John J. "Jack" Lobdell

Lobdell, John "Jack" J.
We lost an amazing, intelligent, and warm hearted man who died surrounded by his family in Surprise on May 25, 2011. Jack was an active member of his community, a skilled businessman and an avid outdoorsman, but just as importantly, an eternal prankster with a quick smile and twinkle in his eye. He was born October 22, 1928 in Red Lodge, MT and the family relocated to Salem where Jack graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1946. That same year, Jack joined the Navy. After Naval service, he attended Creighton University, graduating in 1952. Upon moving back to Salem, he joined the Oregon Tax Commission in 1952 and was later appointed Director of the Oregon Department of Revenue by Governor Tom McCall in 1974. He was reappointed by Governors Schwab and Atiyeh. In 1979, Governor Atiyeh chose him to lead the State as Oregon's Public Utility Commissioner. He served as Commissioner until 1983 and subsequently joined Northwest Natural Gas as Vice President of Corporate Communications from 1985 until his retirement in 1990. Jack married Mary C. Kelly of Sigourney, IA and had 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild at the time of his death. Jack was predeceased by his first wife Mary, son Patrick and sisters Helene Luke of Oxford, NE and Hazel Whitley of Forsythe, MO. Jack is survived by John J. Lobdell, Jr. of Corvallis, OR; Richard D. K. Lobdell (Nellana) of Skiatook, OK; Mary C. Lobdell (James Andersen) of Tacoma, WA; James F. Lobdell (Barbara) of Sherwood, OR; and Ann M. Hudson (Jeff) of Santa Rosa, CA; Mary Ellen Dilger of Salem; James H. Lobdell of Gettysburg, PA.; and the blessing of his wife Anita Albrich, who he married in 2002. His marriage to Anita increased the bounty of his family with Stan (Vivian) Glowaski of Marysville, WA; Kim (Ron) Allee of Surprise, AZ; Karen (Charlie) Keller of Lynwood, WA; Scott Glowaski of Stanwood, WA; and Anita's seven grandchildren. Services are June 4, 2011, 10 am at St. Clare of Assisi, 17111 Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374. A memorial service will follow in Salem, OR later this summer. Remembrances can be made to St. Clare of Assisi in his name.