1942-2021
The world lost a wonderful man on Nov. 20. Born in Pagosa Springs, Colo., to Ben and June Lynch, Jack died unexpectedly of a heart attack. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School, where he was a member of the 1960 state championship basketball team. He attended Fort Lewis Junior College, where he was named a Junior College All American in 1962. He was inducted into the FLC Hall of Fame in 1995. Just months ago, his son Mike was inducted, making them they only father-son duo to share the honor at FLC.
Graduating from CSU with a bachelor of science degree in 1964 and a master’s of science degree in 1971, Jack was a teacher, coach and school administrator in the Aurora Public Schools for 40 years. He served as director of athletics and activities for 20 of those years. He was honored as Outstanding Athletic Administrator by the Colorado Athletics Directors Association in 1995 and in 1996 named Athletic Director of the Year by the National Council of Secondary School Athletic Directors. He received recognition for Community Leadership from the Aurora Chamber of Commerce in 2004.
Jack was a high school football official (back judge, line judge, referee) for many years and assigned to nine CHASS State Championship football games. He later officiated football in the RMAC, the Western Athletic Conference and the Mountain West Conference.
An avid golfer, he played several times a week and relished winning skins from the golf buddies. He was proud to have been on many winning teams in tournaments, especially at the 1980 and 1981 Pueblo Italian Invitational. Jack has been a Broncos season ticket holder for 55 years and is among the original 1,500 owners of season tickets for the Colorado Rockies.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debbie; sons Patrick and Michael (Neisa); grandchildren Meghan, Christopher, Lauren and Jack; and great grandsons Ian and Beckham. Brothers Ben (Judy) and Casey (Laurie) and sister Maureen; all of whom reside in the southwest part of the state. Brothers-in-law, Gary Raso (Wendy) and Sol Raso (Kay); sister-in-law D’Anne Raso, five nephews and a niece were also an important part of his life. Jack was blessed with many good friends including Chuck Michel, Tom Peterson, Jodi Lynch, Dick Johnson, Jim Reitz, Dave Melton, Gene Yahn (deceased) and Bob Adams (deceased).
Jack will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. A good joke was always welcome. He had a strong sense of right and wrong which he exercised judiciously in his professional and personal life. His influence was far reaching, particularly in the Aurora community and among young people. Jack was known to be fair, funny and a natural leader. His kind heart will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the chapel of Horan McConaty, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Denver 80014. Reception and lunch at the Horan McConaty Center will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a donation in Jack’s name to the City of Aurora Junior Golf Program, 15151 E. Alameda, Aurora, CO 80012 or to Food Bank of the Rockies, Attn: Maggie, 10700 45th Ave. Denver, CO 80239 or via the website at foodbankrockies.org.
