Seattle, WA; one great grandchild, Rita Jeanne Abercrombiecarswell of San Jose, CA; along with seventeen nieces and nephews.

Jack had three passions: his work, his family, and sports. His first job was Manager of the community dance hall and swimming pool in Visalia, CA. He worked seven days a week while going to school and he credited the owners for developing a work ethic in him that lasted a lifetime. In 1940 he joined the Navy and served six years during World War II. He spent significant time in the South Pacific and was on his ship in the harbor when General MacArthur signed the peace treaty with Japan.

He returned to Seattle in early 1947 to his wife Jeanne and newly born son Steve. His love of sports landed him a job at a sporting goods store by the name of Eddie Bauer. The store was sold a couple of years later to Frederick and Nelson and Jack stayed with Bauer as they began their clothing manufacturing and mail order business. He was with the company for twenty years working his way up to Vice President and General Manager.

When Eddie Bauer sold in 1968, Jack took some time off and then found another perfect job with a small but quality clothing manufacturer. The Filson Company had been around since 1898 and with a new owner was looking to expand their business. Jack spent the next twenty plus years helping build the business and start the mail order division. He "retired" at 65 but continued to go to work a couple days a week until his health slowed him down a few years ago.

Jack played all sports as a young man. He played one year of college football and was an outstanding swimmer. Later in life his main passion was golf. He started playing in his early 40's and the game kept his competitive juices flowing and helped him develop many new friends. His "main gang" had the first starting time at Spanaway Golf Course for thirty years and over the last several years played every Wednesday at Bellevue Municipal Course. His two golf highlights of his life were playing the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland in 1990 and making his first and only hole-in-one at the age of 80 at Holmes Harbor Golf Course on Whidbey Island.

His support and love of all sports was culminated every year at the P-I Sports Banquet. He had bought a table for over the last twenty years to bring together his family and friends and share with them this special evening. This last year he was recognized at the banquet for this long time support and he called it one of the biggest thrills of his life.

Jack was the leader of his family. His integrity, work ethic, and loyalty set examples for us all. We will miss him immensely but know he is now at peace and in a better place.