Jack Charles Seitz, 71, of Missoula, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, of heart disease. He was surrounded by the love of family and went peacefully.
Jack was born Aug, 28, 1936, in Missoula to Earl "Bud" and Gladys Seitz. He grew up on Missoula's west side and attended Lowell Elementary School, Missoula County High School (class of 1955) and the University of Montana.
Jack met his future wife, Judy, while in high school and they married in 1957. Jack's work soon took them to Butte and then to California's Bay Area, forming lifelong friendships along the way. They returned to Missoula in the summer of 1969 and lived there since.
Jack worked as a car salesman for years and eventually bought and operated Eddie's Club, a downtown bar. Jack and the regular clientele didn't always see eye to eye, but over the years a sense of mutual respect and fondness grew between Jack and many of the "regulars."
During the 1970's, Jack and Judy built the Silvertip Lounge which they owned and operated for years, eventually selling it. Jack then became a Realtor with Century 21 Real Estate and went on to become an independent real estate broker specializing in commercial sales and in the sale of taverns.
Throughout different periods of his life, Jack was active with the Elk's Club, Exchange Club, Golden Grizzlies, Century Club and the Montana Tavern Association.
Jack was a devoted husband, and when Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, he spent the ensuing 20 years loving, providing for and taking care of her. Jack and Judy were married 49 years at the time of Judy's death in 2006.
They had four children together and 14 grandchildren, to whom Jack was always known as "Papa." Big and furry, gruff and opinionated, those who truly knew him were blessed by experiencing his softer side. He loved us well, taught us well, and will always be remembered and held tight in our hearts.
We love you, dad, Papa, friend.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his eldest son, Matt; and his granddaughter, Karly (Matt's oldest daughter).
Jack is survived by his sister Kitty Lee of Harvey, N.D.; his daughter, Cari of Missoula; his sons, Mick of Marquette, Mich., and Marc of Salt Lake City; and his 13 grandchildren.
A gathering in Jack's honor was held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at Jack and Judy's home.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, December, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.