Jack Rupert Niece

I remember that visit in 1992. Great Uncle Jack was about the coolest person I had met. I did love panning for gold, I enjoyed his tales from his time in the north, and the various treasures he had from his travels. I thought it was great that he owned construction equipment for quasi-legal gold hunting, and listened to the search and rescue radio channels for entertainment. His lifestyle was an exciting alternative to the suburbia I knew as a 6 year old. It's unfortunate I didn't have the...

My wife, kids and I last visited Stanley in 1992 which is the last time we enjoyed Jack and Ruths company. Jack took our 6-year old son Jake up to do gold panning and had him so excited that he was ready to spend the rest of our vacation doing nothing but that. I remember one evening when we went to dinner together 'up the valley', I went behind Jacks back to talk to the waitress about letting me pay for the dinner. When Jack found out he got so mad at me, I thought he was going to run us out...

The last time I saw Jack was in August of 1976. He was standing at our campfire beside Stanley Lake, wearing a bowler hat and string tie, looking like a gambler straight out of the Old West, sharing jokes and telling stories. My dad, Leslie (Jack's oldest brother), and his kids and our kids had gathered for a week of camping, hiking, fishing, and good times. I'll treasure that time and those memories with extended family in Idaho. When all is said and done, the greatest memorial to a...

I have fond memories of working with Jack in my teenage years for one summer and Ruth's optimistic attitude with her continual smile. Jack did seem gruff at first but find it true that he was a gentle giant. He instilled in me an understanding of commitment and honor which I thank him to this day for. Jack, you gave me a chance when nobody else would. You were forgiving when I made mistakes. You didn't give up on me which gave me hope I could make it in life. Thank you.

My heart goes out to Ruth and all of Jack's family. God Bless you all.
However, I'm not sure that this is the Jack Niece I knew. Pat Niece