John Cain "Jack" Garner

1945 - 2020

John "Jack" Cain Garner

Rochester - The world lost a legend when our beloved Jack/Dad/Papa left us suddenly on July 5, 2020. Born on March 21, 1945 in Harrisburg, PA the son of the late William and Harriet Cain Garner. Jack attended St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY graduating with a BA degree in Journalism in 1967. Jack went on to attend graduate school at Syracuse University earning a Master's degree. During his years at Syracuse Jack met Bonnie, who would become the love of his life. They were wed in 1970 in Williamsport, PA and were looking forward to celebrating their 50th year of marriage on August 15, 2020.

After graduation, Jack and Bonnie moved to Rochester, NY where Jack started as a rewrite editor for the local Rochester Times-Union paper. Jack handled rewrite for the Pulitzer Prize winning team covering the Attica uprising in 1971. Ultimately, Jack would decide that the rewrite world was not for him, and, in 1977, when he reviewed the original Star Wars, his career as a film critic was solidified. Jack's career as a film critic at the paper would span 36 years. In 1987, Jack was appointed chief film critic of Gannett News Service, and his writing regularly appeared in Gannett newspapers nationwide, and in journals worldwide. He retired in 2007, however, he continued as a freelance reporter, contributing to the paper for another 10 years. In addition, Jack taught at MCC and RIT at various times.

Jack enjoyed sports and travel. He was a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and an avid fan of Bonaventure basketball. Jack and Bonnie were well-traveled. Their travel adventures began with their honeymoon in Ireland in 1970 and in March they had just returned from a bucket list trip to southern Africa. One of Jack and Bonnie's most loved destinations was St. John, USVI which they would visit frequently with family.

Jack was a champion of the arts and had countless contributions to the Rochester arts community. Among these contributions were Trustee of the George Eastman Museum, Honorary Trustee of WXXI and The Little Theatre. Jack served on the board of Writers & Books and BOA Editions. In 2007, Jack was the second of four recipients of the prestigious George Eastman Medal of Honor. In 2013, Jack's book, From My Seat on the Aisle, a memoir and anthology of his work, was published by RIT Press. Jack and Bonnie loved music and jointly produced and sponsored the creation of two CDs of music on George Eastman's pipe organ. The last two years Jack wrote two musicals, Hitmakers: The British Are Coming! and Origins of Classic Rock at JCC CenterStage. Jack loved all music, but was particularly fond of Jazz. He was a fixture at the Rochester International Jazz Festival introducing various artists with his knowledgeable and entertaining anecdotes. Jack was a vivacious supporter of all arts in the local community, to list a few, Geva Theatre, High Falls Women's Film Festival, Rochester International Fringe Festival, Rochester Music Hall of Fame, EstroFest comedy troupe, Garth Fagan Dance and Blackfriars.

Even given all of these achievements, if asked, Jack would tell you his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Predeceased by his parents, William and Harriett; brother, William Garner, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie; children, Matthew (Sonia) Garner, Erica (Benjamin) Tremble, Mary (Whitney) Christian; grandchildren, Malayna and Adelaide Garner, Nina and Layla Tremble, Gavin and Logan Christian; niece, Diane Gardner; nephew, Bill Garner.

Due to Covid-19 there will be a Private Family Mass. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Community at "mountainonline.org", the George Eastman Museum, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 or to any local arts organization. To share a memory of Jack or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.