Obituary of Jack Gene Apthorp

The Story of Jack Gene Apthorp 

Jack Gene Apthorp, 77, of Gig Harbor, WA passed away on April 14, 2024. Jack was born in Tacoma, WA on February 8, 1947. Jack graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965. During his time in High School he met his soon to be wife, Peggy. After graduation he started working for the Lumber Mill (St. Regis and then Simpson) shortly after, Jack was drafted into the military. Upon the completion of basic training he was sent to Germany. Once Jack returned from Germany he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy and one year later he was sent to Korea for 13 months. After serving in the Army, Jack went back to work at the Lumber Mill and continued working there for 50 years until he retired. He also owned and operated a catering truck. 

 

Jack and Peggy raised three children, Jack (Ed), Jeffrey, and Mindy. Jack enjoyed camping with family and friends, traveling across the country (he has been to all but 4 states) boating on their 27' cabin cruiser, riding his GoldWing Motorcycle, dirt bike riding with the boys, supporting the kids and grandkids in their sports/activities (dirt bike riding, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, wrestling, football, cheer, etc.) Jack enjoyed traveling and has taken several trips with Peggy and the kids (even as they got older and had their own families) Jack was an avid hunter and went every year. He’s taken exciting trips to Idaho where he would fly on a private plane to a remote area in Idaho and spend 2 weeks with his friends hunting for deer and elk. Jack also did some hunting trips with the boys. The last hunting trip Jack took was to Eastern Washington with his son-in-law Mike, and grandson Michael and they stayed with his cousin Ron and rather than really hunting, they spent most of their time reminiscing and enjoying eachothers company. Jack was also an antique car enthusiast and really enjoyed participating and going to car shows, he also re-built 3 of his own: 1950 Chevy Five Window Pickup, 1936 Chevy Coupe, and a 1956 Ford Custom Liner.  

 

Jack was a rough and tough guy, but he was also the most caring and loving man! He loved his family and friends so much and he would do anything for those in need and those he loved. He still kept in touch with so many high school friends who meant so much to him.  He was a hard worker, loved his job, and was so proud of his accomplishments. After his retirement, he continued to stay in touch with so many fellow workers.

 

Jack also owned and operated a catering truck (junk truck) back in the day and gained so many friends at the workplaces he brought food to. Ed, Jeff, and Mindy would go on some of those rides with him. They would hear the cool horn sound that he played as he arrived at each stop, listened and watched him chat it up with customers, watched as he would give food to the stray dog that was always at one of his stops, they heard the change machine clinking as he handed people their change, and the “put it on my tab” as he allowed people to do when they didn’t have the funds that day.  

 

Jack was also one who would meet a complete stranger and become friends with them. This ended up being a network that he unintentionally built, and he would be the one to go to if you needed a referral for anything. 

 

We miss Jack tremendously and are holding all of the special memories close to our hearts. He was an amazing and very special son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. Jack loved his wife, each one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was intensely interested in their pursuits and accomplishments. He enjoyed spending time with them, and he was always there when needed. 

 

Jack is survived by his loving wife Peggy, his son Jack and wife Cindy, his son Jeff and wife Angie, his daughter Mindy and husband Mike, his grandchildren Courtney, Timothy, Harley, Riley, Bailey, Marissa, and Michael, and his great-grandchildren Parker, Khloie, Madisyn, Timothy jr., Amelia, and Blakely.

 

If you knew Jack and would like to join us in his Celebration of Life, please do!

Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Port Orchard Eagles

Address: 4001 Jackson Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366