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BFF262
Race Director (Forum Admin)
85 Posts |
 Posted - 11/29/2008 : 7:20:00 PM
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Jack completed the marathon of life on Friday, November 28, 2008 at 8:40pm. He crossed the finish line with style. Success in life results from a balance in all areas of life: physical, spiritual, emotional, social, family, and career. Jack’s life exemplifies this balance.
Please keep Sherri and the family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Memorial service arrangements for our coach, Jack Rector.
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 1 P.M.
Celebration Center Chapel
Church of the Servant
14343 North MacArthur
OKC, OK
(405) 721-4141
To leave a Tribute to Jack, please reply to this topic.
View the Memorial Tribute to Jack
....we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.... (The Servant Song, words & music by Richard Gillard)
…they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 |
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EarlyMorningPoster
Ultra-Marathoner
93 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2008 : 08:05:05 AM
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We have truly lost a great treasure, the wonderful man that Jack Rector was. A faithful runner and GREAT contributor to the running community, as he loved runners and serving in that capacity. Rest in peace, Jack.
Perhaps his leading of the annual winter/spring, and sometimes fall marathon training, with his folksy, encouraging weekly emails stands out the most strongly for me. I especially remember during one of the early 2003 training runs how he was very supportive and encouraging to me on the west side of Lake Hefner, close to where the dam begins, and that began a very successful training and marathon for me.
Sherri, so sorry for your personal loss, but I think you were strong during his end times. I look forward to seeing you running again. Stay strong, lady.
Even though we lost Jack, and he is irreplaceable, it is wonderful how many of you have risen up in the running community. Not only as excellent runners, but as mentors, encouragers, leaders, editors, webmasters, support people, and all other ways. So in sorrow, as my standard signature is, my desire for all of you is still to...
Run Well! |
Edited by - EarlyMorningPoster on 11/30/2008 08:07:48 AM |
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Slogger
Ultra-Marathoner
99 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2008 : 8:59:40 PM
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Jack led by example and was a huge rock of certitude whenever there were doubts of capability. My first meeting with Jack was when he was running with Benny at Lake Hefner and he took the time to encourage me. I thought at the time what a special and beautiful person he was. Sherri, he lives on through every person with whom he came into contact. What a magnificently lived life! He will be missed! My prayers and thoughts are with Jack's family and we should organize a race in his honor.
David Manguno |
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OU Runningirl
Newbie
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2008 : 11:04:32 AM
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Dear Sherri,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack passing away! I am praying for you and your family today.
I mourn for a wonderful runner friend and a hero of the Oklahoma Community.
Jack was the very first running person that I met in OKC. In 1996, this wonderful smiling, handsome, and sweet man was at the Redbud Classic.
It was that pretty day after the Redbud race that Jack told me that I was a fantastic runner! He had so much enthusiasm and excitement and he said that I should join the OKC running club. (Landrunners.) He was to Father of Running to me!
We all know that for many years he volunteered, contributed, coached for the running club. He was famous for his great running! He organized the very first marathon training group of OKC. I am so very proud to say that I was a part of. If it were not for the training group and Jack's encouraging words, I could Not have completed my first marathon in 2005! We all carry a saddened heart today.
Sherri, keep your heart warm with all of the wonderful things that Jack did a solid gold! (you and Jack are) I have always loved you both! God be with you. Please let me know if there is anything that you need.
Steve, Dana, Ryan, and Rachel Sternlof
Gotta run,
Running Girl |
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runnerbanks
10K Runner
21 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2008 : 7:41:18 PM
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Jack was truly and inspiration and a great friend to all of us. I've logged many miles with Jack and he probably thought I talked too much while running, I'm not sure. I feel he is with us all in spirit to keep us safe as we continue to run. Miss you Jack.
Donna |
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ralphie
10K Runner
13 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2008 : 8:21:50 PM
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This is a sad day in the running community and he will be missed. The times I chatted with him he was all smiles and full of energy. I will always think of him as a friend and hope to see him again someday. I would like to attend his funeral but I don't have the personal time to take off from work but would like his family to know how much I care. And my thoughts and prayers go out to them. If theirs anything I can do, let me know. God bless. Ralph
Ralph Breckenridge |
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SH26miles
Marathoner
41 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2008 : 11:09:27 PM
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A few years ago I placed at my first race because there were only 2 people in the my age group. That little medal inspired me to race all summer long. But I was just haplessly running to get medals; then Lauri D. told me something like "you gotta meet Jack...join his marathon training group...sure you can run more than 3 miles." So that is exactly what I did. Training with Jack and Sherri for my 1st and subsequent marathons was an awesome experience. When I could get there on time, I loved Jack’s encouraging words before our training runs. I loved to hear him talk about running in his early years -- how he used little packets of syrup before there was GU. I loved reading his commentaries about our training runs in the newsletters. My impression was that he took a personal interest in every runner, and he had a way of talking to you like he had known you for years. My head was really swollen with pride when Jack told me once "your form looked good at last weeks race." Running isn't just running anymore, it’s an amazing experience. Jack helped me to make it an experience. I know it sounds kind of cryptic, but runners know what I mean. I thank God for allowing me at my age to have started running when I did, and to have met this wonderful person, Jack Rector. My prayers are with Sherri, and I know our awesome God comforts her.
Sharon |
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Paul Lekawski
Newbie
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2008 : 1:18:15 PM
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When I began my running, my early goal was to beat that old guy in a race. I just felt that if I could get to the finish line before Jack, it would accomplish a goal and I could move forward. Took several years to do that and Jack was happy for me. We always had a good laugh about it.
However he got me back pretty good when he cornered me one day and asked that I take over the Running Club's newsletter. I was reluctant due to time constraints, but Jack reassured me that it would take less than 8 hours a month. So I thought I could spare that little amount of time.
