Antarctica was a large part of Jack's professional life.  At the National Science Foundation, he set the standard for public communications that has lasted to this day.  In 1971 Jack escorted me to the Antarctic as a new NSF employee.  In my career in the U.S. Antarctic Program I never forgot his advice, for example: "Sweat the details."  
When Jack died I was in the Antarctic, a lecturer on a cruise ship that two days before had passed Cape Horn, Cape Horn with its own legends and now forever in my mind with memories of Jack.  
Since 1992, an inspiring sculpture showing an albatross has been on Cape Horn.  At its base are these words:

I the albatross that awaits at the end of the world
I am the forgotten soul of the sailors lost
Rounding Cape Horn from all the seas of the world
But die they did not in the fierce waves
For today towards eternity in my wings they soar
In the last crevice of the Antarctic winds

I feel honored to have had such an incredible and amazing person in my life, let alone in my family. Jack I will forever miss you and keep you in my heart. Love from 'your brown eyed beauty'

I first met Jack when he first came to New Zealand in 1962 with the National Science Foundation.  Jack stayed at my families hotel, I was 12 years old at the time.  Over the years Jack became a dear friend, drinking buddy and godfather to my daughter.  Jack was an amazing man and wordsmith who could entertain an audience on wide reaching subjects.  His favourite subject was his family and grandchildren, secondly sailing and his love of the Antarctic and the people he met on his journey.  We travelled together around the South Island of New Zealand on what you could call a boys road trip after Jack had retired,  it is a time I will cherish in my fondest of memories. Over the years we have had return visits to the states and the most anticipated was catching up with Jack.  Jack was a true gentleman and I was blessed to call him my friend.  Jack you will always be remembered by the extended McKenzie family our lives have been enriched by knowing you.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to Denise, Terry and family.  God bless you are in our hearts.

Jack Renirie was my great uncle. He was a wonderful man full of fascinating stories, wicked jokes and a huge heart. I am so grateful that I got to know him. Blessings on your final journey Uncle Jack, you were loved and will be missed.

"IronMan Jack" Renirie. Many a tale can be told of the adventures we had aboard Skua and the great times we had sailing in Lancaster. Any day sailing with Jack was better than a day spent anywhere else. It's impossible to look back on the 'good old days' without recalling a day sailing with Jack Renirie. Whenever we talk about great skippers and whenever we examine the glue that binds us, Jack will be in our thoughts. May he forever fill our sails.

I had the good fortune to sail with Jack over the course of 25 years. He is one of the most memorable people I have ever met. He had surprisingly wide interests beyond sailing but, when the race was on, his powers of concentration were second to none. He loved his boats - especially the Catalina 22 ("Isn't she a pretty boat?"). Jack never boasted about his many accomplishments. For example, he won a room full of trophies over the years but never displayed them. Moreover, there's a rock outcropping on the Antarctic continent named after him (look up Renirie Rocks) but few people know that. I'll always cherish my memories of Jack and I regret that I'll never again hear him say "Time to go sailing, old friend."  Sail on, Jack, sail on.

I sailed with Jack (my only Governor's Cup win), and against him.  My heartfelt condolences go out to his family on their loss. The Catalina Fleet has always been an extended family.Jack was a part of that family, and his loss diminishes us all a little bit.  Godspeed on your next journey Jack!

Jack was a great competitor.  He helped everyone learn and improve so that the competition was keener.  We miss him as a teacher, a friend, and a fellow sailor.

So many of us sailors will remember Jack with fondness.  He was indeed a fierce competitor and we enjoyed the challenge of racing with him. We shared great memories of Fleet 10 and the Catalina Regionals.  We'll miss him.
Martie & Larry Tackett

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Jack Renirie

19 février 1928 – 21 janvier 2014

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

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