On the night of September 22, 2010, Joseph “Jack” McLaren, surrounded by his family, went to meet his Lord and Savior, and was reunited with his oldest son, Steve.
Jack, as he was known by, was born in Ferndale, Michigan on January 26, 1931. Jack was the second child born to Joseph Clarence and Clara Evelyn McLaren. Filled with a love for adventure, Jack hitch-hiked with a buddy across the United States when he was only 16. After graduating from high school in 1949, he worked for the Merchant Marines shoveling coal on tankers that crossed the Great Lakes for 2 years. In 1951, he enlisted in the army and was a Paratrooper in the 187th Airborne RCT during the Korean War, making many lifelong friends. After the Army, Jack set off for California and Northrop Engineering School to study Aeronautics. Upon graduating he made his way to Colorado working for Martin Marietta, where he met his future wife, Joanne. They were married, and shortly thereafter relocated to Washington State.
He accepted a job with Boeing Company in Seattle, as an Aeronautical Engineer, where he spent many enjoyable years working on various projects, most of them top-secret involving wind tunnel testing with extended travel. They found and fell in love with the place where they would raise their four children, Vashon Island. Those were busy years, raising kids, commuting via ferry to Kent every weekday, and fishing on weekends. He was caught in the layoff era in 1971 and moved back to Colorado to work for Martin Marietta for 11 months, a hard time to be away from family. He then came back home and worked for the K2 Corporation for 5 years, designing equipment to build snow skis. After 5 years, Jack returned to the Boeing Company and retired in 1990.
His love for adventure never waned, and in 1989, he was thrilled to make a sky-dive with two of his children. True to form, he was planning more skydives next year in Arizona. Upon retirement, Jack and Joanne enjoyed many adventures traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, and touring the United States. Ultimately, they settled down into a snowbird schedule, spending winters in Arizona in their fifth wheel, with multitudes of new friends; and spending summers in Hartline in Eastern Washington to catch up and spend time with friends and family. Jack and Joanne celebrated their Golden Anniversary for 50 years of marriage this last year.
Known for his intelligence, quick wit, great story telling and love of fishing; one close friend described Jack as a “kind, gentle man, with a twinkle in his eye, a ready laugh, and a hug of friendship.”
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Steve.
Jack is survived by his wife, Joanne; and their children, Lyn (Dan) Nielsen, Mike McLaren, and Nancy (Alan) Cote’; grandchildren, Maegan (Josh) Kazas, Keith Nielsen, Joe and Jared Cote’, Kaenen McLaren; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Micah and Caleb Kazas. Jack is also survived by his sister, Beverly (Russell) Page of Michigan, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many lifelong, loyal friends throughout the United States.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2010, at the Hartline Assembly of God Church, 989 Main Street, Hartline. There will be a luncheon following the service.
The family would like to thank Jack’s many friends, both old and new. Your fun, adventures, and friendship meant so much to him, and made for many great stories. We welcome your favorite thoughts, memories, or photos of Jack, and invite you to send them to: mclarenmemory@yahoo.com. In addition, many thanks to Central Basin Hospice of Moses Lake, for your wonderful care and support.
Memorial donations may be made to: Central Basin Hospice of Moses Lake,
Hartline Fire Department, or The American Cancer Society.
Paid Obituary.
