Remembering and missing Jack

I’ve  enjoyed working at the shop everyday since we purchased the building January 3. During January and February Jack (previous owner of the building and owner of Carr’s Hobbies) continued to run the store and sell out his remaining merchandise while Mark (my husband) and I worked in the office and basement. Everyday we’d take breaks, talk and joke with each other.
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Jack was always willing to answer my questions and give me advice. He was a very wise man who lived an interesting life. I loved listening to him and I told him more than once that he should write a book. Mark also cared deeply for Jack. He told me he thought Jack was probably the nicest man he ever met.

Jack Carr at his store in late-February.

In March and April Jack would stop in every-so-often and we would visit. He was having some health issues, but I thought he was improving. When Covid-19 struck and we were self-quarenteening, we didn’t see Jack, but he called a couple of times.

This past Saturday I called Jack to catch-up and tell him how things were progressing with the store. He didn’t answer, so I left a message. Since it was the fishing opener Saturday, I figured he was fishing. I found out later that day, that Jack had died Saturday morning. I was crushed. I considered him a very special friend and hoped that he, his wife and my husband and I would be able to spend fun times together in the coming years. 

I regret the fact that I didn’t call him sooner. I hope he knew how much I respected him and enjoyed knowing him.

I could write much more about this wonderful man, who honorably served his country in the military for seven years, who enriched the lives of his customers and friends through his generous spirit and who never really grew up when it came to toys and hobby crafts.

The last couple of days at the store have been very sad. I see constant reminders of Jack. He was a very good man. I can’t wait to see him again.
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Beth