Jack Alan Pope of North San Juan, California, died at home on October 27, 2018, after a valiant two year battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.
Jack was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Calvin and Ruby Pope. He grew up in Fremont, California, and spent as much time as he could on Mount Diablo. Upon graduating from high school, Jack joined the Navy, serving four years aboard the destroyer John Paul Jones. When on shore leave, he took to the wilderness whenever he could; he and his friends naming themselves “the wilderness winos”.
After the Navy, Jack worked a variety of jobs before working for decades as a carpenter in Nevada and California. He managed a private hot spring in the 1980s, which began his lifelong passion for discovering and preserving wild hot springs throughout the west. He was an avid naturalist and bird watcher. He is most known, however, for his passion and expertise in downhill skiing and white water rafting.
Jack is survived by his wife, Carolyn Crane of North San Juan, California; brother Richard of San Francisco; and sister Karen of Boise. He is also survived by his stepsons Forrest, Levi, and Jesse; nephews Barry, Derek, and Michael; nieces Angelique and Danielle; and their children.
At Jack’s request, no public service will be held. Please think of him whenever you see a river or mountain. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help with medical expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/help-for-cc-and-jack?fbclid=IwAR0FemImlcgJG0UlgeSmuowKwsD9y8RqECFpzCcr-tzQ0HimmASXtIwyTSU
Such a lovely man. I will honor him in the surrounding beauty.
Passion for wild places both without and within. So hard to sum up such an extraordinary man in just a few paragraphs. My love to you Carolyn.
Beautiful remembrance, Carolyn. Such a tribute to an amazing person and life. Love and hugs to you and your family!