Jack was one of the first people that I met when I started working for the Forest Service in 1978.
Two things soon became apparent about Jack. He was a passionate man and he gave freely of his time.
He carried those qualities for the next 33 years without flagging or faltering.
He shared with us many skills and much information. From him, we learned about tree falling and mountain climbing, fire fighting and trail building.
I have compiled some responses that I've received from others regarding Jack's passing.
Received from Patriot Guard Riders:
Ladies and Gentlemen of the PGR: We have been requested to stand the flag line for John "Jack" Deshong, 53, US Army Veteran, at his memorial service in Stevenson, WA. Jack served in Germany and his MOS was Mountain Rescue. He was honorably discharged in 1977 with a National Defense Medal and went to work for the US Forest Service and the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area until he was forced to retire with brain cancer in 2005. He was one of the founders of Wind River Search and Rescue for Skamania County in 1993 and was an active member until his passing on 19 January, 2011. Jack's volunteer spirit to help others in need will be sorely missed. MISSION DATE:January 29, 2011
MEMORIAL LOCATION:Skamania County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive. Stevenson WA
Received from Massad Ayoob: " Jack was a wonderful instructor. He was patient and kind. He had incredible diagnostic skills and at the risk of sounding cliché, His passing is a loss to the entire shooting community."
From Northwest Firearms Association forum members:
"Sorry to hear about Jack. I first met him at the pit; he was training some other folks and asked me if I wanted to join in. Nice guy, and very helpful at the Appleseed Shoot. "
And: "Very sorry for your loss and the loss to the shooting sports. He sounds like one of the good guys."
And: "Very sorry for your and the shooting communities loss. May he rest in peace."
From Project Appleseed Forum members:
From Ohio: "No doubt he 7th Stepped St. Peter at the pearly gates!
He truly sounds like a good man, Wheeler. Huzzah in his memory. Huzzah."
And: "My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the friends and family of Jack, a departed Rifleman."
From Illinois:
"Words aren't enough, but you know what's in my heart. God Bless.
And: "My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends. In mourning with my Appleseed family,"
From Michigan: "He has the honor of meeting the Founders in person, now. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends,"
From Wisconsin: "God Bless Jack and may he rest in peace."
And many more....Too numerous to list
It is easy to see that Jack touched many people in his life.
He shared and gave freely of himself right up until his passing. In fact, just a couple weeks before his death he insisted on coming to the range for an informal shoot with some fellow Appleseeders that wanted to improve their shooting.
It was my privilege to know Jack and an honor to call him my friend.
May he rest in peace.
Never got to meet Jack, another oppertunity gone.
Rest in Peace.
Bang the drum slowly....
:'(
God Speed Jack, God Speed :-[
Never met Jack.
But all I need to know was that he was an Appleseeder and read the above comments to know that " he was man who knew what he was about"
He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Joining the Appleseed Family Circle in prayerful remembrance of a Rifleman.
Rest in Peace
Quote from: Xeyed on January 28, 2011, 12:04:20 AM
Never met Jack.
But all I need to know was that he was an Appleseeder and read the above comments to know that " he was man who knew what he was about"
He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Joining the Appleseed Family Circle in prayerful remembrance of a Rifleman.
Rest in Peace
Ditto
Janelle and Jackie the Rifledog
Being new to Appleseed, i never had the priviledge of meeting him, but most sincere condolences to his friends and family, prayers for their comfort in this time of loss and may he rest in peace.
About to depart for Stevenson, WA. Jackattack's Memorial has a flag line of Patriot Guard Riders, and I will find a place to be useful as I can...
will take the RWVA's thoughts with me.
Thanks, Wheeler44, for sending your tribute to Jack, and your memory of him, work, life and love of shooting and his participation in Appleseed. There were a lot of people there, that knew him for his work, grin and teaching attitude - he will be long remembered and truly missed.
Quote from: Cooper on January 28, 2011, 02:54:50 AM
Quote from: Xeyed on January 28, 2011, 12:04:20 AM
Never met Jack.
But all I need to know was that he was an Appleseeder and read the above comments to know that " he was man who knew what he was about"
He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Joining the Appleseed Family Circle in prayerful remembrance of a Rifleman.
Rest in Peace
Ditto
Janelle and Jackie the Rifledog
On behalf of the entire state of Minnesota; please send our condolences Jack's family and friends.
Rest in Peace Jack,
Aftermath
Sorry to hear about Jack. I met him at my first Appleseed a few months ago and had to pleasure of having him share his knowledge and instuction throughout a very wet weekend. He struck me as friendly and very interested in helping me even though I was a newbie. Wish we had the chance for a more Appleseeds Jack. You'll be missed.
Recently I attended a memorial service for a pro liberty congressman .
At some point the Minister made the observation that his death was not the end ,but the beginning ,that every person born will make the same journey .
As Socrates said , "When the ship leaves ,we on shore say we will never see him again , then the ship enters port and they say ,We were waiting for You"
Respectfully ,
JA
Among the wreckage of the current disasters in our lives I find comfort in the certainty that there are those that will carry on after we are gone. At Jack's Memorial I heard about a man I only knew through the Appleseed, but he was known by many for his work in Search and Rescue, and forestry where some had met him, so when I saw this picture I knew that if Jack were still with us - I knew where he would be if he were healthy. Where he could do the most with his skills.