John F. Hogate
Jack Hogate lived life with a deep passion for his family and friends. In his 78 years on earth he touched many hearts, caught many fish, flew many miles, drank a few cold ones, while laughing and smiling his way through a lifetime of friendships and family.
His broad range of interests and hobbies were vast. Whether on the land, in the air and on the sea, Jack was an adventurer, a poet, a philosopher, an entertainer, an earth hugger, beer chugger and generally, giant of a man. Yet always humble and kind.
Nothing was more important to Jack than the love of his family. He and his wife Maryann were married for 54 wonderful years. Their son Jason and his wife Tracy gave Jack and Maryann two beautiful grandchildren, Alexa and Jesse. How he loved them. And how they loved him. And how we all loved Jack!
Born in Peoria, Illinois in 1945 and growing up in Chicago and Oak Lawn, Jack spent many of his early years traveling with his parents Earle and Boots Hogate to visit family and friends around the country. Jack was an early jet setter, as he climbed aboard the family airplane with Earle at the controls.
Years later, Jack would continue his passion for aviation by making the annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture. He loved the spectacular daily air shows and seeing all the beautiful vintage and classic airplanes. His favorites were the World War II fighters and bombers.
Friendships meant so much to Jack as evidenced by his long-time connection to several of his high school buddies. Every year, until they started to slow down a bit, they would gather for the “Cattle Bowl”. Football in the afternoon, party in the evening. Jack never missed a class reunion.
Jack’s passion for travel and adventure took a dramatic turn in 1967. As a member of the United States Army, First Air Cavalry, Jack served in Viet Nam for one tour before returning home. The greatest thing to happen after this was when he met Maryann! Jack spent most of his career as a machinist and retired in 2005 after successfully beating tongue cancer. He said, “life’s too short, it’s time to go fishing.”
Jack’s interest and hobbies grew over the years. He loved to go fishing in Canada and Arkansas. Along with his lifelong buddies, Maryann’s brother, Bob and Terry Fox. Fish were caught and beers were consumed. Not necessarily in that order. He also loved reading and watching classic movies.
He often imitated W.C Fields and was an avid John Wayne fan. His favorite author was Steven King and prided himself in owning every book he ever wrote.
Jack became an avid gardener and partner with Maryann in creating a beautiful garden and award-winning yard-scape. How he loved hanging at home and enjoying all the work they put into their green “kingdom”. He also grew and canned his favorite tomatoes.
Now if that wasn’t enough for a lifetime or two, another couple fun facts. According to experts, Jack had a special knack for falling out of boats. He also was very fond of hot sauces and never saw a sauce he didn’t try. Jerry Garcia rode shotgun in many of his cars. Speaking of guns, Jacks interest in guns took him to many Gun shows around the Midwest. He loved his time in the range sharpening his shot.
When he wasn’t busy pursuing any of these many activities and interests, he could occasionally be found at the Homestead Barr in Oak Lawn. It was Jack’s own Cheers and everybody knew his name.......Norm!
Jack had an engaging sense of humor that was his trademark. He saw humor in everything and brought endless laughter to his friends and family. He could appear as a curmudgeon to the unaware, but we all knew he was a loving man and had a heart of gold.
We should all be so lucky to leave such a legacy of love and laughter. We all loved Jack, and he loved us too!
Interment will be private.
There will be a gathering at the Homestead Barr in Oak Lawn to have a “toast or two” in Jack’s honor. The event will be held on Saturday August 3 at 5pm. The Homestead is located at 9306 Central Avenue in Oak Lawn.