Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather and a man who lived a life filled with love, joy and laughter, Jack Nilsson passed away peacefully at his home in Carbondale, Colorado on November 24, 2018.
Jack was born on May 26, 1926 in Houghton, Michigan. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and loaded munitions for transport to Europe during World War II. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended Denver University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and joined Ford Motor Company in the early 50’s. He worked successfully for Ford until the mid 70’s when he decided to start his own Ford dealership in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1978. The dealership flourished over the years, out grew its original location, and he oversaw the move and expansion to a new and large location in West Glenwood Springs.
Jack believed in the value of community, was a longtime member of the Rotary Club and contributed to the Glenwood Springs community in countless ways. He understood the value of giving to others. In 1997, he was recognized for his efforts with the Glenwood Springs award for “Citizen of the Year.”
Our Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather lived with compassion, integrity, humility and love.
In times of difficulty and challenge and pain, he instinctively knew the power of listening, and he provided for us all words of comfort and wisdom. Often, he would remind us that “with each day, when you look in the mirror, know that things will be a little bit better.” He helped light the pathway to recovery and redemption.
His integrity was reflected in the consistency of his values: hard work and commitment to and love of family. He was dedicated to providing for us all the opportunity to have prosperous and fulfilling lives.
Jack was able to do all of this quietly and with humility. He did not need recognition or fanfare. He only needed to see the light in the eyes of those he loved. That was more than enough for him.
In the presence of our Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, we know we were seen, we were the single most important thing in the world – we were valued for our being. Jack delighted in our being. We could see it in the joy of his eyes, we could hear it in the joy of his laughter, we could feel it in the warm hug of his arms, we could hear it in his voice and his laughter.
We were all blessed to have you in our lives for all the many years we did. We will miss you very deeply, and we will always hold you close – your smile, your voice, the bright light of your soul. We are all profoundly grateful for all you gave to us and others and wish for you peace and serenity.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Emily, his brother Rich, his sisters Mary and Betty, his son, John Joseph and his wife Margie. He is survived by his children, Emily, Eric (Julie), Jane (Tim), Tom (Tina) and Steve (Christy), his step-sons, Doug (Barb) and Brad (Margee), 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren
A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held December 8, 2018 at 11:00 am, at Mountain View Church, Glenwood Springs, 2195 Co. Rd. 154, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Please join us for a reception at the church following the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to YouthZone, 803 School St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 or Lift-Up, 1004 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.farnumholtfuneralhome.com