John "Jack" Smrekar

To really understand the importance and the influence of a person, you find yourself thinking about how his very presence on this earth affected so many people in a profound and loving way. My 28-year old son, Devin, called me today to remember his Godfather, Jack. He was experiencing the same melancholy and loss that I was feeling. I so miss our friend. I miss that care and love that he extended to my family and me for so many years. We still think about you Jack and we still love you.

I so miss my dear friend, Jack. I often still think of him when I see something beautiful like flowers or nature. You are in your godchildrens´ hearts and my heart forever.

A great teacher. He took a troubled misguided boy and gave him the gift of music to help stabilize his awful abusive life. Ii was the boy and appreciate the patience and caring stability he provided in his class. I enjoyed it very much and look at those days with great fondness. Thank you for the mentorship you gave so freely to so many. RIP

You and my mother taught in the Tigard-Tualatin school district for many years. You were not only her colleague, but her friend. As a child, I remember attending your school concerts; you were a great musician and inspired many students.

I will also remember your laugh - very infectious, especially when you were a guest at our home. My mother, Lynne Sherley, recently joined you in heaven. Together, I'm sure you are filling the ether with joyful, blissful music.

Jack was my room mate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. One summer we decided to paddle a canoe down the Wisconsin River from Wausau to Prairie du Sac, a trip of over 180 miles by canoe. As we pushed off from the put-in, Jack turned to me and said "this is the furthest I have been in a canoe ". I agreed it was long, and Jack responded "No I mean from the shore back there!" We survived the trip and had a great time.
Jack was a super friend and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Jack. I know you are up in Heaven with your parents and brother David & wife. We wish that we could of seen you more often.

Jack was my neighbor --a wonderful, intelligent unique person. Jack always made me happy, he was so very positive. All the best to his family and friends, and his great partner Zac..

Just heard about this today from my stepsister, Mary Bunde, Millston, WI. John "Jack" sounds like a wonderful person. Sorry to have missed him. I have eaten at Smrekar's back in WI with my mother and stepfather, Marguerite (Muggsie) and Harrison Fiedler.

I met Jack when he was with Mick Howell. Although I did not know Jack well, I always knew he was a special, kind,courtly gentleman. All that knew him are in my thoughts. Take care.