Hamilton – Patrick Houston Jack, 97, of Hamilton, passed away suddenly due to medical complications from sepsis at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton, MT on Wednesday February 2, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.
He was born May 25, 1924 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Claire Barton Bell and Patrick Houston Jack I. In 1928, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois where his father worked. Following the crash of the Stock Market in 1929, Patrick moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas to live with his grandmother and great grandmother.
In 1935 the family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended school from the fourth grade to a sophomore in high school. After completing his sophomore year, Patrick moved to California to live with his Aunt Tootie and continue his education at Citrus High in Azuza, CA.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Patrick enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he was sent to the Asiatic Pacific Theater on December 2, 1942. Patrick served with the 5th Air-force, 3rd Bomb group, 8th attack squadron as a gunner in an A-20 Havoc Bomber, flying about 30 missions in New Guinea and Okinawa.
Following his discharge in 1946, Patrick attended the University of Montana, enrolling in the Pharmacy Program. At the U of M, he met the love of his life and best friend, Mary “Connie” Cronin. They married December 27, 1948 at St. Helena’s Cathedral in Helena, MT.
Following his graduation from the University of Montana on August 18, 1949, Patrick worked as a Pharmacist in several Montana locations around Great Falls, Helena, Lewistown and Shelby. During that time he was active in the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and several other service organizations. Patrick also found time to begin building and completed a sailboat in his garage which he named the “Mary C”.
Patrick passed his State Boards to work as a Pharmacist in California. In 1956 he and Connie moved the family to Ventura, CA, towing the “Mary C” behind them. Living in Ventura, Patrick purchased the Medical Center Pharmacy, where he and Connie were active in the Ventura County Pharmaceutical Association. Patrick continued his work as a Pharmacist until he retired in 1979.
Following his retirement, Patrick and Connie returned to Montana, to the Bitterroot Valley to be near family. Patrick did not know how to retire and chose to keep busy working as a Pharmacist at Low Cost Excel and Hamilton Pharmacy.
Often you would find dad working in his wood shop at home, creating clocks, furniture and all kinds of neat pieces. Patrick was an avid gardener, found quietness and peace in tying his own flies to fly fish on the East and West Fork of the Bitterroot, the Skalkaho and the Madison Rivers. He and mom loved to camp, often taking road trips to many areas in the United States. Patrick was the best dad and grandpa ever, he always had a kind word, was fair, compassionate and supportive, always seeing the good.
Patrick and Connie were active in the St. Francis Catholic Church Community, meeting many friends and touching lives with their kindness, generosity, humor and smiles. In their later years, Patrick cared for Connie, who passed in 2014.
Patrick is survived by his son Timothy Jack of Ojai, CA, daughter Elizabeth McDonald (Jim) of Missoula, MT, son Thomas Jack (Julie) of Santa Maria, CA, daughter Amanda Stevens (Blair) of Hamilton, MT; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Patrick has been cremated and will be interred next to his love at Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton. The interment service with Military Honors and a Catholic Mass will be scheduled in June 2022.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
The family suggests that memorials be sent to the following charities: St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT; The Wounded Warrior Project; St. Jude’s; Easter Seals or a charity of your choice.