Jack Richard Packwood

JACK RICHARD PACKWOOD May 19, 1954 - June 22, 2013 Known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and boisterous laugh, Jack Packwood passed away unexpectedly of heart failure on Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Riverside, California. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 19, 1954 to the late Jack R. Packwood Sr. and Dorothy E. Packwood. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife Diane; sons Jack (Jeanne) and Sean; and daughter Nicole. He is also survived by his sister, Joy Weatherill (Fred), of Redding, California; his three nieces Kara, Amy, Andrea, and their families. Last, he is survived by his many treasured friends. Jack met Diane, his wife of 35 years, while attending Riverside Poly High School. They were married on July 16, 1977. Jack attended Cal Poly Pomona where he studied Landscape Architecture, and graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with a degree in Business. Jack's can-do spirit and self-reliant personality led him to start two businesses before going on to work at Bonnett Pipe & Supply. He then went on to pursue his love of the outdoors and landscape design by partnering to create a third business, Paradise Garden Center, a nursery still serving Riverside. For the last 18 years Jack maintained a successful career as the Southwest Regional Factory Sales Representative for Spears Manufacturing. Jack treasured his wife above all. They loved their trips, including their weekend getaways to Laguna Beach. They enjoyed going out for dinner and a movie, playing cards with friends, spending time with their children, and just relaxing at home doting on their dogs. Jack especially loved to spoil his little beagle, Murphy. Jack loved nothing more than spending time with his children. As his children grew, Jack's greatest pleasure was being involved in their interests and activities. He coached t-ball and soccer, but especially loved coaching softball. He was also involved in Indian Guides, Indian Princesses, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, as he wanted to share his love of the outdoors with his children. Jack was especially proud of being a scout leader as his sons became Eagle Scouts. Jack embodied the do-it-yourself attitude, always working on a project from his never-ending To-Do list, and unfailingly willing to provide help to others. If he wasn't working on a project, he was working in the yard. One of Jack's foremost passions was mountain biking with his closest friends. He valued the time spent on their frequent rides, biking trips, and Friday breakfasts. Jack's family always knew how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. While his passing leaves his family and friends heartbroken, the only regret shared by all who knew him was that our time together was too short. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 28, at 3:00 p.m. at Acheson and Graham Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside. A celebration of his life will be held immediately thereafter at the family home. Jack will be laid to rest at Olivewood Cemetery. Memorial donations in Jack's name may be made to the American Heart Association or the Riverside Humane Society.