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We are going to make a book in tribute to Jack for his children. Would you like to add a comment or an anecdote? A memory, a story, a sentiment you'd like to share would be greatly appreciated.
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Thanks so much.
8 comments:
I never really got to know Jack. I knew his name and thought of him as the friendly, laid back guy next door with the cool beard. I moved in next to him just a couple of years ago. I was busy raising little children and he was busy doing his backyard "chores". We never really seemed to find time to talk to one another and neither of us seemed to mind. It was just a mutual respect.
We finally had an excuse to chat when "Yoda" came into the picture. Jack really loved Yoda. Yoda would sometimes meander into our backyard and my kids would flock toward him. Jack would follow Yoda and we finally got to talk. I was right - he was a nice guy!!
I sensed something was amiss when Jack started coming outside less often. I heard about Jack's illness through the grapevine and was deeply saddened by the devastation of such a disease. My kids often asked where "Yoda's dad" was. Yoda became more defensive and protective of his property. I taught my boys to respect Yoda for not wanting us to bother him.
I deeply regret having missed the opportunity to meet Jack. I offer my most sincere condolences to the family. I imagine the loss is great.
Yes, Yoda did become more protective of his yard and Jack...in fact, just two days before his death, Jack had gone outside by himself to do something he felt was important behind our hot tub. Yoda, of course, went outside with him. When Mac came downstairs, he saw the back door was open and Yoda was gone. He thought Jack was in bed. He started calling Yoda and he heard a frail voice talking in a whisper, repeating, "He's over here". It was Jack, who was lying on the ground behind the hot tub...and Yoda was right beside him. Luckily, Jack was not hurt...he had on his leather jacket, cowboy hat and sunglasses. I have no idea what he was trying to do. It’s funny that did not say, "Help me, I fell down over here"...he was more focused with trying to tell Mac where Yoda was. Yoda was a true and faithful friend to Jack this past year. He always lay beside the sofa where Jack was sleeping. Yoda knew that all he had to do was go the back door and Jack would just let him out. No leash, no tie up to the tree, no electric collar...Yoda was free to make his escape out of the yard and roam around the neighborhood. I think he loved Jack for that.
beth sprague, neighbor said...
Cub scout events for Mac and Lance were always more enjoyable when Jack was there! His wry, dry sense of humor was always a plus. We knew we would have an enjoyable evening, not only because we were sharing with our kids, but there would always be a lot of side jokes and laughter. We all liked to make fun of each other and ourselves!
Jack got a real kick out of Kaede and Leanna’s after school service. The twins and Mac were about 6-8 years old, and the girls had the cutest after-school service for the younger kids. They had the kids make crafts and draw pictures and would grade them, put sticky stars for good work, etc. It was just like they were little school teachers. It was really cute and Jack enjoyed talking about it.
I’ll never forget the time that Jack and Carolyn arrived for a New Years Eve party at our front door. Carolyn looked absolutely fantastic! Apparently she and Jack had made a deal. He would quit smoking, and she would lose weight. Well they both stuck to their end of the bargain and they looked wonderful!!! Jack brought along a huge platter of the most delicious stuffed mushrooms, and they were devoured by everyone.
One time Jack was getting ready to leave in his Stealth (sp?) to attend some sort of a medical lecture that Carolyn was giving. He was all decked out in a suit and looked pretty darn snazzy driving in the sports car. He was very proud of Carolyn and spoke so proudly of her accomplishments and intelligence (downright bragging!!!).
When Jack and Carolyn opened Ward Six, a whole group from the neighborhood went. It was SO tremendous. The place was packed, you could hardly find a place to sit, and there was scrumptious food everywhere. The place was decorated with a political theme and was really amazing!
When Kevin (our oldest) was working in Cheviot, he told his co-workers about “this restaurant downtown that is owned by our neighbors with the MOST fabulous and different menu anywhere”. Kev and his co-workers looked forward to Fridays when they drove from Cheviot to downtown for lunch. I believe Jack had a catchy saying for Ward Six, something like “The Place to Dine---at Fifth and Vine”.
A couple of months ago, Dean and I had the pleasure of going out with Carolyn and Jack one last time. Jack picked Mitchell’s Fish Market, and we had such a NICE time. The food was delicious, and Jack and Carolyn told us all about their wonderful trip to Boston the previous summer. Jack really liked to talk about Boston, which he loved very much. Dean and I were so happy that Jack seemed to be doing so well (he looked great with his full beard!); it seemed just like old times.
Dean fondly remembers that Jack was always good for “a beer and horseshoes”.
Lauren and Lance remember climbing in the Holland trees with Mac, and Jack running out to yell at them, because there were electric lines close by, and he didn’t want them to get hurt. Lauren remembers the time Mac climbed on the roof of the house, boy did that bring Jack out quickly! Lance & Lauren say that Jack was always so nice to them and went out of his way to say hi when they would pass on the street (whether they were six or sixteen!).
