Jake 'Jack' Rider
Help us celebrate Jake 'Jack'! Please share your stories and photos, and invite others who remember Jake 'Jack'.
Jack Rider, born on April 29, 1936, as the youngest son of Margaret Anna (Hirsch) Rider and John Henry Rider died of heart complications on March 29, 2021.
Jack never knew his father as he died before Jack was born, and his mother died by Jack's fourth birthday. However, Jack had the care of his older brothers and sisters Martha Goettelman, Leah Watson, Marie Rider, Bertha Phares, John Rider, Irene Ligrani, Charles Rider, Elbert Rider, Robert Rider, all predeceased including an unnamed sister that died shortly after birth.
While living with sister Irene, Jack started school at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Grand Junction, then he lived with either his brothers or sisters until he was a teenager at which time, he lived with his sister Leah in Santa Maria, California. Leah encouraged Jack to be self-sufficient (he had Asperger's Syndrome) so, he worked in restaurant kitchens and brought those skills with him when he moved back to Grand Junction. Jack worked at the Bookcliff Country Club where he was proud to have been awarded employee of the month, and he worked at the former Two Rivers Convention Center.
Jack was always interested in sports and appreciated his visits to Denver for many Bronco and Rockies games. Jack rode the bus back and forth between Grand Junction and Denver to enjoy his nieces' hospitality and attend the games.
Jack loved his church and was included in many activities; he attended a couple of different bible studies, always looked forward to summer camp, and going to coffee or lunch with his church friends.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. at the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. A lunch will follow at the Messiah Lutheran Church.