Jack Herbert Braithwaite

JACK HERBERT BRAITHWAITE April 17, 1922 ~ October 24, 2012 Jack Herbert Braithwaite, 90, entered into eternal rest Oct. 24, 2012, in Vancouver, WA. He was born April 17, 1922, the first child of Francis and Emeline Jenson Braithwaite in Arco, ID, where he enjoyed growing up. There was plenty of hunting and fishing and he spent a lot of time on his grandfather's homestead. Jack served in the Navy during World War II. He spent all of the war working with electrical engines on aircraft carriers. After the war Jack served a mission for his church in South Africa. When he returned from South Africa, he continued his education at Iowa State. On one of his visits home, he was introduced to a cute blonde with blue eyes. She swept him off his feet and after a long courtship of letter writing, they decided to marry. Jack was sealed to Mildred Reva Thompson, on Sept. 2, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. Along with Reva, came Dennis and Linda. The new family made their way to Vancouver, WA, and they stayed there for over 50 years. Jack was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers for more than 35 years. He was responsible for working on the dams and fish ladder's on the Columbia River, in Washington and Oregon. He enjoyed scuba diving to, "Check things out." He and Reva were never able to have children of their own; so they were foster parents to 39 children. Jack never knew a baby who didn't like him. Jack and Reva felt education was very important, and they saw to it that both of their children attended Brigham Young University. Dennis and Linda both majored in music. The parents were very proud of their children. After a special concert for their mother in 1999, Reva and Jack both said, "We will keep them around." Jack was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many organizations. He served as the Vancouver State Patriarch for many years. His last blessing was given to his granddaughter, Heidi. Jack and Reva served as temple workers for many years at the Portland Temple. Jack's favorite pastime was to be a people watcher. He had many wonderful friends. He never missed a chance to strike up a conversation with someone new. Jack and Reva spent many wonderful weekends fishing for salmon on the ocean. They loved to camp and always went berry picking. Jack grew lovely productive gardens. He especially loved his raspberry bushes. He and Reva never wasted a thing. They ate what they grew, canned the excess for winter and shared with their neighbors and friends. Jack had a great reunion with his parents, Francis and Emeline; wife, Reva; kids, Linda and Dennis; granddaughter, Heidi; great-granddaughter, Alyssa; and siblings, Melva Deen English, Garth, Cleo Bragger and Clevon Haskell. He is survived by his sister, Valois Hartley; daughter-in-law, Jeanene; grandchildren, Brent and LaRee (Mason); great-grandchildren, Miel, Zoe and Bodhan Mason; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. They all love him dearly. Funeral services with be held, Nov. 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Vancouver Stake Center, 10509 SE. 5th St., Vancouver, WA. 98664. The family will receive visitors at 9:30 a.m. in the Relief Society room. Donations in lieu of flowers to Ray Hickey Hospice House, 2112 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 or to LDS Perpetual Education Fund in care of Bishop Phillips, 5575 Evergreen Blvd., # 4304, Vancouver, WA 98661.

Jack Herbert Braithwaite

April 17, 1922 - October 24, 2012