Jack was a good neighbor and friend, and all around nice guy. We will miss seeing him in the yard, and seeing him with his cherished family. Our thoughts and prayers go to Caroline, Leanna, Kaede, Mac, Blake and Keira and the rest of Jack’s family.
Jack's niece, "Auntie Barb":
Uncle Jack lived with us in Grenn Harbor, MA while he finished high school. Elvis was in his prime then and Jack spent LOTS of time getting his hair just right-he was a bona fide GREASER for sure...we would fight over which T.V. show to watch-Dick Clark's Bandstand was Jack's choice and we wanted The Mickey Mouse Club. Somehow or other, I know all the words to Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill", one of Jack's favorites songs back then. He would give me his old Marlboro cigarette boxes to put my Ginny Doll shoes in, make us popcorn when he babysat for us and take us for rides in his collection of ever changing cars.
He joined the Army and came back a grown up but always remained our "Uncle Jack".
I am hoping to inherit the "Crabby" part of his tradition-you all know I can do that good... Crabby Barby? He is irreplacable and unforgettable...our Uncle Jack,
we love you so-Barb,Jess and Tony
from Elizabeth and Ralph Griffith :
In our family it is a tradition to serve 'shuck beans' for Thanksgiving and Christmas. When Jack first joined our family he would look at the bowl of shuck beans with disdain, and I am sure he was thinking, "how can these people eat those things?' But after a couple of years he agreed to try them and he was 'hooked'. He looked forward to this special dish each Holiday, even offering to go to the field to help pick the beans. He also bought some at the Farmer's Market for us to dry....so the 'Yankee' started to enjoy Southern food. I cooked him a 'mess' of shuck beans last month (April 2007)and he seemed to enjoy them. Homemade
Pumpkin pie was another one of my desserts Jack enjoyed. Usually I only bake them in the fall of the year, but usually there were many hints throughout the year for pumpkin pie.
Jack was a good person, would do anything for anybody to help them. Many times when Ralph needed a tool, or assistance with a project , he was always ready and willing. We did have to get used to some of his 'Yankee ways' and he had to get used to our Southern ways.
We are very glad he was part of our family. He will certainly be missed.
I noted the outpouring of love and affection that everyone has for Jack and wish that I had the opportunity to visit Ward Six and appreciate his spirit more. But the following line is one that sticks with me as it shows how Jack ("Crabby Jack") possessed so many of the traits of The Holland Family I knew so well from Prince Edward Island. "His sense of humor, honesty and obstinate Irish charm will be missed." I was happy that unlike my grandmother (Jack's Aunt - who had those very same Holland qualities!!) that I had at least an opportunity to meet Jack at the two Green Harbour reunions I attended and was able to see first hand both how Jack was loved by his extended family as well as clearly see the love and pride that he felt for Carolyn and all his children. It was clear that he dearly loved all of you and spoke very proudly about his family.
All of you have been in my thoughts the past while and I was talking to a friend who also lost her dad recently last weekend (my dad died last spring) and all I can say is that the spirit and love which you experienced will stay with you and the intensity of your loss can also be matched by the intensity of the appreciation you had for the gift that was your father, husband, brother and uncle while he was with us so hope those memories sustain all of you in the days ahead. I hope to see some of you again at Green Harbour.
Much love, your cousin from
Prince Edward Island,
Leo Cheverie
One of my favorite memories of Uncle Jack is at the beach many years ago. We were walking down the beach to find my Mom (Puck), who hadn't seen him yet that trip. Mom saw us coming and thought I was being picked up by the Marlboro Man!
Steve Johnson, employee of Ward Six
Dear Carolyn,
I am very sorry for your loss. I am even more sorry that I did not get to go out to eat with Jack like planned back in January. But I wanted to let you know how much he meant to me.
Jack has always been one of my favorite managers of all time. Despite his 'crabby' title, Jack always treated me as his own son. He showed me how to be an old-fashioned bartender. Plus, you two bought me that "Mr. Boston's Guide to Bartending" to help me on my way.
I will never forget the one night when I was the only server to show up. You, Jack and I waited on a very busy dinner crowd with no one else to help us. We got through the shift and you two let me keep all of the tips.
Working there introduced me to a great cast of characteristics: chef Tim, Drew, Melissa- "Mo", Anne Marie, Greg the dishwasher and Marty the bartender. And of course, if it wasn't for Ward Six, I would have never been Mr. Downtowner! I will never forget that job or your husband.
Please let my Mom know if there is anything we can for you. Keep your happy memories and he will never leave your heart.
Most sincerely,
Steve Johnson
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