Jack Joseph Vadnais

Jack Joseph Vadnais, beloved son, husband, father, and friend to all who needed one, passed away in the early morning hours of February 23, 2026. He was surrounded by the unconditional love he radiated in life and greeted on the other side by so many loving souls whom he has missed for a long time.

Jack was born on December 31st, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and raised in the beautiful Talihina area of Oklahoma by his beloved mama, Ruth Garrett, and his wonderful Granny. Jack grew up the youngest son of five, alongside his brothers Pat, Mike, and Jerry, and his younger sister, Jeanie. His early days were spent starting work picking fruit in California to help support his family at the age of 4; swimming and fishing in the Kiamichi River; raising Cain and winning basketball games with his brothers in Whitesboro, Oklahoma; and fostering his love of animals, family, and his relationship with God.

During the Vietnam War, Jack enlisted early at the age of 17 and fought ‘in-country’ for his country, earning him the title of an honorable and remarkable veteran. Although Jack’s time in the war is not a time he reflected on fondly, he was beyond honored to hold the title of veteran. He proudly wore his ‘Vietnam Veteran’ hat every day, as a reminder of everything he made it through (both during and after the war) and to honor those who weren’t fortunate enough to make it home. He would always light up with pride, respect, and remembrance of the comrades he lost whenever someone thanked him for his service.

Aside from “Veteran,” there was one title above all else that he was the most honored to be called, and that was “Dad.” Jack leaves behind his beloved wife, Thea Aaron-Vadnais, their daughter, Caitlin Ruth Aaron-Vadnais, and his son from a previous marriage, Jack Willam Vadnais. A few years after returning home from Vietnam, Jack was gifted with the joy of fatherhood for the first time upon the arrival of his son, Jack. Being a Dad brought Jack so much joy, and his love for his son was deep and unconditional. He raised Jack Jr. surrounded by family and love, and taught him everything he knew. In 1999, Jack got a second chance at being a dad. On top of Mount Veeder in Napa, alongside his wife, Jack raised their daughter with his kind soul, remarkable sense of humor, and his unwavering unconditional love. Out of the many jobs he had in his life, from picking peaches at four to being an accomplished industrial radiographer, ‘Daddy’ was by far his favorite role. He fully understood that anyone can be a father, but it takes someone really special to be a Dad. There was always so much love and joy between the three of them, and even in the more difficult and stubborn moments, there was never any doubt that they would always be there for each other. Their time together was always filled with love, laughter, and a soundtrack of some of the best country classics up until the end. He will always be the best Daddy in the world, and we will always love him the “mostest”.

Unfortunately, in his later years, Jack developed Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the crushing realities, heartbreaks, and hardships of this disease, Jack never lost his incredible sense of humor, still knew the words to all his favorite country songs, and never “forgot any of the real important stuff,” like his beloved family, dog, and how much he was loved by all who knew him. He fought a tough fight against his progressing Alzheimer’s for over 5 years, and although Alzheimer’s is what claimed his life in the end, we find great comfort in knowing that he passedon his own terms while he was ‘still him.’ He was too stubborn and strong in life to have had it any other way.

Jack leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Thea Aaron-Vadanias; his daughter, Caitlin Ruth Aaron-Vadanias, and her fiancé, Zach Bibeault; son, Jack, and his wife, Carol Vadnais; brother, Pat, and sister-in-law, Sue Vadnais; sister, Jeanie Holland; mother-in-law, Peggy Aaron; beloved dog and companion, Lolo; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and dearest friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Ruth Garrett; Granny, Myrtle; brothers Jerry and Mike Vadnais; father-in-law, Jerry Aaron; and a long list of friends, family, and cherished pets, whom we know are so happy to greet him on the other side. Jack will live on in the hearts and memories of all those lucky enough to have loved him.

An intimate celebration of life will be planned at a later date to honor the full life Jack lived.