Then Jack went wild by gathering advertisers, talking with race officials across the state and gathering stories and information on races and runners. The eight hours a month quickly went away and the newsletter became a second job. But it was well worth it, just to see Jack promote running and the club. Jack really was the newsletter. He brought in so many new members to swell the rolls of the Running Club and he and Sherri's work with the marathon training will never be forgotten.
Here's to you Jack, may you rest in peace and keep 'em running up there! We know you already have them starting out on 6 mile fun runs.
Paul |
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Barefootfool
Running Maniac
101 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2008 : 11:10:08 PM
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My heart is heavy with sadness. I have lost a friend and running companion. The running community has lost a great ambassador. Thanks to Jack (and Sherri) thousands of runners have accomplished their running goals…from 5Ks to Marathons. No matter the distance or pace we were all runners according to Jack.
I met Jack in 2003 while training with The Landrunners for the Memorial Marathon. Jack’s encouraging words, sound advice, positive attitude and enthusiasm help me complete my first marathon. Through his giving spirit he taught me to “run with style”, “wave and greet other runners”, and “cheer on other runners by name.” One of my favorite shirts is his red "GO JACK GO" t-shirt. “We must encourage each other!” he would tell us.
One of my fondest memories of Jack was our 2005 trip to Kansas for the Wichita Marathon. Jack, Sherri, Troy, Donna, and I rode together. Saturday night ten Landrunners (including Chase Cone) went out for our “pasta dinner.” The next day we gave our all in the race. However, Jack was the star of the day. He set a new Kansas state record for the 80-99 age group and received a check for $50. He finished the marathon in 5:09:26. We teased him that we could no longer run with him since he was now a “paid professional.” I tried to convince him to frame the check, but he would have none of that. That $50 could help buy a new pair of shoes. We had a great weekend!
He has completed the ultimate race - the Marathon of Life. When Jack crossed the finish line, he finished with “Style.” Success in life results from a balance in all areas of life: spiritual, family, physical, emotional, social, and career. Jack’s life exemplifies this balance.
Life did not pass him by... He Explored it, Experienced it, and Lived it!
Sir Winston Church Hill said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Everyone who met Jack experienced his life of giving, especially when it came to running. Jack was always willing to give to others - physically (water to the thirsty), mentally (words of encouragement), or spiritually (reminding us to enjoy the beauty of God's creation).
Sherri, may you feel God’s arms of Love and Comfort. Joyce and I are praying for you and your family.
Jack, I will miss you... "Go Jack Go!"
Prayerfully,
Lil' Bill |
Edited by - Barefootfool on 12/04/2008 6:27:30 PM |
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kevinlynes
Marathoner
30 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2008 : 06:41:02 AM
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I went to my first Landrunner meeting three years ago. It was the Monday after the Wichita marathon where Jack set the age group record for the state of Kansas. I did not know a single person there and Jack was the first person I met. He told me about the marathon training group that was to resume in January. I had not run farther that six miles at that point and did not think I could do the distance but joined the group anyway. Through Jack's encouragement and "baby steps" approach I was able to endure the weekly increase in miles and was able to run two half marathons that year. At the finish of the first half Jack was there to congratulate me and tell me how strong I finished. It was then that I knew I could run a full marathon which I did about six months later. When I arrived back home I had an e-mail from Jack congratulating me on my finish time. He had tracked me on line. I was so impressed that this great runner would think enough of my first marathon that he would track me.
God bless you Sherri as you have been a great influence and great friend to me and I will continue to pray for you always. Jack and Sherri are two of the people who has made us the runners we are today. We love you.
Kevin Lynes |
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jdoseland
Newbie
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2008 : 10:18:37 AM
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| Happy Running Jack, we'll miss you. |
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laurie
Newbie
3 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2008 : 2:22:27 PM
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Hi Sherri,
Dan and I are so sad to learn of Jack's passing, he will be greatly missed by the running community. You're in our thoughts. |
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davidball1
Running Maniac
116 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2008 : 11:06:33 PM
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I feel so blessed to have met and considered having a friend in Jack. Selfishly, I feel cheated to have only met him just shy of two years ago and having only that short amount of time to experience Jack's enthusiasm, giving heart, and everything else which can all be wrapped into the word "love". But, I know God and Jack would not want my most prevelant feeling to be that of feeling cheated. I choose to feel like one of the most BLESSED people in the world. I know that everyone reading this, who knew Jack, feels the same.
I first met Jack in the late winter of 2007 at the first "20 miler" for the 2007 OCMM. Jack welcomed me as a newcomer to the training group and promply encouraged me to become a "Landrunner". I did within the next three training runs. I witnessed and now completely understand the dedication and enthusiasm Jack had for our running community. I respect Jack for dedication and promise he made to the Landrunners. I appreciate Jack for the encouragement and welcoming hands he gave. I admire Jack for all that he accomplished as a father, husband, professional, and runner. And I love (not loved) Jack for him being "Jack". All who knew him know what that means (and it means SO MANY different things to so many different people).
As I with that I had known Jack here on earth for many more years, I feel so blessed to have known him here on earth for just the time that I did. Jack enriched my life so much in such a short period of time and because of that I want try to "Be Like Jack". I want to encourage, I want to give, I want to smile, I want to give thanks. It is such a tremendous image in my head of Jack, in heaven, watching and encouraging us from above and running right along with us, just as smoothly and swiftly as he ever did on earth and not having any pain and enjoying it every step of the way.
Jack will be running with me at this year's White Rock marathon and I know that he will help me qualify for Boston as I will dedicate this marathon to him.
We miss you Jack, but feel you in our hearts.
David |
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Jack completes the marathon of life...
