|
Jack McKnight Pardee, 94, died at home in Albuquerque on October 10, 2007. He was born August 9, 1913 in Buffalo, NY, the first child of Robert McKnight Pardee and Emily Purvis Pardee. Jack married Alice Pike in Phoenix, AZ in June 1939. Alice died September 14, 1993. Jack graduated from Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO in 1936 with a degree in mining engineering. At Mines he lettered in football, track and wrestling. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reserves. He was called to active duty in January 1941. Stationed first at Ft. Belvoir, VA, Jack was shipped to Europe as the commanding officer, 1281 Engineers Combat Battalion in December 1944. His unit was redeployed to the Philippine Islands in August 1945. Lt. Col. Jack Pardee was detached from active duty in April 1946. Before and after the war, Jack worked for Miami Copper Co., Miami, AZ, as supervisor, mineral exploration drilling. From 1952-54 he was employed by Cerro de Pasco Corp. as project supervisor for exploration of the Cuajone copper ore-body in southern Peru, South America. Jack spent the last 20 years of his career as a mining engineer for the U.S. Forest Service, retiring in 1978 as regional mining engineer for the SW Region. Jack was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and hunting. A committed conservationist, he dedicated many hours to volunteer projects with the Sandia Ranger District, cross-country ski club and Albuquerque Wildlife Federation. Jack began running at age 47 and continued to run daily until his knee cartilage gave out at age 83. He began competing in cycling events in the late 1970s and set several national records in the 20K time trials at Moriarty. Jack competed in the N.M. Senior Olympics from 1979-2005 and won numerous medals in cycling, triathlon, running, discus, javelin, shot put and air pistol/rifle. From 1987-2001 he competed in the National Senior Olympics 8 times, again winning many medals. Jack is survived by his five children: Lenore, Jude, Mavourneen and husband, Carl Valvo, Robie, Gordy and wife, Debra; eight grandchildren: Melina Patterson, Delaney Hall, Corina Valvo and husband, Chester Cappucci, Genevra Valvo, Nick Valvo, Avery Pardee and husband, Ray Waid, Sean Pardee, and Monica Pardee; four great-grandchildren: Chris, Nick and Giuliana Cappucci and Julian Rojas Valvo. Jack also is survived by his brothers, William M. Pardee and wife, Jane, Robert P. Pardee and wife, Doris, and by his sister, Constance Braxton; as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Jack's life will be held at Daniels Family funeral chapel, 1100 Coal Ave. S.E. on November 10, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the National Cemetery, Santa Fe, at a later date. Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to Albuquerque Senior Olympics, 3351 Monroe NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 or Colorado School of Mines, Scholarship office, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401. Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
|
