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Jack Fugate Obituary

FUGATE Jack Fugate, O.D., born March 27, 1927, a life-long resident of Columbus, died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at the Convalarium at Indian Run, in Dublin. Preceded in death by parents Millard P. and Helen M. Fugate and daughter Susi Gray. Jack is survived by his wife, Carolee; former wife, Cassie Wolfe and their children, Debi of CA, Sandi (Tom) Little of VA and Steve Fugate of Pickerington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryan and Mallory Little of VA, Michelle and Mark Fugate of Pickerington, and Carlos Freeman of Bellefontaine; surviving cousins, Bill (Carolyn) Stoughton of Washington Court House, Shirley (Don) Carlton of Spokane, WA, Eleanor (Roger) Merrill of Columbus, David (Jean) Mayer of Palm Harbor, FL, and Rob (Maureen) Fugate of Galloway. Jack graduated from Bexley High School and served in the United States Navy during WW II. He attended The Ohio State University and worked in the College of Optometry as a parttime instructor for 41 years. He also practiced optometry for 52 years in Plain City and Columbus and served on boards and campaigned for VSP, Vision Center, Prevent Blindness and the Lion's Eye Research Foundation. He was a life member of The American Optometry Association and helped establish the Diplomate program for optometry. Jack was nominated for a Jefferson Award for donating professional services to the homeless. He enjoyed playing tennis throughout his life and was a supporter and fan of the Jazz Arts Group. Jack was a member of Liberty Presbyterian Church and participated in activities with the "Top of the Hill Gang" Sunday School Class there. He also enjoyed being part of the "Travelin' Group" in German Village for many years. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, at Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Rd., Delaware, OH, 43015, 740-548-6075. If they choose, friends may make memorial contributions to HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214, or OSU College of Optometry, attn. Gayle Glenville, 338 West 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, in Jack's memory. Arrangements by RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME at POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065, 614-792-1471. www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Apr. 6 to Apr. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Fugate

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Lion Larry Leguire

April 16, 2008

Jack, I had the pleasure to work with you and the Ohio LIONS Eye Research Foundation (OLERF) from 1982 to 1996 as one of the vision researchers funded by the OLERF. As a funded investigator, I know first-hand of the good that you, the research foundation and the Ohio LIONS have accomplished. The OLERF has a vibrant research fellowship program that you spearheaded and has helped train many young vision researchers over the years. Having filled your shoes as the Medical-Scientific Chair of the OLERF for the past 12 years, I know first-hand of the giant impression you left on the foundation and what a great stride you maintained to forward the objectives and goals of the foundation. I am still trying to fill your giant shoes. Although your body is no longer with us, rest assured that your good deeds continue to have an important impact on the foundation, on the research funded by the foundation and on Lionism throughout the state. Job well done!

Jeff Marxen

April 12, 2008

Jack was my Mom"s (Marilyn) cousin, so I guess he was some kind of an uncle to me. In any event, he was a real renaissance man in every good sense of the word. I felt a special kinship with him that I'm sure others felt as well. He had that effect on people.
He modeled life and living for me as was evidenced by his marriage to Carolee. If we had been of the same generation, I think we would have been the best of friends. I've missed our tennis matches for quite a few years. Now I'll miss our talks about health care and politics. I'm sure Jack's still talking. I'm just not going to be able to hear him for who knows how long, if I'm luck enough to go where I'm sure he is after passing out of this body.(which I hope disappoints him a little bit!)

Delores Wilson

April 11, 2008

Dear Family,

I worked for Dr. Fugate for thirteen years (1965-1978). I left his employ to pursue a different career, but we remained friends. All of my family and I returned to him for our eye care right up to the time he had to call it quits. I saw him twice after that. I was so happy and honored that he and Carolee attended our 50th wedding anniversary party even though he was having a very rough time. Then we met by coincidence in Bob Evans and the four of us had lunch together. I was so pleased to spend that time with him and catch up on his life and news of his family. I called and talked with him a couple of months ago. I was saddened by how very frail he sounded. But he told me that he was doing fine, other than the cancer, and he expected to be around another couple of years (typical Dr. Fugate). I didn't think that could be, but knowing his history I also thought it possible. My husband and I fully intend to be at the memorial service. But in case something unexpected keeps me away, I wanted the family to know that I still care, and pray that they will find peace in his passing.

Sherry Williams

April 10, 2008

Carolee and Family:
The Board of Directors and staff send our prayers to comfort you during this time. Dr. Fugate was a pillar of our indigent eye care program, giving his time and expertise to hundreds of our needy patients annually. There has not been an eye doctor that has come even close to his level of volunteerism to this program. We will miss this wonderful giving human being, but he has inspired and role modeled for many, leaving his legacy for all time to come.
Prevent Blindness Ohio

Caroline Ohnsman

April 10, 2008

Carolee,

I was so sorry to learn of Jack's death. You were a dear, caring wife and made him comfortable to the end. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Saturday.

Fondly,
Caroline Ohnsman

J.D. Hopkins

April 9, 2008

My sincere condolences to Carolee and to the rest of Jack's family. Jack and Carolee's friendship and hospitality always made my trips back to Columbus eminently pleasurable and interesting. Jack was truly a professional in all the best senses of the term; his vision care and concern for his patients was exemplary. He will be missed as a doctor, a humanitarian, and as a true friend.

Arnett Howard

April 8, 2008

Jack,
You and Carolee have been lifelong friends, from Plain City to German Village. I will cherish the pictures you took and the fun times we have had.
In New Orleans we have a tradition of seeing jazz people out properly, so it will be my honor to march you in with the saints, as the sweet chariot swings low to take you home to be with your family. Brighter days will await you.

John Musick, OD

April 7, 2008

Dr. Fugate was admired and respected by his fellow optometrists for many things including his help in pioneering the Low Vision Diplomate Program for the Amercian Academy of Optometry. Our deepest sympathy go to his family, friends and patients.

Shirley Boyd

April 7, 2008

I was saddened to read of the loss of Dr. Fugate. He was my optometrist until his retirement. My sympathy to his family.

Bob & Barb King

April 6, 2008

My husband & I were saddened to see the passing of Dr. Fugate. He was my optometrist from the age of 16 & continued until I moved to Florida 5 yrs. ago. Dr. Fugate became our family optometrist when I married and had children. He was so kind and professional. He always asked about our sons when they were grown & moved from Columbus. Our condolences to the family.

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