Jackson Jack William Niswander passed away peacefully on February 11, 2010 after a month-long illness. He was born in San Carlos, CA on May 9, 1944 to Lawrence and Eleanor Niswander. Jack graduated from Carlmont High School in Belmont, CA and briefly attended San Mateo Junior College.
Jack worked for United Airlines at its San Francisco maintenance base for 37 years, retiring in 2001. Prior to joining United, Jack worked on the fire crew in Lassen National Park and as a park ranger. In 2000, Jack and his wife Peggy moved from San Francisco to Ben Lomond. They travelled extensively, enjoying both domestic and international destinations, visiting family and friends and enjoying the exploration of different cultures. An avid photographer, Jack captured these events with his camera, as well as creating exquisite photos of flowers.
Jack supported many causes over his life including serving on the boards for several alcohol and drug recovery homes. Jack had battled alcoholism in his own life and was able to remain sober for his last 24 years. He served as a poll inspector in Felton and Scotts Valley for several years, and was also active behind-the-scenes in the community, working on the Valley Churches Christmas Project and the St. John's annual Mardi Gras. He enjoyed hiking; he and Peggy walked West Cliff and in Henry Cowell State Park several times a week.
Jack loved to spend time with his grandchildren, walking the beach, tide-pooling and enjoying the boardwalk. He was also a loving uncle to his many grand nieces and nephews, and a faithful friend to young and old.
His was preceded in death by his son, Michael Niswander, and his brother, Larry Niswander and his parents.
Jack Niswander is survived by his wife of 18 years, Peggy Niswander, his son Brent Neves of Phoenix, AZ, his daughter-in-law Cari Grisell and grandsons Nicholas and Dyllan Grisell of Redding, CA, sister and brother-in-law Marian and William van Baggen of Beaverton, OR, nephews Jon Niswander of Redwood City, CA, Bruce van Baggen and Brian van Baggen of Portland, OR, and Brad van Baggen of Glendale, AZ
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 19th at 2:00pm at St. John's Catholic Church in Felton, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Plan USA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886 in memory of Sponsor #092633 or World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.