Jack Douglas Soldate

Jack Douglas SOLDATE Born February 24th, 1940, died October 7th, 2006 of natural causes. Jack was internationally well known and loved for his 40+ years of humanitarian service to the third world- mostly in Africa. He earned his Bachelors Degree from University California Santa Barbara, attended Hastings Law School and read his Masters Degree in West African History at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Overseas service and travel began in 1962 when Jack joined the Peace Corps contingent to serve in "up country" Liberia. This sparked a long professional career in all aspects of Third World international service. As the youngest Field Director ever hired by C.A.R.E., he rose to Country and Regional Assistance Director. He often negotiated C.A.R.E.'s country agreements regarding school feeding, pre- and post-natal mother-child clinics, self-help and food for work projects. His later career branched into refugee relocation and resettlement. Extended overseas assignments included Sierra Leone, Turkey, Bangladesh, India and Niger with shorter stints in Angola, Bosnia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Mali, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Mauritania, Chad, Mali, Upper Volta, South Africa, and Thailand. Service stateside at both the South West Regional Development Office and as the Director of Development for the Northwest United States familiarized him with the fund raising aspects of providing humanitarian relief. He originated the C.A.R.E. breakfast series inviting important Seattle decision makers to factual updates on the relevant Third World issues. His service as Executive Director of the American Refugee Committee worked in close cooperation with UNHCR and UNDP administering assistance to refugee camps in Thailand. His most recent engagement was in Washington DC with USAID Food for Peace. On a more personal note, he is lovingly remembered for his joie de vivre, warming smile and laugh, vast knowledge of classical music and the arts, fine cuisine and the extraordinary ability of making each one us feel treasured and loved. His life was full of adventures that he made happen; Each of us were generously invited along for the ride. He is survived by a brother, Joe Soldate, childhood sweetheart, former-wife and friend, Marilyn Soldate, and daughter, Swarn Soldate. Services will be held at Bleitz Funeral Home in Seattle on Wednesday, November 1st at 230 p.m. Photos may be viewed at www.mem.com, search name Soldate. Remembrances in his name may be sent to C.A.R.E. or the San Francisco Opera.