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Jack WOO Obituary
WOO, Jack F.
Passed away peacefully on July 14, 2010 from cancer. Born 77 years ago in El Paso, TX. His family moved to Los Angeles, where he met Bernice, his wife of 46 years. They settled in Sacramento; raised two children, Kevin and Lanette. He is survived by relatives and their families in Sacramento; five siblings and their families in greater Los Angeles. Jack began his Teaching career at Thomas Kelly with the SJUSD in 196l. He was the Principal of Grand Oaks School for 16 years, retiring in 1989. He was an active volunteer at Sierra College, the Sac. History Museum, Archives, Science Center, ACS Discovery Shop, where he utilized his woodworking skills and made many friendships. A Celebration of Life Event will be held on Sat., Aug. 7 at 1 pm at Liberty Towers Church, 5132 Elkhorn Blvd, Sac. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Discovery Science Center, Attn: S. Douglas, 3615 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821
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Memories and Condolences
for Jack WOO
January 28, 2011
January 28, 2011
I found out about Mr. Woo's passing just today and it makes me sad. I have often thought of him over the 30 some years it's been since I attended Grand Oaks. (K-6th) It's funny I was sharing a story with my co-workers just today about Mr. Woo and the paddle he had hanging in his office and the jar of candy that he shared with us when other students weren't looking. He was such a kind and sweet man. He truly did care about the students at Grand Oaks. Mr. Woo, we love you and will miss you.
~Debbie Allen-Close
December 8, 2010
An amazing man, I will always remember him! My grandparents and parents were friends of his and my three sisters and I attended Grand Oaks Elementary. I remember visiting his office frequently and him sneaking me candy when other children weren't around! He always made me smile and was known for his hugs and caring heart. I am sorry for your loss but happy that you were blessed with him for so many years. May God be with you all and may you keep his memory close to your heart...
Rana Doremus
Citrus Heights, CA
Ruth Rezos
August 18, 2010
I met Jack at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop where we both volunteered. Jack was always cheerful, helpful, and friendly. His quiet strength, humor, and dedication were an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with Bernice and family.
Brenda Fitts
August 11, 2010
I had the honor of meeting this man and having him as my princible at Grand Oaks elementary. He was the greatest, and will be truely missed.... RIP Mr.Woo
Pete & Sue Lima
August 7, 2010
Jack is surely going to be missed by the Lima Family. Pete, Susan, Vivian, Christine, Peter III, Wendy, Ceaser, Chanel, and Michael. My wife Susan was the first to go to Grand Oaks school and Wendy the youngest of the family was the last. Susan had the priivilge of working with Jack (yard duty,parent). May he rest in peace
Denise McCurry, Nora Killion, Mr. Woo & Julie Rose
Julie Rose
August 7, 2010
Mr. Woo & Julie Rose @ Grand Oaks 50th Anniversarty
Julie Rose
August 7, 2010
Kim Chronister
August 6, 2010
I too, went to Grand Oaks from Kindergarten through 6th grade. Not only did I go there, but my father was a teacher there so my relationship with Mr. Woo was uniquely special. Every comment that I have read here truly reflects the amazing person that I remember as a child. I only wish I had a chance to talk to you again and let you know the impact you had on my life. I will miss you! Thank you for always giving of yourself to others. May God bring peace to the broken hearts of those who knew you.
I love you Mr. Woo!
Donna Maxler
August 2, 2010
I'm writing this on behalf of my father Frank Maxler - who worked with Jack at he Grand Oaks School. My Father is in declining health and not able to use the computer. But Jack was always there for him even when he was not well himself. Jack would come pick up my father and take him to breakfast on a regular basis. He was a selfless man always putting other people ahead of himself. He was just one of the kindest people I think I have ever known. I am honored to have known him. We send our condolences to Bernice and family. He was loved by many as we can all see from these wonderful entries. Thanks Jack for being you - you will be remembered and your kindness will be carried on.
The Maxler Family
Mary Taillefer
August 2, 2010
Jack Woo was one of the reasons my children turned out be be such wonderful adults. Both my daughter and son had the privilege of going through their elementary school years with Jack at Grand Oaks Elementary. They both always were coming home with some thought of Mr. Woo. He will always be remembered. God Bless you Mr. Woo. and our families condolences to your family.
Tami Taillefer
August 1, 2010
Mr. Woo, there are truly not enough words to express how brillant he was... He was Principal at Grand Oaks the 7 years I was there, and he is one of the main reasons I remember as much as I do about my childhood there. From the singing of Happy Bithday in the Cafeteria, to the paddle hanging on the wall in his office,the HUGE box of jawbreakers he had hidden in there... To having me sing Puff the Magic Dragon to get the jawbreakers.... To him walking along and softly singing a song encouraging the children walking by him to join in, LOL He is one of the best men I know to this day, you could ALWAYS go to him with any problem and he would help you figure out the solution. NOT give you an answer but help you figure it out.... May you rest in peace, and to your Blessed family who had your wonderful presence everday my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you....
August 1, 2010
We need more men who walk softly and carry a BIG stick. You will be missed!
July 29, 2010
My friendship with Jack began when he had just finished high school and came from LA to live with us in Sac to work with my brother in law. Many nights we stayed up to have long friendly discussions over our different theological views. Jack's sense of humorand sense of humor describes him well. So well that he became my best man at our wedding in 1959. We continuied to remain the best of friends. Jack built several book shelves for us and they are a constant reminder of our friendship with Jack and Bernice.
He will be missed but not forgotten.
