CALISTOGA -- John “Jack” Geary passed away at his home in Calistoga on Oct. 25, 2009. He was the loving husband of Margaret “Midge” Geary for         61 years. Jack was born in Christ Church, New Zealand, in 1926, and came to Calistoga, at age 14, where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Calistoga High School in 1944, and at the age of 17 joined the U.S. Navy and served with distinction in the Pacific theater during World War II onboard the USS Brock through the end of the war. Jack was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.

Upon returning home Jack met and married his sweetheart, Midge, in 1948 and settled here in town, eventually on View Road, for 38 years. During this time Jack became a pivotal part of the emergency response team for PG&E, oftentimes being at the center of power restoration efforts in the area during difficult winter storms. He retired from the company as foreman in 1988, after  35 years of service.

For those who knew Jack, he will be remembered most for his uncommon willingness to lend a hand to any and all that needed it, day or night. His enormous sense of humor delighted young and old, at home, in the neighborhood, in the line of work, and of course out in the field doing what he loved most — hunting and fishing with his devoted gang of fellow outdoorsmen.

Funeral services for Jack are pending. Please call Morrison Funeral Chapel in St. Helena for additional information.