John Willard Veal

“Jack” John W. Veal was born September 4, 1929 and passed away in Auburn on November 3, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was born to Guy Rhodes Veal and Bertha Emma Durrell Veal at the Highland Hospital in Auburn, CA and lived his entire life in the Auburn area. He was a poster Poppy Boy at the age of 5 for World War One Government bonds. He attended Auburn Union Grammar School (Lincoln Way Grammar School) and Placer High School. He never played sports as he was busy working to help support his family. He worked for the Ludwig Dairy, Waddle Meat & Slaughter House and Sprouse Ritz as well as his Durell grandparents dry goods store in Loomis.

After graduation he joined the Air Force during the Korean War and was assigned to the Service Division spending most of his time in London. He took advantage of the area and visited many European Countries. He once said it was a four year vacation.

After the Korean War he returned to Auburn and became a building contractor, building many homes in the Auburn area. He built four for himself, one on Riverview and two in the Robie Point area and one in Cool (but always maintained an Auburn address). On Robie Point he kept his favorite jumping horse Tamarack, and could ride or hike numerous trails. He also enjoyed hiking the Nevada dessert with friends. He was extremely active on maintaining trails throughout the State Parks and Forest Service.

Jack was definitely involved in the Auburn Community; 55 year member of The Elks, served as Exalted Ruler 1969, City Council from 1980-1984 served as Mayor in 1981, Planning Commission 1974-1980, The Republican Central Committee, Court House Restoration Committee, Grand Jury, Native Sons of the Golden West, Wendell & Inez Robie Foundation, The Drew Barner Foundation, and the Tevis (Western States 100 Mile Ride). Jack assisted with the first Tevis Ride in 1955 as a volunteer but completed the Tevis the next year getting one of the first buckles that were awarded and went on to finish the Tevis one more time. He served on their board for numerous years. He was instrumental in obtaining and building Robie Park where the Tevis starts. He was awarded the McCann Award in 1961 for his community service.

Jack was an avid reader and historian. He was a life time member of the Placer County Historical Society and had a large library of books and tapes. He was a master gardener and welder; he designed and welded metal decorations and ran the blacksmith shop at Coloma, but most of all he was known for enthusiastic leading of the Flag Salute of the United States of America with much gusto and will be greatly missed by his many friends.

No services will be held at Jack’s request. If desired, donations may be made in his name to the Kaiser Hospice Organization, 1680 East Roseville Parkway, Roseville, CA 95678.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.chapelofthehills-auburn.com