Jack Fred Roeder, age 82, passed away November 18, 2009, in Wenatchee. Jack was born November 25, 1926, in Everett, WA, to John and Frances (Erickson) Roeder. He graduated from Everett High School. Jack joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Roi during WWII, from 1943 until 1945. Jack was married to Sally Moffat at Couer d'Alene, ID on September 16, 1956. Jack had various jobs throughout his lifetime, but his first love was being a cowboy in New Mexico and other southwestern states. He was a "Jack" of all trades. Anything he set his mind on, he could do and do well, including building two homes for his growing family. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Jack was a talented oil painter of western scenes, whittler and photographer. At one time, he and two friends performed on a live radio, call-in show as the "Three J's" (George, Jack and Jim). Some of his "short term" employments began when he was 14 years old, working for the Lindblad brothers on their wheat ranch in Hartline. He worked on a thrashing crew in Kansas, worked as a groom at a horse race track and cut Christmas trees in Colorado. The love of his life was being a working cowboy for the Diamond A Cattle Company in New Mexico. Locally, he worked for Vern Barbre and Walt Catlow on their dryland farms and for Empire TV Cable company for Harold Catlow, installing the first TV cable system in Ephrata. Before going to work at Grant County PUD, he spent a few years in power line construction throughout the northwest. He worked at the PUD for 25 years, retiring in 1988. While at the PUD, he enjoyed drawing satirical cartoons of fellow employees. Jack was active in his children's lives, as a Camp Fire dad and their sporting and musical events. Jack took special pleasure in spending time each summer, camping in the mountains with his family. He rarely missed his son, Christian's, stock car races and had been track photographer at State Central Speedway. He also loved cheering for his grandson, Harley, in his go kart. He was a proud foster father to 75 children, many of whom are still a part of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; his daughter, Laura; and a favorite brother in-law, Earl Eyler. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sally; daughter, Jackie Lopez and her husband, Gabe of Quincy; son, Christian of Ephrata; daughter, Hannah Bendock and her husband, Charlie of Seattle; son, Ryan and his wife, Jenni of Ephrata; and son-in-law, Tom Price and his fiancé, Rachel; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nayak and the excellent nursing staff of Central Washington Hospital for their compassion and care.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Jack's Life will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Christian Church in Ephrata. Pastor Roberta Needles will officiate. A Family Burial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Christian Church at 453 East Division, Ephrata, WA 98823.

"Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again." ~ Anonymous