Arthur and Betty Gee
July 29, 2010
My friendship with Jack began when he had just finished high shool and came up from L.A. to live with us in Sacto to work with my brother-in-law. Many nights we would stay up to have long friendly discussion over our different theological views. Jack's sense of humor and warm warm sincere heart describes him well. So well that he became my best man at our weddding in 1959. We continue to remain best of friends. Jack built several book shelves for us and they are a constant reminder of our friendship with Jack and Bernice.
He will be missed but not forgotten.
Arthur and Betty Gee
Angel Meredith
July 28, 2010
Because of the amount of time my mom spent in Mr.Woos office (because of my brother, not me ;)) he became part of our family. Fond memories will replace the sadness I feel after hearing of his passing and the fear I still have to this day of playing spider on the monkey bars will remain. RIP Mr.Woo.
Robert Weitzel
July 27, 2010
Mr WOO was quiet an insperation to both me and my brother both me and my brother spent lots of time in the office ,I have lots of memorys .He was one that always said you need to straighten up! He will be missed by many ! God bless
July 27, 2010
Jack,
Your tremendous presence will sure be missed during our 10am coffee breaks... and even though I sort of always hated washing that darn mug of yours out for you, I would gladly do so one more time if given the opportunity.
Your dedication to friends, family, and volunteerism is a true source of inspiration. Thanks for everything. You will be missed.
Rebecca Crowther- Center for Sacramento History
Judy Mathews
July 27, 2010
Jack was such a wonderful ambassador for education in San Juan. I met Jack years ago as a young teacher. He always had a smile/laugh for us whenever we crossed paths. Students, fellow teachers and administrators ALL loved Jack.
He took my roommate and I to his favorite Chinese restaurant, The Golden Dish for a delicious (it's not on the menu) lunch. What fun!
To Bernice and his family we send condolences. You will continue to hear nothing but wonderful stories about such a wonderful man, friend and educator.
Judy Mathews
Michele Nagle
July 27, 2010
Mr. Woo was principal the whole time I was at Grand Oaks. He was a great man and the best principal. I had a chance to talk with him earlier this year. He helped me get in touch with a couple of teachers I wanted to talk with. He remembered me and that made me feel good. My heart goes out to the family. He will be missed!
Jody Ngo
July 26, 2010
Mr. Woo was my principle at Grand Oaks School. He was an inspiration to me. I loved it when he sang Happy Birthday
in the cafeteria for every student on their birthday. I remember wishing it was my b-day every day so I could stand next to him all of the time. He always made school fun for the kids and made each one of us feel special. He was such a loving, caring, compassionate person and NO words can express how much he will be missed.
July 26, 2010
Wow - what a huge loss for the Sacramento area. Mr. Woo was my idle the whole time I was at Grand Oaks. What an absolutely amazing man and an inspiration to all that crossed his path. Rest in peace Mr. Woo....we all loved you!
Doug Yee
July 26, 2010
We me Jack 16 years ago at the Sacramento Discovery Museum. He was one of the so-called "Beach Boys" who built most of the displays for the museum. He was a wonderful craftman, but it was his sense of humor and warm that impressed me the most. I always looked forward to seeing him at Gold Rush Days or the Discovery Shop. Jack always had a joke or a nice word for me. He was so cheerful all the time. I wish I had met Jack when we were younger. He was just a nice guy. Jack, we'll miss you. Karun and Doug Yee
Debbie Maldonado
July 26, 2010
I went to Grand Oaks while Mr. Woo was the principal. I have fond memories of him. He was a great principal. I remember the paddles hanging in his office and getting in trouble for doing a death drop off of the bars and knocking the wind out of me. I saw him a few years ago at Kaiser and he remembered who I was when I told him my name and I hadn't gone to school there in over 20 years. What a great man! My heart goes out to his family! He will be greatly missed by many! What a profound impact he had on many, many lives! Rest in peace Mr. Woo!
Debbie White-Maldonado
julie cone
July 26, 2010
I'm sorry for your loss ... He will be missed ..He was a great principle when I was a kid .. and ran int him last year and was so nice to see him after 20 some years...
Dylan McDonald
July 26, 2010
If I learned one thing from Jack it was devotion to volunteerism. Since beginning at the Center for Sacramento History six years ago, I've watched Jack as he faithfully spent Tuesdays and Thursdays assisting the staff in creating museum displays, erecting shelving, building crates to protect museum artifacts, scheduling quarterly staff/volunteer potlucks, recruiting new volunteers, soliciting donations, etc, etc. Jack worked tirelessly for his many causes. His energy and goodwill are not easily replaced - he was one-of-a-kind. Thank you Jack, for everything.
Roger W. Griess
July 26, 2010
I met JACK when he was a volunteer at Sierra College Woodworking classes. He was always there to give a helping hand and helping ideas. He will be missed by many.
Jeanne Auslam
July 25, 2010
Jack and his family were our neighbors for many years and wonderful people. Jacks tireless energy to help and make a difference was an inspiration to all that knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all the lives he touched in the community.
Mike & Jeanne Auslam family
Megan Moore-Clancy
July 25, 2010
Mr Woo! I have thought about you often over the years! I have told my own children (who now go to Grand Oaks) about the paddle you had hanging on the wall in your office! You are a great guy and will be greatly missed by all who knew you! My prayers and thoughts go out to your family. May you rest in peace.
July 25, 2010
Mr. Woo was my daughter's elementary school Principal at Grand Oaks. He was involved with every student, calling them each by name. Mr. Woo was always happy, often walking the campus singing, and gently teasing students to do their best. He was very proud of the school and students. He will be remembered and missed.
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