Jack Ward Myers passed away on Dec. 9. He was 89.

Jack was born in Stanislaus, Mich. and was the younger of two children. He credits his success in academics and his philosophical and political interests in his elementary school education. He also credits a worker in his family cleaning business as someone who he turned to for guidance.

Jack’s military career in the Air Force includes service during the Korean War. He completed his four-year degree in engineering and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas.

After graduation, he worked for General Electric for 25 years as an engineer. He lived in Seaside, Calif. for many years, where he was married. He moved to Coupeville, Wash. in 1998 and was part of the Pennington Loop community.

Jack was an activist, demonstrating his support for peace and justice and was often seen on the streets protesting. He was a longtime member of the American Humanist Association. He believed that people can aspire to live an ethical life without imposing religious dogma.

His neighbors knew him as kind hearted and available to help and support others. He was passionate about ballroom dance and danced frequently to the music of the SeaNotes at the Elks Lodge in Oak Harbor, Wash. This is what one of his dance teachers wrote about him “… Jack was kind hearted, had enthusiasm for learning tango, and gave helpful suggestions for community outreach.”

Jack did not have heirs. He designated his beneficiaries as WhidbeyHeath, American Humanist Association, Sno-Isle libraries, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

He moved into Regency on Whidbey assisted living in April 2016 and resided there until his death. Jack was much loved and admired by staff and residents. Those who knew this extraordinary man feel their loss.