Jack Laws passed peacefully Into the Lord’s arms April 25th, 2016, at Canyon Lakes Restorative and Rehabilitation Center.
Jack was born on June 28th, 1922, in Nampa, Idaho to Clarence and Mabel Laws. Before his third birthday the family moved to California for a short time and then to Prosser in 1928.
Dad was raised in Prosser, graduating with the Prosser High School class of 1942. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball during High School.
After graduation he joined the Navy and saw action in the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans. He served aboard the Heavy Cruiser USS Augusta, Flagship to the Atlantic Fleet. He was proud to have been able to see FDR and the King of England aboard the Augusta. On D-Day “Augie” was anchored only 2 miles offshore.
After his discharge he would return to Prosser to marry his high school sweetheart Shirley Dondanville. They were united on October 29th, 1944, in Yakima Washington. Dad sold life insurance for 40 years before retiring.
Mom and dad had many wonderful vacations together traveling to Hawaii, China, Europe, and North Africa. They very much enjoyed the many trips to the Oregon coast and their house on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Jack was an accomplished golfer, fisherman, and ship builder. He assembled 22 wooden model ships in a five-year period from age 87 to 92. His patience and steady hands were amazing.
Dad greatly enjoyed meeting with his fellow coffee drinkers over the years at Cafe Villa to talk about life and everything in it.
He had a love and zest for life. Family was always part of the wonderful times we spent together. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Richard, and sister, Doris. He is survived by his two children Mike (Anne) Laws of Prosser, and Jackie (Mark) Smaha of Poulsbo, four grandchildren; Michelle (Robinson) Fillmore of Richland, Ryan (Olivia) Laws of Kennewick, Holly (Todd) Thrasher of Snoqualmie, and Ryan (Andrea) Smaha of Sacramento California. He also enjoyed eleven great-grandchildren; Braeden and Gabrielle Fillmore, Ryleigh, Keaton, Darienne, Haddley and Sloane Laws, Peyton and Ellie Thrasher and Faith and Steve Lobato.
The family is very thankful to all the staff of Canyon Lake's for the loving care they gave dad as well as Tri-City hospice for their assistance in making dad comfortable.
A graveside service will be held Saturday May 7th at Prosser Cemetery at 1 p.m. with full military honors. Pastor Paul Fredericks will officiate. The family wishes to also thank Prosser Funeral Home and staff for their courteous and professional services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Jack's memory or a charity of your choice.